This month, we’re celebrating a special milestone – our Volunteers and Services Co-ordinator, Helen Van Der Veken, has been part of East Cheshire Eye Society for 10 years.
Helen plays a huge role in supporting both our volunteers and members and we couldn’t let this anniversary pass without shining a spotlight on her incredible contribution. We asked Helen to reflect on her journey so far.
Q: What first brought you to East Cheshire Eye Society?
A: When I was teaching, I met so many amazing, creative and caring people who were not defined by their perceived disability. In 2015, I was looking for a new role and knew I wanted to work with an organisation that supports people with difficulties or disabilities to live full, rich and independent lives in their communities.
I believe living with a disability should never be a barrier to inclusion. When people are excluded, everyone loses – the individual’s quality of life diminishes and society misses out on their knowledge, experience and talents.
East Cheshire Eye Society has always had these values at its core. Historically, their practical approach from teaching Moon and Braille, to retraining in employable skills, running support groups and providing equipment has been about helping people retain independence and improve their quality of life.
Q: What’s kept you here for a decade?
A: That’s an easy one – the people! The volunteers and trustees are incredibly dedicated and care deeply about the difference they make. I learn something from everyone I meet and it’s so rewarding to be part of a team that makes an impact, even in small ways. At East Cheshire Eye Society, I feel valued and I try to make sure our volunteers and members feel valued too.
Q: How have people shaped your experience?
A: I’m passionate about volunteering. It’s a great way to meet people, gain confidence, develop new skills and discover new opportunities. When I moved to Macclesfield over 20 years ago, volunteering led me to further study and eventually employment.
Because of that, I want our volunteers to always feel supported and appreciated, we simply couldn’t do what we do without them.
Our members also teach me something new every day. They range from young people and families to members in their 90s – our oldest active member is 103! Every individual has different experiences and expectations and they’ve taught me to really listen, broaden my knowledge, seek further training and never be afraid to ask for advice.
Q: How has your role changed over the years?
A: When I first joined, I worked four days a week, coordinating activities, support groups and the volunteers linked to them. Over time, my role and hours have expanded and now I support all volunteers across a growing range of activities.
Q: What changes have you seen in services or the community?
A: Technology has transformed independence. Ten years ago, people often needed bulky, expensive equipment to read or magnify text. Now, a basic smartphone or tablet can do so much from reading letters aloud to providing directions.
But with more services moving online, some people have been left behind. Something as simple as reporting a missed bin collection can become impossible without the right support. That’s where we step in.
We’ve also seen big changes in our services. In 2020 we moved to our current premises, which are much more accessible. We now run more structured appointments, giving people greater privacy and dedicated time.
New groups have also grown – including Walking, Crown Green Bowls, Tea and Tech, and Men in Sight, as well as new Coffee Clubs in Congleton and Knutsford. We’re constantly developing activities that reflect the needs and interests of local people.
Q: Is there someone who’s had a lasting impact on you?
A: I’ve met so many inspiring people here. Three stand out:
- Alan, our Charity Manager – a supportive leader whose dedication has taught me so much.
- Pam, a volunteer – she’s shown me how the right tools and strategies help people maintain independence and how to take a more holistic approach.
- Mark, a volunteer – he taught me how guiding is a partnership, led by the person being guided, with good communication at its heart.
Q: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
A: To listen. What someone says might only be the tip of the iceberg. Many people don’t know about the support available, so together we have to explore ways to overcome challenges that may have felt impossible at first.
Q: What excites you most about the future?
A: Technology is evolving quickly, and while it isn’t always simple to use, it’s becoming more accessible and affordable. This has huge potential for younger people, families and those in work.
People’s expectations are also changing as more people are working later in life and need support to stay employed. That means offering flexible services and activities that suit modern lives. East Cheshire Eye Society has been adapting for over 150 years, and I know we’ll keep evolving by listening to the people we support.
Helen’s passion, dedication and kindness shine through in everything she does. For the past 10 years, she’s helped shape our services, support our volunteers and make sure everyone who comes to us feels valued.
On behalf of everyone at East Cheshire Eye Society – thank you, Helen, for everything you’ve done (and continue to do)!