VCHP celebrates 20th anniversary

Celebration was held in London’s Sales Force Tower

Twenty years of Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP), and the 18,000 plus people who have been helped to better vision through the regional drop-in clinics, were celebrated by a host of volunteers, charity founders and generous donors from the optical community last week.

Celebrations on the 36th Floor of Sales Force Tower in the City gave a bird’s-eye view of the very first clinic to open at the Crisis centre in East London, as the VCHP team gathered from around the country.

Supporters and donors from the optical supply chain, technology providers, IT companies, and frame and lens companies enjoyed meting the volunteer optometrists and clinic managers. There were also representatives from the universities and optical organisations, plus leading homeless organisations, which have allowed the charity to become such a force – not just in providing accessible eyecare but also in promoting advocacy in pushing for change.

Elaine Styles, chair of the charity and one of the founder optometrists, reported that the current seven clinics would be growing to 24 within the near future.

She told fellow supporters: “Thank you for joining us to celebrate the remarkable 20th anniversary. It fills me with immense joy and gratitude to stand before you on this special occasion. Our humble beginnings and shared vision to provide eyecare for homeless and vulnerable people in the UK has grown beyond our wildest dreams. Our deepest gratitude goes to the countless volunteers and supporters who have selflessly dedicated their time, skills, and resources to this noble cause. Each has played an indispensable role in transforming the lives of those in need.

“Together, we have provided not just eyecare but hope and dignity to individuals who often find themselves forgotten and marginalised. Your participation, support, and advocacy will be instrumental in our collective success. By giving homeless people the gift of sight, we have opened new windows of opportunity, allowing them to envision a brighter future.

“Our collaboration with Specsavers and our other valued supporters in optics will enable us to open doors to new opportunities to transform the lives of those in need. Our work is far from done, but with your unwavering support and dedication, we can continue making a profound impact in the lives of people experiencing homelessness.”

David Brown, general manager of the charity for eight years, also spoke at the event. He said: “I love this inspirational charity. VCHP is a vehicle that enables people to share something very special.”

David is taking up a new role with the growing charity to concentrate on new clinic development and advocacy work, while the day-to-day lead will come from the newly appointed Chief Executive, Hannah Telfer.

Volunteer Recognition Award

Special award winner Zoe Haigh with VCHP patron and actor, Ben Miles

During the evening, Exeter VCHP clinic manager, Zoe Haigh, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the charity during the past six years.

Zoe, who was nominated by her peers, received the Volunteer Recognition Award, this year sponsored by Ibis Vision. She was presented with her award by VCHP patron and actor, Ben Miles,. Zoe was selected for being a committed, reliable and longstanding volunteer.

As Ben said: “It is a great honour for me to be in this role.  It is an inspiring and fantastic charity and we are delighted to highlight the work of so many volunteers –

Zoe has been the clinic manager at Exeter since it opened in 2017. She co-ordinates and trains the volunteers, undertakes and oversees all the admin tasks and works with the central team on any regulatory requirements and checks. Zoe runs the clinic, normally with along two assistants and an optometrist. Zoe has also fundraised for the clinic over the years.

Zoe’s colleagues, who nominated her, added: “In the early days, Zoe managed the clinic without the support of other assistant volunteers. She has brought a number of new volunteers, both as assistants and optometrists, and she is fantastic in leading us all towards becoming a great team. Zoe always pays attention to detail and enables us to become more skilful and confident in running the clinic to the highest of standards. She relates well to all the volunteers and clients. I think she deserves recognition for all that she quietly does.”

Find out more about Vision Care for Homeless People here  – and hear from DO volunteer, Bernadette Lahiffe, in the November issue of Dispensing Optics.