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What People Say About Beacon

The drivers are amazing, they help me in and out of the minibus and into the centre. Without the services I would be stuck at home seven days a week, which would make me feel anxious and very depressed.

Edwin

Beacon Centre transport service user

I am very happy and grateful for what the Beacon Centre has done for me in my life, and I am sure there are many other people who have received tremendous help from their wonderful staff.
As a recently registered severely sight impaired young adult, I felt quite hopeless and scared of starting my adult life. I didn't know how to gain more independence, find a job and where to even look for help. Thankfully I was contacted by the staff at the Beacon Centre. With the help of their amazing team I applied and got a position that truly suits my needs and interests! Additionally, I'm becoming more independent through the Braille and IT training that the Centre provides. I am incredibly thankful for all the support I've received, and I hope more people in need will come to the Beacon Centre as it is an amazing organisation that truly cares about helping visually impaired people.

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1875

Wolverhampton Society for the blind is launched. The purpose of the organisation is to give local people with sight loss the opportunity to learn to read and write using braille. This is the organisation that eventually goes on to become Beacon.

1882

We acquire a house on Alexandra Street, to provide a place where our members can live and work.

1899

We become one of the first charities in the UK to open a shop! The retail unit on Victoria Street in Wolverhampton sells baskets, chair seating and mats made by the men and women in the workshop on Alexandra Street.

1926

The organisation is renamed ‘The Wolverhampton, Dudley and Districts Institutions for the Blind’, to reflect our increasing reach in the region.

1961

We purchase land in Sedgley to build our first centre.

1963

Our Sedgley centre opens its doors. It includes a concert hall, handicraft centre, braille library, offices and a large single-storey building especially for workshops.

1968

The institute creates a new fund to allow a residential home to be built in the area. At the time, the nearest specialist homes for the blind are in Birmingham and Stoke-on-Trent.

1973

Beacon House opens, providing residential accommodation for those living with sight loss in the Sedgley area.

1976

A further 15 bungalows are built, funded by the industralist Sir Charles Hayward.

1991

We become Beacon Centre for the Blind, as well as increasing the range of services on offer.

2003

The workshop facilities close, and plans begin to redevelop the site.

2009

The new Beacon Centre that we all know and love opens up to the public.

2018

Beacon’s digital manufacturing hub, Fab Lab, opens in July following funding from 5/344 Transport and General Workers Union Benevolent Fund Charity.

2020

Our charity suffers its most challenging year in our history, being significantly impacted by the Covid Pandemic. Beacon Centre closes temporarily in restrictions for the first time ever, but continues to support our members.

2021

Launched our new Beacon People Values, co-created by our teams.

2022

Beacon marks the 20th anniversary of our Forget Me Not Tree appeal where we remember loved ones who are no longer with us.

2025

Beacon will celebrate our 150th anniversary.

Since 1875

We’ve been here to make sure no one has to face sight loss alone. Whether you're just starting your journey or have been navigating it for a while, we can help you to live well with sight loss. We've been supporting people with conditions like Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Tunnel Vision, and Glaucoma for generations. Our vision? A world where everyone values and protects their sight, and where visual impairment is just a part of your story, not the whole story.

How Can We Help You?
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Beacon supports everyone affected by sight loss patients, carers, and family members alike.

2015

167,000

People in the West Midlands were living with sight loss

2032

236,000

People in the West Midlands will be living with sight loss

Bus Buddy

Location: Around the region

Hours per Week: Flexible around when our members are travelling

To provide support and assistance to our members while using transport to and from the centre and to accompany on day trips and occasional outings.

Download the job description

Download the application form

Volunteer Minibus Drivers

Volunteer minibus drivers will be required to drive around the local community picking up and dropping off members, also assisting members on and off the minibus.  Some driving experience is preferred and you would need to have a category D1 on your driving licence.

An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required for this role.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Shop Volunteers

Sedgley (currently on hold), Bilston, Bloxwich, Wednesfield, Penkridge, Pattingham

Volunteering in one of our shops is an opportunity to learn and develop in retail, work as part of a great team and support Beacon at the same time. Tasks will involve arranging window displays, shelves and rails, serving customers on the till,  maintaining the tidiness of the shop and steaming and pricing clothing.  Volunteers will also receive certificated training.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Book Club Volunteer

Volunteer(s) needed to help support a  Book Club. We meet once a month, on a Thursday at Beacon Centre Sedgley. You will need to have an interest in reading and be comfortable communicating with people and supporting with providing refreshments. It is a very relaxed and enthusiastic group with a great passion for reading.

An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required for this role.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Tandem Pilot Volunteer

Volunteers will support our visually impaired and blind cyclists who take part in our Tandem cycling group, supporting cyclists as pilots as well as guiding them to the Cafe afterwards.  Tandem cycling takes place from Halfpenny Green Airport car park usually on Monday, depending on members and the weather.

