RNIB Cymru: Making A Difference to people with sight problems across Wales

19 January 2006

RNIB is holding a national awards ceremony for volunteers, members of staff or teams who deserve to be recognised for their dedication, commitment and achievement or have made a major difference as part of their service or community.

Over 100 nominations for staff and volunteers were received from across the UK.  Once judging was completed we discovered that many of the finalists came from RNIB Cymru!

Ruth Marks, Director of RNIB Cymru, said “I am delighted so many of the finalists are based here in Wales.  I am really proud that RNIB Cymru’s hard work is being recognised and appreciate the commitment of my colleagues to people with sight loss in Wales.”

The Welsh finalists are:

The ‘Can do' category: Nick Elias volunteers to staff reception twice a week in our Cardiff office.

This award acknowledges the staff member, volunteer or team, who successfully delivers their service with an exceptionally positive, flexible and friendly approach.

The 'Community networking' category: Community Services Team, who work in Communities First areas across Wales helping to overcome the barriers that face people who are blind and partially sighted. 

This award recognises outstanding achievement in making RNIB's work more successful by building partnerships across communities.

The 'Embracing diversity' category: Transcription Team, for their commitment to producing high quality Welsh language accessible materials. 

This award is for staff who proactively seeks to understand and meet the diverse needs of customers, volunteers or staff.

The 'Pioneering Spirit' category: Jennifer Gray, for her work in supporting professionals who work with children with low vision. 

This award is for a staff member, volunteer or team with a true pioneering spirit that builds, develops and fosters new and innovative ideas.

The overall winner from each group of finalists will be announced at the awards ceremony which is being held on 26 January 2006 at the fabulous BAFTA Building at 195 Piccadilly, London W1.

Denise Leigh, soprano and Kevin Geeson, Group Director of Resources will host the evening.

Well done and good luck to everyone!