Hello once again to all friends of EYECAN.
We have lots of exciting news for you in this edition of our Newsletter.
CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARDS
It’s celebrations all round at EYECAN.
The Charity was delighted to be nominated for a Customer Services Award and thrilled to win the Charities section. Many thanks to the lovely members who nominated us, but also to all staff and volunteers for making EYECAN so well-loved and such a good service.
EISTEDDFOD
Members also did well in the Art and Craft section at this year’s Eisteddfod, achieving many gold, silver, and bronze awards. Special mention must go to Michael McLachlan whose talents have developed over the years and whose paintings are beautifully composed and often highly detailed.
EYECAN SOLUTIONS
EYECAN Solutions continues to be successful, with EYECAN staff and external contributors demonstrating the breadth of sight loss support available to Islanders. This year’s event also saw the first visit to the Centre of our new Patron, His Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor, Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd, and his wife Dr Kyd. It was a pleasure to show them around and to chat about the Charity’s many achievements and objectives.
VIDEO MAGNIFIER PROJECT
Our Video Magnifier Project has launched with magnifiers on long-term loan at four local care venues and at the Jersey Library. Many more will be distributed across the Island’s care homes in a phased delivery over many months. The scheme supports independent reading, precision activity and helps with reminiscence by reconnecting users to family photographs and memories.
PARKRUN
Amongst sight loss awareness training sessions delivered recently by Chris and Agnetta was one for guide runners, enabling them to support clients at weekly Parkrun events, and beyond. We have 3 clients who run regularly and who thoroughly enjoy the sport. If you would like to take up this activity, let us know so that we can help connect you to a guide runner.
CELEBRATING THE CORONATION
Social and Activity Club members lunched at The Royal, St Martin to celebrate Easter and enjoyed a patriotic lunch at Westlea Centre to mark the King’s Coronation, an occasion filled with bunting, Prosecco, and the infamous Coronation quiche.
ART ACTIVITIES
EYECAN’s artists have been busy learning print making with tuition from Luddite Press and have also decorated a tortoise sculpture for the latest Durrell Tortoise Takeover Trail.
The next 2 items are notices about other services which might be of interest to you:
OTHER SERVICES
Firstly, the Fire Service has offered to provide home fire safety checks, upon request. Islanders with sight loss can also be logged into the Fire Service system to ensure extra support is received in case of fire. Please let us know if you want the Fire Service to contact you.
Secondly, the Government has produced a large print leaflet about the Long-Term Care scheme, which was recently reviewed. We have a number of these at EYECAN and will post one to you upon request.
LOOKING AHEAD
There are several things to look forward to in the weeks and months ahead:
We are excited to announce that EYECAN’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Mark Coxshall, will be joining the staff team at the end of July. Mark will introduce himself to you all in the next Newsletter.
The Young Tortoise trail commenced on 16th June. Look out for Iris, EYECAN’s glamorous entrant upstairs in the Womens department of Voisin’s Department Store. Iris will be there throughout the Summer.
Also, members’ artwork will be on display in Voisin’s shop window at the end of July. Their paintings are stunning, so do take a look.
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE EYECAN TEAM
Finally, a new section in our newsletter introduces our staff members, giving you a glimpse of what they get up to when not working at EYECAN.
First up is Catherine Swemmer, our new Head of Finance and Operations, who, when not balancing the books for EYECAN can be found balancing on stilts or a hoop trapeze. Catherine loves performing in shows and recently learnt circus skills for her role in the well-received local production of Barnum.
With every best wish,
Ed Daubeney
President of EYECAN
