Meet the Team

Swantje Staar-Slogrove – Manager

Swantje has a background in charity work, sensory impairment and operational management. She particularly enjoys working with volunteers and is passionate about creating services that are rooted in community.

“Sight Loss Shropshire is a small charity with big impact. My work here is all about ensuring that we reach as many visually impaired people as possible and make a positive difference to their lives.”

Mel Fullerton – Admin Assistant

Mel has an extensive background in marketing, communications and business administration and experience of working with visually impaired people and the not-for-profit sector.

She has a passion for supporting community-focused organisations that deliver a real, impactful difference to people’s lives and wellbeing.

Vicki Edwards – Tech Coordinator

I have been visually impaired all my life, but in 2013 I lost all my useful residual vision, and in the space of three months went from being able to move around unaided to being completely blind.

In my role as Tech Coordinator I pass on skills to others which I use every day in my own life.

In my spare time I  play guitar in a band and perform as a solo acoustic performer. I’m a committee member for Open Harmony, a non-profit organisation who builds community and confidence through music for people who have barriers to social engagement. I’m also a listening volunteer for a telephone listening service for people who are in emotional distress.

Diana Flint DL – Chair

Diana joined the committee in 2019,  has chaired the charity since 2020 and is delighted to be part of such a worthwhile organisation that has been supporting visually impaired people of all ages throughout the entire county of Shropshire for over 100 years. She has experience of the charitable sector through a variety of volunteer work for The Art Fund,  nearly 20 years of school governorships,  service to the community through the Shropshire Lieutenancy and, previously, as High Sheriff of Shropshire. 

“At Sight Loss Shropshire, we have a talented and energetic workforce and dedicated Committee and Trustees.   It is a privilege to be involved and to make a difference as working together to help is my passion”.

Hayley Dyson – Vice-Chair

As a visually impaired individual, Hayley understands first-hand the challenges and barriers that many people with sight loss encounter on a daily basis. She has a guide dog and volunteers for a number of sight loss charities. 

Hayley is deeply passionate about empowering visually impaired people and providing social opportunities and a supportive network to enhance the quality of life for individuals with sight loss.

Jenny Wynn, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire – President

Director at Wynn Developments and trustee of The Wynn Foundation. I am passionate about improving services and opportunities for people with sight loss. As a family we have personal experience, our son lost his eyesight at 15 and we know how challenging it can be to find the right services, equipment and technology to best support someone experiencing sudden sight loss. Sight Loss Shropshire strive to  provide services, signpost to other organisations and offer social opportunities to help make a difference.

Cllr Ruth Houghton – Vice-President

Ruth is a hardworking Shropshire Councillor in rural South West Shropshire. Ruth has a background in adult social care and a keen interest in supporting people to live independently within their local communities. She is also passionate about tackling rural inequalities and feels strongly that wherever people live in Shropshire they should have equal access to the services they need. Ruth supports Sight Loss Shropshire as a Trustee on a voluntary basis and draws on her previous social care experience to  support the work of the charity

Arwyn Jones – Charity Director

I joined Beacon Centre for the Blind in January 2013 and was CEO for 6 years until December 2018. My wife is visually impaired and therefore I have a strong empathy with the issues of sight loss and feel passionately that many people living with sight loss are not yet getting the full benefit of support that they should.

Having now left Beacon Centre, I remain as Chair of Karten Network, a charity supporting organisations in the UK and Israel to provide technology support to those living with disabilities. I also run a chauffeured vintage car hire business with a 1926 Ford Model T called “Bertie” and 1946 Vauxhall 14/J called “Vera”, along with a vehicle rust protection business.

Daniel Clark – Treasurer

Daniel is a Chartered Accountant with over 25 years’ experience in finance, management and education. His wife is visually impaired, so he has lived experience of supporting someone with sight loss and is committed to using his skills to support the work of the charity. As Treasurer he oversees the financial management and processes that make the work of Sight Loss Shropshire possible.

Lindsey Rowlands – Trustee

Lindsey is a retired chartered physiotherapist who worked in the NHS for over 20 years. She has been visually impaired since about 18 months of age and has lost her remaining sight in the last five years. She is a guide dog owner and volunteers for various charities that work in aid of the visually impaired. Prior to Covid she also volunteered at the local Eye Hospital talking to patients who had been diagnosed with sight loss.

“I volunteer for Sight Loss Shropshire because I want to help improve services for visually impaired people, to help them live the independent lives they want and deserve.”