Success Stories

Fundraising News January 2010

A big thank you to Leicester High School for Girls for raising a fantastic £518.60 from the Christmas Carol Service held at St. James the Great Church in December 2009. We are delighted that Vista has been chosen as one of the Charities of the Year and look forward to working with the School in 2010 to raise valuable funds.

Thank you also to Mr. Stan Greet who has chosen Vista as his charity of the year as Chairman of Evington Park Bowling Club. We look forward to attending the Club's Gala Day and Dinner later in the year.

For more information about getting involved with Fundraising for Vista please contact 0116 249 8801.

 June 2009 - Vista celebrates top star ratings for its Residential Homes 

The Care Quality Commission which regulates, inspects and reviews all adult social care services in England has awarded 3 stars to the Kathleen Rutland Home, The New Wycliffe Home, Simmins Crescent & Applegarth.

CQC inspections are based on the ‘National Minimum Standards’ which set out the core requirements that apply to all care services. These standards are grouped into seven categories or outcome areas, for residential homes

• Choice of home
• Health and personal care
• Daily life and social activities
• Complaints and protection
• Environment
• Staffing
• Management and administration

A quality rating, represented by a number of stars, is awarded to services following an inspection, to indicate the overall quality of the service provided. CQC ratings 3 stars means ‘Excellent’. The 3 Star rating of 'Excellent' can only be achieved after a sustained track record of performance, so only established care homes and services, who have consistently proven to provide particularly good services, with high levels of safety and management, will be awarded 3 stars.

For further information about Vista's Residential Homes please contact Janice Hayward, Assistant Residential Director on 0116 238 7958. 

March 2009 - UK Vision Strategy Implementation in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Vista is leading the way, with a unique approach to implementation of the UK Vision Strategy!

The three main aims of the strategy are to:

•   Promote eye health
•   Prevent avoidable sight loss
•   Support independence and inclusion.

In Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, Vista is leading a multi-agency approach to implementing these aims by embedding them within each organisation’s existing work plan.


After the success of a strategic event in November 2008 we held a bigger conference in early March 2009 to take this work forward.

This link will take you to more information about the event.

October 2008 - See Beyond the Vision

'See Beyond the Vision Day' incorporated Vista's Annual   General Meeting with guest speaker blind businessman,     Amar Latif. 

Amar, winner of the Outstanding Young Business Entrepreneur of the World, 2005, captivated and inspired the audience with his charisma and travelling experiences.

The day also celebrated the hard work and commitment from staff and volunteers at Vista.

The following staff received long service awards:

Graham Toon
Marie Richardson 
David McDade
Nigel Faulkner
Michael Swindle
Eurica James
Gillian Foster
Barbara Newson
Sharon Tolton
Gayor Earle
Beverly Cunnington
Margaret Gent
Kathryn Christie-Smith
Janice Hayward
Penny Colston
Shirley Sharpe
Petris Kazakevics
Fiona Hind

The following volunteers received awards for outstanding contribution:

Pam Wildman
Sid Muddimer
Betty Palmer
Gladys Thompson
Vera Main
Rosalind Thompson

The following volunteers received awards in recognition of:

Outstanding Achievement: Miriam Elliot
Long Service: John Moule 
Volunteer of the Year 2008: John Rear
Young Volunteer of the Year 2008: Jessica Moore

Outstanding Commitment to Vista was awarded to Alec Crombie who became Honorary Vice President after 32 years as a blind Trustee of Vista.

Thank you once again and well done to all of Vista's dedicated staff and volunteers!

June 2008 - Black Tie Dinner Celebration Success!

Vista held a Black Tie Dinner to commemorate the 150th Anniversary.

We are delighted to announce that the event raised over £20,000, a fundraising record for Vista with all proceeds being reinvested into the Charity!

Almost 400 people were there to enjoy the celebrations and to see the spectacular showcase dances of Anton du Beke and Erin Boag. Additionally Willie Thorne, a Vista Patron, danced a Waltz with Erin and guests enjoyed a game of stand-up bingo, a raffle with fun prizes and an auction!

Our grateful thanks go out to all of the event sponsors; Dunelm Mill, Kirby and West, 3 Counties Wholesale Frozen Foods, ASDA, plus the hosts for this successful night, Willie Thorne and Champions UK plc.

January 2008 - Vista retains its Investors in people status

Vista is delighted to announce that the organisation has retained its investors in people status.  The assesors impression of Vista and its staff was very positive. 

" Vista is working hard to involve the staff, through better communication , in the creation and implementation of the strategy.  In some area's Vista exceeds the Investors in People Standard."

Well done to all of Vista's dedicated staff and volunteers.