212TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF NORFOLK’S SIGHT LOSS CHARITY HEARS OF CHALLENGING YEAR
The 212th annual meeting of one of Norfolk’s oldest charities has heard how the past 12 months has been one of the most challenging in recent times – but that the year has ended with the charity in a strong position to face the future.
The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind held its meeting on World Sight Day to draw attention to the continuing need to support people with sight loss across the county, and it was attended by over 100 Trustees, staff, volunteers and service users.
Launching the organisation’s annual report, co-chair of Trustees Rev Canon Simon Stokes, who is himself blind, told the meeting that the year had been one of big change for the charity, with a particular focus being investment in the charity’s Thomas Tawell House care home to ensure it is fit for the future.
“We have learned a great deal in the past year, and as we move ahead, we feel able to look to the future with hope and confidence, excited at the challenge of continuously improving our services to meet the needs of our visually-impaired clients,” said Rev Stokes.
“We are forever mindful that we are the guardians of over 213 years of history and reputation; our energy and time is dedicated to ensuring that this is protected and that the NNAB has a clear and definite place in Norfolk in the future.
“We are acutely aware that our very existence over the last 213 years, along with the ‘rollercoaster’ year of 2107/18, would not have been possible without the faithful, patient and persistent involvement of our supporters and volunteers. Their commitment to the organisation through their volunteer hours, befriending, raising funds, guiding, supporting and enabling our clients to achieve their goals is incredible.”
Chief executive Gina Dormer, who has led the organisation throughout the year after arriving in August 2017, acknowledged the challenges the charity faced during the past 12 months, but said that it ended the year in a much better place.
“What we offer now is better, safer, more caring, more effective, responsive and better-managed than 12 months ago,” she told the meeting.
“As well as the considerable investment in Thomas Tawell House, we have invested in new premises in King’s Lynn, in our volunteer resources, in new partnerships with the NHS, arts organisations such as the Theatre Royal, Norwich City Football Club, and in opening the door more widely to other sight loss organisations such as Guide Dogs for the Blind and the RNIB.”
The NNAB’s annual meeting was chaired by the High Sheriff of Norfolk, Charles Watt, who also gave a thought-provoking speech calling for greater co-operation between the NHS, social services and care providers.
The meeting was also attended by the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Cllr Martin Schmierer; the Mayor of King’s Lynn, Cllr Nick Daubney; the Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Cllr Mary Coleman; the Sheriff of Norwich, Ros Brown; and the Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, Sandy Sankar.
Copies of the charity’s Annual Report can be downloaded at www.nnab.org.uk, or are available by phoning the NNAB on 01603 629558.