An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required for this role.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Swimming Volunteers

Volunteers needed to help support our members from the minibus to the Centre, assist them round the changing rooms and to the lockers and guide them to poolside. You have the option whether you want to go into the pool or not. There is always a qualified swimming instructor in the pool. You are not expected to teach anyone to swim. You not expected to help anyone get changed. All members are independent but need support getting round a new environment. We currently swim twice a month on a Monday and a Wednesday.

An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required for this role.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Walking Volunteers

Volunteers are required to help support visually impaired people to walk round a secure outdoor environment. Some of our members need guides which will be the volunteers main role. We walk once a month on a Friday (usually the fourth Friday of the month) around West Park for an hour at a slow steady pace, stopping at a café for refreshments after the walk.

Must be happy to engage/chat with the members on the walk.

West Park, 11am – 12 – Connaught Road gate entrance.

An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required for this role.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Bowling Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to assist and support our visually impaired and blind bowlers.  We visit Castlegate, Dudley on a Friday once a month. Volunteers will support bowlers by guiding them to the lanes, help with positioning etc.

An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required for this role.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Collection Box Volunteer

This opportunity is available within our Income Generation team. The role requires a full driving licence and can be flexible with days/hours. You will be required to collect the contents of Beacon branded collection boxes from shops, newsagents, pubs and restaurants, around the Wolverhampton, Dudley and Stourbridge areas.

A basic DBS check and two references will be required.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Befrienders

We are looking for Befrienders to provide telephone and/or face to face support to lonely and isolated people living within the local area.  This will involve making weekly phone calls or home visits to offer a listening ear and social contact, keeping a log of phone calls and brief details of conversations. Befriending volunteers must be able to make calls from their own devices that incur no cost to them (unlimited minutes, free landline calls etc).   No experience is needed, however a polite, friendly and empathetic manner is essential.

It’s preferable that Befrienders, wherever possible, are able to commit to a period of befriending of at least 6 months, though this is not essential. Good communication and listening skills and a friendly, approachable manner are essential, as are reliability and a commitment to confidentiality. Once telephone befriending is established, volunteers can go on to ‘in person’ befriending if required and if agreed by both parties.

An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required for this role.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Volunteering

Bus Buddy

Location: Around the region

Hours per Week: Flexible around when our members are travelling

To provide support and assistance to our members while using transport to and from the centre and to accompany on day trips and occasional outings.

Download the job description

Download the application form

Volunteer Minibus Drivers

Volunteer minibus drivers will be required to drive around the local community picking up and dropping off members, also assisting members on and off the minibus.  Some driving experience is preferred and you would need to have a category D1 on your driving licence.

An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required for this role.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Shop Volunteers

Sedgley (currently on hold), Bilston, Bloxwich, Wednesfield, Penkridge, Pattingham

Volunteering in one of our shops is an opportunity to learn and develop in retail, work as part of a great team and support Beacon at the same time. Tasks will involve arranging window displays, shelves and rails, serving customers on the till,  maintaining the tidiness of the shop and steaming and pricing clothing.  Volunteers will also receive certificated training.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Book Club Volunteer

Volunteer(s) needed to help support a  Book Club. We meet once a month, on a Thursday at Beacon Centre Sedgley. You will need to have an interest in reading and be comfortable communicating with people and supporting with providing refreshments. It is a very relaxed and enthusiastic group with a great passion for reading.

An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required for this role.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Tandem Pilot Volunteer

Volunteers will support our visually impaired and blind cyclists who take part in our Tandem cycling group, supporting cyclists as pilots as well as guiding them to the Cafe afterwards.  Tandem cycling takes place from Halfpenny Green Airport car park usually on Monday, depending on members and the weather.

An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required for this role.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Swimming Volunteers

Volunteers needed to help support our members from the minibus to the Centre, assist them round the changing rooms and to the lockers and guide them to poolside. You have the option whether you want to go into the pool or not. There is always a qualified swimming instructor in the pool. You are not expected to teach anyone to swim. You not expected to help anyone get changed. All members are independent but need support getting round a new environment. We currently swim twice a month on a Monday and a Wednesday.

An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required for this role.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Walking Volunteers

Volunteers are required to help support visually impaired people to walk round a secure outdoor environment. Some of our members need guides which will be the volunteers main role. We walk once a month on a Friday (usually the fourth Friday of the month) around West Park for an hour at a slow steady pace, stopping at a café for refreshments after the walk.

Must be happy to engage/chat with the members on the walk.

West Park, 11am – 12 – Connaught Road gate entrance.

An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required for this role.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Bowling Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to assist and support our visually impaired and blind bowlers.  We visit Castlegate, Dudley on a Friday once a month. Volunteers will support bowlers by guiding them to the lanes, help with positioning etc.

