Our volunteer Trustees are supported by SVI’s paid staff team who work hard in and out of the office to meet SVI members’ needs.
Sandra Troth, SVI Development Worker
Sandra works with the Trustees, staff and members to develop services, apply for grants and make sure that SVI has the correct systems and policies in place to move forward.
She is employed to work part-time with SVI for 18.5 hours a week. She is usually in the office, or out at meetings or visits, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Sandra volunteers a lot of her own time in addition to her paid hours. She is a longstanding member of SVI.
Sandra says: “I love my work with SVI and am wholly committed to user led services – that’s what makes SVI different.”
Sandra is seconded from Sandwell Council to work with SVI.
Kelley Owen, SVI Enablement and Engagement Worker
Kelley is employed part-time through a grant from Awards for All and SVI core funding. She works 24 hours a week over 4 days. She offers help and support at most of SVI’s activities and events. She encourages members to get the most from SVI activities.
Kelley says: “I thoroughly enjoy my role as an enablement worker, I’m very passionate about it and do every job within my role with all I have.”
Kelley’s post is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
Susan Latham, Business Support Officer
Susan is generally the first point of contact when you call SVI. She works 18.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday mornings.
She keeps the office running smoothly and gets letters and information out to members and friends.
Susan says: “Working for SVI has opened my mind. Every day is different and I learn something new every week. I love meeting all our members at our events and enjoy getting involved when I can.”
Sandra is seconded from Sandwell Council to support SVI.
Nigel Self, Enablement Worker
From August 2024 Nigel has been employed part-time as our second Enablement Worker. This is a short-term role for the summer and autumn period. He will be developing and running activities and events bringing people together and improving wellbeing. This post is funded by the Inclusive Communities Fund, a £9 million initiative inspired by the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Nigel works part-time, 20 hours per week.
Sue Bloomer, Advocacy and Information Co-ordinator
Sue Bloomer (Sue B) is our Advocacy and Information Co-ordinator for our new Support, Empowerment and Experience (SEE) Project. She works for SVI for 30 hours per week.
Sue has joined us from Dudley Council for Voluntary Service where she has worked in their social prescribing team for the past 10 years. She enjoys meeting people and supporting them to have a healthier, happier life.
Sue says: “I’m really looking forward to working at SVI, meeting our members and learning from everyone about the challenges that vision loss in a sighted world can bring.”
Sue’s post is funded through Sandwell Council’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Programme, part of Healthy Sandwell.
Donna Simms, Project Administrative Support Officer
Donna Simms is our Project Administrative Officer for the Support, Empowerment and Experience (SEE) Project. Donna will be working 6 hours per week to support this project. More information to come soon.
Donna’s post is funded through Sandwell Council’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Programme, part of Healthy Sandwell.
