As the Engagement Manager for Gloucestershire and West of England Sight Loss Councils, Yahya works to amplify the voices of blind and partially sighted people, ensuring they have a say in shaping services and policies that impact their lives. Having lost his sight fully in 2021, Yahya understands firsthand the challenges and barriers blind people face. This personal journey fuels his passion for advocacy, accessibility, and creating inclusive communities.
My name is Gavin and I’m 34 years old, almost 35. I’ve been married for about 5 and a half years and I have a job as a part-time admin assistant at EDF energy which I’ve been in since 2016. This began as an internship in 2015. Fitness is a major part of my life and keeping my body healthy and strong. I’m also an active member of a Church where I receive a lot of support and encouragement when needed.
One of the reasons I want to be part of the Sight Loss Council is because I would like to see a few changes, such as earlier bus travel which would be very helpful in the day-to-day travel I do. Be it work or any other place I have to go to before the time stated by the council for my bus pass to take effect.
My name is Ines and I live with my hubby in sunny Cheltenham, though originally I am from Germany. I work as a team administrator for Forwards Gloucestershire, an organisation within the Gloucestershire County Council responsible for helping people with barriers to work to get into paid employment – a subject I am particularly passionate about. This is probably one of the various reasons I wanted to be a member of the Sight Loss Council.
I also enjoy staying active and fit, such as going to a gym, walking and running as well as home workouts. I have done various fundraisers through either running, walking or indoor cycling. I am part of a church community, as my Christian faith is vital to me; this is where I get support and encouragement but I also get to support and encourage others.
I wanted to join the Sight Loss Council to campaign for equality in transport, as well as in fitness and leisure, such as gyms, public swimming pools etc., and simply because I love helping and speaking up for others.
My name is Ann, I was born in Wales, with severe sight impairment. My family moved to Leicester where I went to school for the partially sighted, leaving with no formal qualifications Married with one daughter I got a degree at University of Southampton. Most of my working life has involved work at Social Services, a Disability Charity and later roles within Advice Agencies including Debt Adviser and Welfare Rights Supervisor. I also managed a team of volunteers. After volunteering at Gloucestershire Insight, I later joined the Trustees and became their Chair. For over 20 years I was a Councillor on the Village Council. Since retiring I enjoy making the most out of life with my Husband, getting out and about and travelling and since the arrival of 2 granddaughters, enjoying being a grandmother.
My name is Julie and I was born in Gloucester. I was diagnosed with Stills disease at the age of seven. My sight slowly deteriorated until I became totally blind in my early twenties.
I have worked for a firm of solicitors, two banks and more recently as a medical audio typist for the NHS. I am a qualified Reiki practitioner and am an active member of a local tai chi club. I love ballroom, Latin and sequence dancing and am a member of a knit and natter group.
I am extremely excited to be working with the Sight Loss Council which will give me the opportunity to make a real difference. I am passionate about ensuring other blind and partially sighted people live a fulfilled and inclusive life.
My name is Mary and I was diagnosed with bilateral Uveitis and Glaucoma in my early thirties and registered as visually impaired about a decade later. At this point I retired from teaching because it became increasingly difficult to manage in a classroom situation. After studying a postgraduate course about sight loss and employment at Bristol University I went on to become a manager in the voluntary and social care sector.
I also became a Trustee for the local visual impairment charity Insight Gloucestershire. The difference this local charity makes to people’s lives inspired me to join them as a Communications Officer.
I am looking forward to working with the Sight Loss Council to help make the necessary changes needed to improve access for blind and partially sighted people in Gloucestershire.
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
