Our recent SVI Open Meeting was a wonderful reminder of the strength, warmth and determination of our community. Alongside the usual raffle, refreshments and friendly conversation, the meeting was an important opportunity to bring members, volunteers and local councillors together to discuss the future of Sandwell Visually Impaired.
55 members and 3 guide dogs attended the meeting after local councillors accepted an invitation to meet the SVI community and hear first-hand about the difference the charity makes to people’s lives. We are extremely grateful to everyone who took the time to join us.
A special thank you goes to Councillor Jackie Taylor (Greets Green and Lyng), Councillor Maria Crompton (Tividale), Councillor Suzanne Hartwell (Oldbury), Councillor Elaine Giles (Newton and Valley), Councillor Michaela Allcock (Great Barr, Tame Bridge and Yew Tree), Councillor Stephen Fellows (Hateley Heath), Councillor Liane Winsper (Bristnall) and Councillor Tirath Singh Dhatt (West Bromwich Central). We know that all of our councillors balance their public duties alongside their own careers, and we sincerely appreciate them giving up their valuable personal time to attend, listen and support our members.
The meeting was chaired by Tony Averis with input from development worker Sandra Troth, who reminded everyone that the councillors present were allies, there to listen, understand and work alongside our community.
Our 16 SVI Rockers gave a fantastic performance under the direction of Rodrigo Orquera from Misfits Music Institute. We are delighted that Misfits Music Institute has secured funding to continue leading SVI Rocks throughout the autumn and winter. Behind the scenes, Accessibility Liaison Sarah-Ann Cromwell coordinates between Misfits and SVI.
For those who are unfamiliar with the current situation, SVI is facing an uncertain future because:
- Council funding is reducing over the next three years.
- The future of SVI’s seconded staff and fully accessible offices remains unclear.
- Without these essential resources, the charity’s ability to continue supporting blind and visually impaired people across Sandwell is at serious risk.
If you would like to learn more or support SVI’s campaign, you can read the Chair’s letter and download templates to write to your local councillor, either by adding your signature or by sharing your own experiences, on our Save SVI page.
Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, performed and showed their support. The evening demonstrated exactly what makes SVI so special: a community that comes together, supports one another and believes that blind and visually impaired people across Sandwell deserve to continue having a place they can call their own.
Article by Sarah-Ann
