Hello once again to all friends of EYECAN.
We hope you are keeping well, and that life is treating you kindly.
Staff changes to EYECAN
Those of you who visit the Centre regularly may have noticed some new faces amongst the staff team. EYECAN is pleased to welcome Catherine Swemmer as the Charity’s Finance Manager, and Lucyna Cunningham and Emmeline Hunter as Sight Support Assistants. Jane Vincent, formerly EYECAN’s Operations Director, has recently left the employment of the Charity. Over the last eight years Jane played a leading role in the development of EYECAN and her contribution to the organisation is greatly appreciated. We wish her every success for the future.
For the interim, until the post is filled permanently, I will be acting Chief Executive Officer at EYECAN. My name is Becki Henderson, and I’m delighted to be heading such a capable and committed staff team. EYECAN is constantly developing the service it offers to Islanders with sight loss, with you, our members, at the heart of everything we do.
A further new role, but this time in the Eye Department, is that of the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer, or ECLO. This role has been filled by the lovely, Susi Antonio, who will be supporting and signposting patients after diagnosis. Susi has already made a huge difference to the experience of many patients with sight loss, and EYECAN’s new staff will ensure that we have capacity to support the increasing numbers of people being referred to us.
Improving your experience of Island life
Our Community Team has now met with the Government Marketing Manager to discuss how to make campaign material accessible, the Communications Manager for Health and Social Services (we anticipate appointment letters becoming more accessible by the end of the first quarter of 2023), and the Communications Manager for Customer and Local Services. In future, we expect all Government notices to be accessible to Islanders with impaired sight. But do let us know if you receive any document which continues to present accessibility challenges.
EYECAN’s work on the issue of Electric Vehicles is still on-going. The Community Team has met with Government representatives to discuss measures concerning safety for pedestrians who would struggle to see and hear such vehicles approaching. Awareness campaigns are planned for the near future.
EYECAN is delighted that two feisty members have volunteered to speak on behalf of older people with sight loss at the Older Persons Living Forum. The Forum is a Jersey Government initiative to ensure that the views older Islanders are included in Government decision-making. Members of the Forum will be able to express their opinions on matters which affect them and the Island as a whole, directly to Ministers and Policy makers. Hopefully, this will ensure that their views are considered throughout the process of designing Government Policy.
CARERS
EYECAN, through the Carers Partnership, is also striving to raise the profile of Jersey’s many carers and to ensure that the Government respects their contribution to the Island. Several of our carers recently enjoyed a relaxing, fun-filled Re-charger Day at the Royal Yacht Hotel. If you are a carer you might be interested in the regular Wednesday morning meetups at Infusion Café between 9 – 10.30am, and the monthly Dare to Care brunches at Holme Grown for you and your loved one. Please see Carers Jersey’s website for the latest information.
EYECAN Clubs
Our Social and Activity Clubs are currently very busy. Our lovely client, Zoe, recently led a paint-pouring activity, whilst the ever-popular wreath making is excitedly awaited. This year a talent show is amongst the Social Club’s new ventures. Brave members are currently rehearsing for EYECAN’s Got Talent which will be performed at the Social Club’s Christmas party at Westlea. A monologue and a solo are to feature amongst the acts.
The following photo is in memory of our much-missed member, Simone, who sadly died recently. It also introduces Basil, the therapy dog and his owner, Sarah, who are both regular visitors to our Social Clubs.
EYECAN Christmas raffle
EYECAN’s Christmas raffle tickets are selling fast but we do have a few tickets available, costing £2.50 each. Please contact EYECAN (Tel: 864689 / info@eyecan.je) to purchase your tickets. The Raffle, which is kindly sponsored by G4S Secure Solutions, will be drawn on 22nd December at 10am. The first prize is £1,000, the second prize £200, and the third prize £50. Good luck to all ticket holders!
It only remains for me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
With best wishes.
Becki Henderson
Interim Chief Executive Officer at EYECAN
