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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Becky Whittall

Operations Manager

Becky joined Sight Concern in July 2017, she has a background in nursing and also many years spent working for charities managing services supporting people with learning disabilities and mental health issues and also in advocacy.

Becky said: “As Operations Manager my role is to ensure that our services are designed and delivered efficiently, and that we have the infrastructure that allows us to reach the greatest number of people who need our support. I also assist our Chief Executive Officer to ensure that we work coherently, and to secure the resources we need to sustain and develop our services and the organisation”.

Outside of the work arena Becky enjoys travel and spending time with her family and her cat Monty. Becky has also sung with a choir on the pitch at Wembley Stadium and recorded a CD at Abbey Road Studios in London.

Fiona Blake

Fundraising Manager

Fiona joined Sight Concern in 2011 after working in Regional Fundraising and Business Development for WaterAid. Fiona leads our small but perfectly formed Fundraising Team to deliver the fundraising strategy for Sight Concern’s services. She enjoys leading new initiatives to develop income and supporting her talented colleagues Penny and Richard. She says, “I love seeing the difference the money raised makes and watching people blossom with the right support.”

Fiona has two daughters who make her world sing and dance. She has started running in recent years and is training for the 2019 London Marathon. Otherwise, she can be found on her bicycle or in her beloved camper van.

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.

Richard Timney

Bid Writer

Richard has a way with words and leads on our written applications to Grants and Foundations. He has had great results with the Big Lottery Fund, including successful awards from Reaching Communities, Building Connections and Awards for All, as well a range of local and national Trust funders.

Outside of work Richard enjoys walking his dogs, playing tennis and crib.

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 a 7 year old who keeps her busy so she says that she does not have much spare time!

Cat Mackenzie

Volunteer Coordinator

Cat joined Sight Concern in April 2018. She spent the first five years of her career in scientific research and, having rarely been without a voluntary role (or three) in her free time, is enjoying drawing on her experience from both in her work with us.

Cat has overall responsibility for our volunteers and volunteering activities. She ensures that our volunteers are well-supported throughout their time with us, from finding them a role that they will enjoy and training them in Sight Loss Awareness to supporting them if ever they have any concerns. Cat says: “One of the highlights of my job is working with people with sight loss who would benefit from a volunteer’s support – it is my job to find someone who is a good match for them!”

Cat has dabbled in both horseback archery and jousting and says: “I would do that every weekend if I could!” Her dream job in an alternate world would be a stunt horse rider and trainer.

David Dunbar

Services 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, along with 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 is also employed as our Database Administrator and looks after a lot of our social media.

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 manages the LocalEyes Team of Sight Loss Support Advisor. She is a very experienced member of staff and has worked at Sight Concern since 2009 in various roles.

Covering the whole county, it is Katy’s role to support the team providing information, advice and support to clients as well as to be involved in shaping and developing the service.

For Katy, being able to support clients to be as independent as they wish to be is hugely rewarding and she is looking forward to being able to continue to do this in the future.

Mafalda Borges

Information and Advice Administrator

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 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 call or email me. You may be surprised to know what help and support might be available for you out there.”

Heather works Monday to Wednesday and can be contacted on 01905 723245 or 07505 842560 or by email to h.smith@sightconcern.co.uk.

Please contact Heather if you live in Evesham, Pershore or the surrounding area and would like to know more about LocalEyes support.

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”.

Helen works Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and can be contacted on either 01905 723245 or 07804 027597 or by email to h.beardes@sightconcern.co.uk.

Please contact Helen if you live in the Bromsgrove area and would like to know more about LocalEyes Support.

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.

Jenny works Monday to Wednesday and can be contacted on either 01905 723245 or 07722 630217 or by email to j.douglas@sightconcern.co.uk.

Please contact Jenny if you live in the Malvern area and would like to know more about the LocalEyes Support.

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!”

Michelle works Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and can be contacted on either 01905 723245 or 07505766850 or via email to m.coyle@sightconcern.co.uk.

Please contact Michelle if you live in the Redditch area and would like to know more about LocalEyes Support.

Sandra O’Donnell

Sight Loss Support Advisor, Wyre Forest

Sandra joined Sight Concern Worcestershire as the Wyre Forest Sight Loss Support Advisor in December 2016. Sandra has previous experience in the voluntary sector working with people with acquired brain injury/brain tumour within support groups and supporting clients one to one. This included clients with sight loss, giving her invaluable experience.

Sandra says “As part of the LocalEyes Team, I support clients at a range of activities in the Wyre Forest area. I can advise and support clients on a one to one basis with a range of emotional and practical issues such as what equipment they may benefit from, finding new ways of doing things, and which other support groups and services are in the area. I can give information on specific eye conditions and signpost people. I also support clients at our traditional branch meeting in Kidderminster, which takes place once a month”.

“Whether you’re struggling yourself or you know someone who is, please call or email me.”

Sandra works every Monday, Tuesday Wednesday and can be contacted on 07954 730716 / 01905 723245 or via email to s.odonnell@sightconcern.co.uk.

Please contact Sandra if you live in the Wyre Forest area and would like to know more about LocalEyes Support.