An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required for this role.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Collection Box Volunteer

This opportunity is available within our Income Generation team. The role requires a full driving licence and can be flexible with days/hours. You will be required to collect the contents of Beacon branded collection boxes from shops, newsagents, pubs and restaurants, around the Wolverhampton, Dudley and Stourbridge areas.

A basic DBS check and two references will be required.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Befrienders

We are looking for Befrienders to provide telephone and/or face to face support to lonely and isolated people living within the local area.  This will involve making weekly phone calls or home visits to offer a listening ear and social contact, keeping a log of phone calls and brief details of conversations. Befriending volunteers must be able to make calls from their own devices that incur no cost to them (unlimited minutes, free landline calls etc).   No experience is needed, however a polite, friendly and empathetic manner is essential.

It’s preferable that Befrienders, wherever possible, are able to commit to a period of befriending of at least 6 months, though this is not essential. Good communication and listening skills and a friendly, approachable manner are essential, as are reliability and a commitment to confidentiality. Once telephone befriending is established, volunteers can go on to ‘in person’ befriending if required and if agreed by both parties.

An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required for this role.

To apply for this role please contact people@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880111 and ask for a member of the People Team.

Profile image for Kathy Roper

Kathy Roper

Chair of Trustees

Kathy, who has a severe visual impairment, joined Beacon as a volunteer in January 2019 and became a Trustee in August of the same year. With a background as a Social Care Commissioner at Wolverhampton City Council, Kathy brings a wealth of skills and experience to support Beacon’s mission. Passionate about showcasing what can be achieved despite sight loss, Kathy enjoys playing musical instruments and crocheting in her spare time.

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Philip Turner

Trustee

Philip, a qualified Chartered Accountant, has extensive experience in the financial sector. Before joining Beacon as a Trustee in February 2020, he served as a Trustee for a youth club and a finance governor for a local primary school. Philip has worked extensively in the charitable sector which drives his commitment to giving back to the community, and he values the opportunity to contribute to Beacon’s impactful work.

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Ian Bowers

Trustee

Formerly a dispensing optician and contact lens specialist, Ian brings a rich background in visual impairment to his role at Beacon. His extensive work with global charities related to sight loss enhances his contributions to the Board. Ian finds working with Beacon to be a valuable learning experience and is impressed by the team’s dedication, particularly through challenging times like the Coronavirus pandemic.

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Jeanette Suwe

Trustee

Jeanette retired from adult social care management and joined Beacon to fulfil her commitment to voluntary work. With both personal and professional insights into the effects of sight loss, Jeanette is eager to contribute to Beacon’s initiatives. She has long been impressed by Beacon’s broad range of services and enjoys supporting the charity’s mission.

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Karen Scott

Trustee

A retired nurse and former Occupational Health Advisor, Karen brings over 40 years of healthcare experience to Beacon. Following her own challenges with chronic eye disease, Karen has embraced hobbies like audiobooks and gardening. Eager to give back, she is enthusiastic about using her extensive skills to support Beacon’s work and contribute to its mission.

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Richard Ennis

Trustee

Richard, a Partner at Rees Page Solicitors specialising in litigation and employment law, has been supporting Beacon since 2004. His long-term commitment includes supporting campaigns and fundraising efforts. Richard values his role in overseeing Beacon’s work and says he is honoured to contribute to a charity with such dedicated staff and volunteers.

Beth Wynn-Williams

Trustee

Beth’s career spans education, regeneration, and skills development, with a recent focus on careers and enterprise in schools. Diagnosed with a genetic eye condition, Beth brings a personal understanding of sight loss to her role at Beacon, where she has been a Trustee since 2021. Beth is driven by her experiences and the importance of Beacon’s support, feeling privileged to contribute to its mission and impact in the community.

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Sharon Phillips

Trustee

With 20 years of experience in education and training, specialising in digital and accessible learning, Sharon now works in healthcare learning and development. She has also served as a parish councillor. Sharon has long been aware of Beacon’s impact and is excited to deepen her involvement with the charity, contributing to its important work and supporting its mission.

Clive Small

Clive, a Chartered Accountant since 1978, has extensive experience in accounting, central and local government, and industry, including serving as Head of Finance for Wolverhampton City Council. Joining Beacon as a Trustee in 2023, Clive has admired the charity since his student days at the University of Wolverhampton.

He is eager to contribute his expertise and long-held respect for Beacon to support its vital work.

Profile image for Lisa Cowley

Lisa Cowley

Chief Executive Officer

lcowley@beaconvision.org

Lisa leads Beacon’s services, driving innovation and forging partnerships to enhance the charity’s impact on those living with sight loss. With a focus on strategic development, Lisa ensures Beacon makes a visible difference to people’s lives.

