Bank becomes first winner of sight award

The bank became the first recipient of the Sight Friendly award, an award created by sight loss charity Beacon centre for the Blind to recognise local organisations helping support customers living with sight loss.

Bank Manager Julie Lacey was presented with the award by Dudley North MP Ian Austin and Beacon CEO Lisa Cowley and spoke of the honour at being given the award by Beacon.

She said: "We help a range of customers and we know how important confidentiality and confidence is when dealing with money.

"This award recognises the hard work of all our staff and our continued aim to support everyone in the community."

The bank were nominated by David Monkton, who suffers from sight loss and who was on hand with his guide dog Jaypee to help hand the award over.

He said: "When I first learned about the award, I immediately thought of my local bank Barclays.

"Living with a visual impairment means I need support and require assistive technology to support everyday tasks.

"Barclays staff always give me a hand, guide me through using their machines and answer any questions. Everything is done securely and I always feel at ease with them."

Beacon is a well-established West Midlands charity which was founded in the Black Country and has since expanded.

CEO Lisa Cowley spoke about the work which still needs to be done and how this award can help improve services for people with visual impairment.

She said: "We have a long way to go until most places are sight loss friendly. However, this will take time and we are here to support.

"This award shines a light on best practice and gives others an example they can aspire to.

"Visually impaired people we support don’t want others to do things for them, but for there to be tools and systems in place for them to live independently."

Organisations wishing to get better understanding or learn how to better support visually impaired customers or colleagues can contact enquiries@beaconvision.org