Jenny Gage

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Jenny joined Sight Concern in 2006 as CEO. She has a degree in Psychology and has worked for various charities, Housing Associations and Worcestershire County Council, supporting people with different needs including children and adults with learning disabilities, providing domiciliary care and running a young homeless project.

As the organisation’s most senior member of staff, she is responsible for the overall administration and financial management of the charity, development and implementation of the long-term strategy, compliance with legal requirements, raising awareness and promoting issues that affect people with sight loss in Worcestershire and for directing its operations in accordance with the policy decisions of the Board of Trustees.

She is currently also a trustee of Worcester Snoezelen and a Director of New Outlook Housing Association. She has a real passion for helping people to achieve their goals and ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

When she’s not in work she’s usually outdoors, hiking up mountains, paddling her kayak or playing hockey. She’s known for accepting almost any challenge, the more adventurous the better.

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Penny Weir

Fundraising Officer

Penny joined Sight Concern in 2014. She has been involved with the voluntary sector for over 20 years having worked for ChildLine, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

At Sight Concern most of her time is spent organising events and community fundraising.  She says, “I’m constantly in awe of the amazing people who take part in our events and the brilliant ideas and energy our supporters bring to the table. I aim to provide all the support and encouragement they need to achieve their targets and aspirations”.

Her free time is spent with family, friends and walking Bradley, her border terrier. She is also a member of Worcester Vigornia Rotary Club.

Safina Hussain

Low Vision Services Administrator

Safina has worked at Sight Concern since 2013 and has had a variety of roles but currently works as the administrator for the Low Vision Service. Previously she worked for another charity.

Safina says: “I look after the Low Vision Service which is offered by Sight Concern. Low Vision clinics are held to help people experiencing changes in their vision. A specialised sight test is carried out by a Low Vision Specialist and advice is then provided on suitable magnifiers.

I am the first point of contact for referrals into the service, getting appointments booked and then following up once the assessments have been carried out. My work is mostly behind the scenes looking after the administration involved in running the service and making sure the clients get the best possible service. Hence why I am often referred to as the voice behind the telephone…”

In her spare time ….well actually Safina has two children which keeps her busy so she says that she does not have much spare time!

Jackie Murrall

Volunteer Coordinator

Jackie joined Sight Concern as Volunteer Coordinator in November 2019 and has worked in the voluntary sector for many years recruiting and supporting volunteers. She says “Volunteering can make a real difference to your own life and the lives of those around you – here at Sight Concern we offer training and carefully match volunteers with our clients to ensure everyone has a positive experience.

In her spare time Jackie sings with Rock Choir and has performed with them at Birmingham Symphony Hall and in 2019 they sang with Susan Boyle and Michael Ball at the Britain’s Got Talent final! Jackie also enjoys participating in Dog Agility for fun with her rescue terrier, Poppy.

Jackie works Monday to Thursday and can be contacted on 07507 830546 or by email to j.murrall@sightconcern.co.uk. if you would like to know more about the volunteering opportunities with Sight Concern.

David Dunbar

Administrator

Dave joined Sight Concern in 2016 bringing over 20 years’ experience of I.T and customer service experience, mainly in the education sector.

Dave’s role is to help the Volunteer Coordinator with general administrative tasks, as well as provide support and encouragement to all volunteers. He processes volunteer applications, enquires about references, carries out DBS checks, performs volunteer reviews, alongside many other tasks.

Dave has a personal interest in computers and previously worked for Age UK helping older people to learn how to confidently use computers. 

He once sang ‘Oh What a Beautiful Morning’, on his own in a stage production whilst at the University of Worcester. He also sang a few other songs during the show…and has never been on stage since!

He is an avid freelance photographer outside of his role at Sight Concern.

Katy Wakefield

Advice and Support Manager

Katy is the P.A to CEO/Office Manager

She is a very experienced member of staff and has worked at Sight Concern since 2009 in various roles.

Mafalda Borges

Information and Advice Administrator / Sight Loss Advisor

Mafalda lives in Worcester and joined Sight Concern Worcestershire as the Advice and Support Administrator in July 2016 and works full time at The Bradbury Centre.

She works in the LocalEyes Team and provides administrative support to the whole team, and also deals with new and existing clients giving out information and support, signposting and registering them as clients.

Mafalda is also a Sight Loss Advisor who primarily covers the Worcestershire Area

Mafalda has previous experience in the public sector, having worked for the Worcestershire County Council and has extensive experience in administration and customer service and dealing with vulnerable people.

Heather Smith

Sight Loss Support Advisor, Evesham and Surrounding Area

Heather joined Sight Concern Worcestershire in September 2016 as the Sight Loss Support Advisor for Evesham, Pershore and surrounding villages of the Wychavon District. Heather has previous experience in education and training and has worked with a variety of different groups.

Heather has a wealth of experience specifically relating to sight loss and can provide practical advice on equipment that may be helpful or signpost you to other services and groups that may be suitable for you. Heather said: “Whether you’re struggling yourself or you know someone who is, please contact Sight Concern. You may be surprised to know what help and support might be available for you out there.”

Helen Beardes

Sight Loss Support Advisor, Bromsgrove

Helen has been working as a Sight Loss Support Advisor for Sight Concern Worcestershire since August 2012 and has a background in teaching psychology and counselling.

Helen says, “I have been helping and supporting people in one way or another all my life. I am there to help with any queries and put people in touch with other organisations who offer specialist services in different areas of their lives”.

Jenny Douglas

Sight Loss Support Advisor, Malvern and Surrounding Area

Jenny lives in the Malvern area and has been working at Sight Concern Worcestershire since November 2015 as the Malvern Sight Loss Support Advisor. Jenny has a background in social work in both the statutory and voluntary sectors and has invaluable experience gained by supporting those affected by sight loss in the local Malvern area.

Jenny says, “We reach out to people in the Malvern area who might be struggling with their sight. I can advise on all sorts of practical and emotional issues such as what equipment might be beneficial and which other support groups are around. I also give information on specific eye conditions and can generally be a signposting and support service. Whether you’re struggling yourself or you know someone who is, please do come along and talk to me”.

Jenny also attends the traditional Malvern Branch meeting which takes place once per month

Michelle Coyle

Sight Loss Support Advisor, Redditch

Michelle has been working as a Sight Loss Support Advisor for Sight Concern in Redditch and the surrounding area since November 2015. She previously facilitated support groups for a behavioural change project in Birmingham and has worked with referred clients to improve their medical conditions via prescribed activity, so she has a wealth of experience in supporting and advising people.

Michelle says ‘I thoroughly enjoy helping people and seeing the difference our one to one support can make. I can further help people by signposting to other relevant organisations and support groups. If I can’t personally answer a query you might have, chances are I’ll know who can!”