Passionate about making a positive impact, Lisa has spent her entire career in the charity sector. She is also a Non-Executive Director at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, furthering her commitment to community health and wellbeing.

“Working at Beacon is a privilege, surrounded by a team dedicated to improving lives and changing perceptions. Together, we are building a future where sight loss doesn’t limit opportunities.”

Profile image for Jan Burns MBE

Jan Burns MBE

Health & Wellbeing Director

Jburns@beaconvision.org

Jan, a Qualified Social Worker, brings over 44 years of experience in health and social care. She has worked at a variety of levels both locally, regionally and nationally. starting as a meals-on-wheels driver, she advanced to managing and inspecting care services and led Skills for Care in developing occupational standards across the sector. Jan set up her own not for profit company a consultancy supporting and empowering a variety of services to  deliver high quality services that meet regulatory requirements.  Jan serves as CEO of the National Dignity Council and was awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to Dignity.

Joining Beacon as a trustee in 2015, she became Health and Wellbeing Director in 2019, overseeing the Living, Lifestyle, Engagement, Employment, and Business Support Team.

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Becky Green

Assistant Health & Wellbeing Director and Registered Care Manager

bgreen@beaconvision.org

Becky Green has dedicated her entire career to the charity sector, with a focus on delivering care, support, and wellbeing services to individuals with sight loss. Her experience spans from hands-on care to leading multi-year projects, ensuring Beacon consistently achieves positive outcomes and empowers people to live well with sight loss.

Becky is also a Steering Group member for Healthwatch Dudley, where she is committed to addressing health inequalities and improving access to care for vulnerable populations.

Her passion for making a difference drives her work at Beacon and beyond.

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Helen Brown

Head of External Income and Impact

hbrown@beaconvision.org

Helen began her career in journalism working as a Chief Reporter and News Editor for Britain’s biggest regional newspaper. She has since brought her storytelling skills to the charity sector, using her expertise to share Beacon’s story with stakeholders.

As Head of External Income and Impact, Helen oversees grants, legacies, trusts, and contracts, while also helping Beacon measure its impact and monitor the difference it makes. She leads marketing, communications, fundraising, and manages relationships with corporate partners, ensuring Beacon continues to grow and support those living with sight loss.

Helen uses her lived experience of disability to help ensure Beacon can serve as an advocate for those in need of support as well as bringing authentic insights to our strategic approach.

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Debbie Fox

Head of People

With over 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector and HR, Debbie brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management and being a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, she is dedicated to enhancing the experience of Beacon’s employees and volunteers.

As one of the largest local employers, Beacon relies on Debbie to support its substantial team, including nearly 90 staff members and 200 volunteers. She ensures that all team members receive comprehensive HR services, creating a positive and well-supported work environment.

Debbie also oversees Beacon’s extensive training programmes, managing hundreds of online and in-person courses each year. Additionally, she leads Beacon’s recruitment efforts and serves as the company secretary, ensuring smooth operations and regulatory compliance. Her passion for the sector and commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture significantly contribute to Beacon’s success and its mission.

Profile image for Alexandria Smith-Edwards

Alexandria Smith-Edwards

Head of Finance

With over 20 years of experience in the finance sector, Alexandria brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Head of Finance at Beacon Centre. Her professional journey began in the manufacturing and sales industries, where she honed her skills in financial management and strategy.

At Beacon, Alexandria plays a pivotal role in ensuring the charity’s financial health and integrity. She expertly manages all aspects of our finances, from processing invoices to overseeing departmental and organisational budgets. Her meticulous approach ensures that every financial transaction is handled with precision and that resources are allocated effectively to support our mission.

Alexandria’s extensive background in diverse financial environments allows her to bring a strategic perspective to Beacon’s operations. Her efforts are crucial in maintaining financial efficiency and aligning our financial practices with our overarching goals. By managing our finances with such expertise, Alexandria helps ensure that Beacon continues to have a meaningful impact on the community, supporting our work in providing essential services and driving our mission forward.

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Victoria Wilcox

Head of Systems and Infrastructure

With a background in project management, administration, and executive support, Victoria brings a wealth of experience from the education, NHS, and third sectors. Her leadership drives operational excellence and ensures the charity’s resources are maximised to support individuals living with and impacted by sight loss.

Victoria oversees systems management, IT, infrastructure, and project management. She is responsible for a broad range of functions, including the management of organisational reception, administration, physical assets, IT and telephony systems, the retail function, and leading significant charity-wide projects. Additionally, as the charity’s Data Protection Officer, Victoria ensures compliance with all relevant regulations. Her focus on effective project management and process improvement helps streamline operations across the organisation, maximising the impact of Beacon’s services.