Saima, Tara and Jess – Vision Foundation
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Organising Work Experience, Volunteering and Careers Advice

Saima headshot Saima is an employment coach working for a charity that supports people with disabilities to access employment, education and/or training. She previously worked in marketing, but always in the charity sector. Saima has a degree in English literature and creative writing, she originally planned to go into teaching before changing her mind after her studies. She’s a huge bookworm and loves cooking.

 

 

Tara headshot Tara Chattaway is Head of Education for Thomas Pocklington Trust. She’s worked in the charity sector for almost 20 years, 13 of which have been in the sight loss sector. Tara has a strong background in policy, campaigning and service delivery. As part of the Education offer for TPT, Tara manages their Student Support Service, which provides information, advice and guidance for blind and partially sighted young people aged 11+ in secondary, further and higher education.

 

Jess ClementsJess works at Blind in Business with VI students, helping them into work experience, higher education, and employment. She also works with employers to ensure VI candidates have every chance of success in the workplace. Jess is 24 and studied French and Hispanic Studies at University. She loves languages and travel and after living abroad, moved to London to pursue a career in the charity sector. Jess is partially sighted but
but this has never been a barrier in her career or personal life! She has played hockey to regional level and enjoys exercising in her spare time. She’s passionate about removing barriers for VI young people and looks forward to meeting you all and answering any questions around achieving your ambitions.

Charlotte, a white woman with shoulder length brown hair. Charlotte is sitting on a canvas chair with her legs crossed, she is smiling at the camera and holding a white cane in her hand Charlotte is the Director of LOOK – a charity supporting visually impaired children to thrive. LOOK offers a unique and pioneering peer mentoring programme linking visually impaired children with a blind mentor. Through mentoring, workshops and fun events, LOOK aims to beat isolation and ensure that every child lives their best life.

 

 

Callum Russell Callum Russell is founder of CrystalEyes, a bespoke consultancy that helps broaden the horizons of people living with sight loss and other disabilities, allowing them to fulfil their potential in either higher education or employment. Callum previously worked for Sight for Surrey and Surrey Police championing inclusivity. He attended mainstream school before going to the University of Birmingham to study modern languages. He has travelled and volunteered widely, particularly in South America, and brings significant experience of undertaking work experience with a vision impairment.