RSBC appoints entrepreneur Simon Ward as Trustee
April 26, 2024
London: Friday 26th April 2024: The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC), a UK charity which supports blind and partially sighted children and young people and their families, has appointed technology entrepreneur Simon Ward as a Board Trustee.
Ward, who founded global marketing technology company Inspired Thinking Group (ITG), will work with Julie Davis, CEO and the board to further expand the services that the RSBC offers, as well as provide strategic guidance on its expansion. ITG currently works with some of the world’s most recognisable brands including PUMA, Boots, KFC, Heineken, M&S and Audi.
It is estimated that there are just under 37,000 blind and partially sighted children and young people in England and Wales, many of whom are in urgent need of support. Around four children every day are diagnosed with sight loss.
Although many vision impaired children and young people frequently live fulfilling and happy lives, statistically they are at a disadvantage. For example, the charity estimates that only one in four blind and partially sighted people of working age are in employment. Additionally, two-thirds of blind people are living below the poverty line.
The charity offers a comprehensive suite of key services including family support, accessible technology, events, and community services.
Simon Ward, Board Trustee, Royal Society for Blind Children said:
“RSBC has a proud history of supporting blind and partially sighted children and young people across England and Wales, whatever their circumstances or level of need. CEO Julie and her team have built and grown an incredible organisation that has a huge impact on young individuals and their families, offering the support they need to help them live their lives without limits.”
Julie Davis, CEO, Royal Society for Blind Children said:
“It is a true pleasure to welcome Simon to the Royal Society for Blind Children’s Board of Trustees. As an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and global pioneer in marketing technology, he brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge, and we’re honoured that he has chosen to dedicate his time to us as a trustee. Through his expertise and guidance, we know that he will play a pivotal role that will be of immense value to RSBC as we further develop our services to reach and support more blind and partially sighted children, young people and their families throughout the UK.”
You may also like
No categories December 10, 2024
How to make Christmas accessible for blind and partially sighted children
There’s no more special time of year for children – whether they’re five or 50! – than Christmas. It’s a time when there’s magic everywhere, and it’s filled with colour and sparkle. But how can you make sure that children with vision impairment (VI) are able to enjoy the fun and laughter that’s part and […]
No categories November 19, 2024
Boys Crew: why International Men’s Day matters
Each November 19th, the UK celebrates International Men’s Day. It’s not just about celebrating the contribution that men and boys make to our society – this special day also focuses on making a positive difference to their well-being and lives, raises awareness the support available to them, and promotes meaningful conversations about men, manhood and […]
No categories November 7, 2024
Narayan’s story
RSBC’s trustees have shared responsibility for governing our charity, and Narayan’s been a trustee since September 2024. We caught up with him to find out why he’d decided to take this step, and just what being a trustee involves.
No categories November 4, 2024
Callum’s Story
Callum’s been a trustee with RSBC since May 2021. He’s also the Chair of Governors of RSBC’s Dorton College, a specialist further education college for vision impaired young people aged 16-25. We spoke to Callum about what’s involved in being a trustee, why he does it, and what to consider if you’re thinking about becoming […]
No categories October 25, 2024
Atrix’s story
Originally from the USA, Atrix (pictured above right) has a background in theatre. They’ve directed productions in New York and London, and taught modern dance and choreography to young children and teenagers. They moved to the UK in 2019 to take their Masters degree.
No categories October 22, 2024
Owain’s Story
Fun, rewarding and never a dull moment – all ways that Owain would describe his role! But what led him to RSBC, and what does being a Senior Community Support Worker actually involve?
No categories October 13, 2024
Marking Blind Awareness Month: Making play areas more accessible
To mark Blind Awareness Month and World Sight Day this October, RSBC worked with Percussion Play and The Amber Trust to make some noise! Find out more here.
No categories October 11, 2024
Lauren’s braille journey
I’m Lauren, and I’m 17 and severely sight impaired/blind. I’ve been visually impaired for a couple of years, and previously needed large print from the age of 10.
No categories September 26, 2024
Meet Joe: An RSBC family story
Meet Joe. Joe has vision impairment, caused by congenital cataracts (cloudiness in the lens of the eye) and nystagmus (where the eyes make uncontrolled movement). And he’s Dad to two young sons, Noah, aged 9, and Lyle, 3, who have the same eye conditions.
No categories September 23, 2024
Eyes on the Future
As a new parent, you’ll meet many professionals in the first weeks and months after your baby’s born, and one of the most important people who’ll be supporting your family is your Health Visitor.
