Meet the Team at East Cheshire Eye Society
Our team is dedicated to supporting people with visual impairments and helping them live independent, fulfilling lives. From managing day-to-day operations to coordinating volunteers and services, every member of our team plays a vital role in making a difference in the local community.
Alan Chappell
Charity Manager
Alan has been with East Cheshire Eye Society since 2016 and now leads the charity as Manager. Before joining, he spent 22 years in the NHS working with a wide range of healthcare professionals, experience that now underpins his role.
He oversees the charity’s day-to-day operations and long-term direction. He works closely with the Board of Trustees to set priorities and ensure services run smoothly and responsibly. His role includes managing the team and resources, maintaining governance and safeguarding standards and developing policies. He also handles budgets and funding, coordinates grant applications and fundraising and builds strong relationships with partners, donors and the wider community.
Alan also represents the charity publicly and oversees all communications. He finds the work hugely rewarding, thanks to the people he works with and the impact the charity makes.
Alan Chappell
Charity Manager
Alan has been with East Cheshire Eye Society since 2016 and now leads the charity as Manager. Before joining, he spent 22 years in the NHS working with a wide range of healthcare professionals, experience that now underpins his role.
He oversees the charity’s day-to-day operations and long-term direction. He works closely with the Board of Trustees to set priorities and ensure services run smoothly and responsibly. His role includes managing the team and resources, maintaining governance and safeguarding standards and developing policies. He also handles budgets and funding, coordinates grant applications and fundraising and builds strong relationships with partners, donors and the wider community.
Alan also represents the charity publicly and oversees all communications. He finds the work hugely rewarding, thanks to the people he works with and the impact the charity makes.
Helen Van Der Veken
Volunteers and Services
Co-ordinator
Helen has been with East Cheshire Eye Society for 10 years and leads the charity’s volunteer and services programmes. She supports both volunteers and members, ensuring that everyone involved feels valued and able to contribute fully.
Helen oversees the coordination of activities, support groups and volunteer roles across a wide range of services. She develops and delivers new initiatives that meet the evolving needs of the community, manages volunteer recruitment and training, and ensures strong support and guidance for all volunteers. She also works closely with members to understand their needs and provides practical assistance to help them maintain independence and quality of life.
Her background in teaching and extensive experience with volunteering has shaped her approach, helping her create a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment for all. Helen’s dedication, kindness and passion for empowering others are at the heart of everything she does at the Eye Society.
Helen Van Der Veken
Volunteers and Services Co-ordinator
Helen has been with East Cheshire Eye Society for 10 years and leads the charity’s volunteer and services programmes. She supports both volunteers and members, ensuring that everyone involved feels valued and able to contribute fully.
Helen oversees the coordination of activities, support groups and volunteer roles across a wide range of services. She develops and delivers new initiatives that meet the evolving needs of the community, manages volunteer recruitment and training, and ensures strong support and guidance for all volunteers. She also works closely with members to understand their needs and provides practical assistance to help them maintain independence and quality of life.
Her background in teaching and extensive experience with volunteering has shaped her approach, helping her create a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment for all. Helen’s dedication, kindness and passion for empowering others are at the heart of everything she does at the Eye Society.
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