Tyne and Wear Sight Loss Council: Meet the members

Jack Moffat

Jack is the Engagement Manager for North East England. He looks after Sight Loss Councils (SLC) in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.

Jack has Retinitis Pigmentosa and is registered severely sight impaired. This instilled his passion to help and support others with sight loss.

Jack previously worked as a carer with dementia patients where he flourished. However, as his sight deteriorated, he knew a change of vocation was required and moved into the voluntary sector – becoming a trustee at Vision Northumberland.

Jack loves being surrounded by the nature of Northumberland and is a great lover of sport. He has played cricket for Durham VI Cricket team for several years.

Formerly a Northumberland SLC member, Jack said: “I am thrilled to look after Sight Loss Councils in the North East. I want to help boost our volunteer’s confidence and realise their potential – much like I was able to during my time as a volunteer. I offer a warm and caring approach, synonymous with the North East, and would encourage anyone who is blind or partially sighted and wants to effect change in their community, to get in touch.”

Hazel Dixon

Hazel lives in Newcastle and has nystagmus and ocular albinism (as did her Mum and grandfather!). They are currently coming to the end of a PhD in design for Sex and Relationships Education and are looking to progress into other research following these studies.

Hazel’s interests are around how we can create accessible and useful information and technologies, and how we can provide more equitable access to health care.

In her free time, Hazel enjoys playing escape rooms, roleplaying games and designing puzzles.

Hazel Hyland

Hi, I’m Hazel Hyland, a member of the Tyne and Wear Sight Loss Council. I joined the team so I can continue working to improve things for visually impaired people.’

I have many years of volunteering history behind me. This includes various roles with RNIB, THE VIP LOUNGE, Newcastle Vision Support, and the children’s ministry at Jesmond Parish Church. I have campaigned on a variety of issues from the Accessible information Standards for the NHS, to taking MPs on blindfold walks to highlight issues faced on a daily basis.

I’m not all work and no play. My hobbies include reading, listening to music, watching documentaries, socialising with friends, and spending time with my family.

Steven Holiday

Steve has Retinitis Pigmentosa and is registered severely sight impaired. He believes that having a visual impairment should never stop you participating in any activities – except driving perhaps, but the technology gurus are working on that one for him!

Steve loves travel, adventure, and is an avid hill walker and mountaineer. As such, he is an enthusiastic advocate for accessible travel, including planes, trains and automobiles.

Steve wants to ensure that blind and partially sighted people can access and enjoy the outdoors. He has a passion for camping, the great outdoors, and is an active scout leader.

Steve currently works as a Data Analyst in the public sector but has had many different roles in his career. He started life as a chef in the Royal Navy, which he says instilled determination to achieve his goals.

Steve lives in an old pit village in the countryside with his wife and youngest son. His two older children have now flown the nest. He also has a Cocker Spaniel called Isla.

Steve said: “I was motivated to join Tyne and Wear Sight Loss Council so I can actively work with councils and organisations in the community. I want to help improve services for blind and partially sighted people.

“By sharing my own experience of sight loss, I hope to influence change.”

Karin

Coming soon!

Carly Tune

Coming soon!

Lando Van-Hilton

Coming soon!

Darren Cook

Coming soon!