The team at Vision Support Barrow and District work to enable and support people with vision impairments to lead independent lives. We do this by providing a wide range of services and practical support for them and their families across South West Cumbria.

As a Disability Confident Leader we strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace. We’re proud to be a leading member of the Disability Confident Scheme.

Vision Support Centre

Craig Renton
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

My name is Craig Renton, and I am the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) here at Vision Support Barrow and District, having joined in February 2025. My career to date has been varied, with a number of senior leadership roles under my belt, taking on the role of Chief Executive is a daunting prospect. Whilst unquestionably an honour that feels like a natural step, there is no escaping the challenges we face in the Third Sector today. Challenges we can only hope to address if we are innovative, person-centred and visionary in all that we do. That is how we seek to operate at VSBD – with our service users at the heart of everything we do. It’s how we developed our Strategic Plan – engaging with and listening to others – and the core of how we work every day.

Throughout my career, I have been committed to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives, whether through my time in public service, heritage and community development, or operational leadership. It is clear to me that VSBD, with our wonderful staff and committed volunteers and Board, is a place where life changing impact can be made and it is a privilege to lead such a dedicated team in an inspiring organisation. Our Vision Support Centre provides unparalleled assistance to those living with the challenge of sight loss whilst I am equally proud to be part of the outstanding work at Ostley House, where the highest standards of care create a warm and supportive home for residents.

Claire Huddleston
Service Manager
Gemma Waite
Vision Support Officer
Ruth Shields
Vision Support Officer
Connie Raybould
Vision Support Officer
Becky Smith
Vision Support Officer
Paul Laing
Children & Young People Co-ordinator
Ashley Locock
Access Assistant
Adele Williams
Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO)
Andrea Heywood-Green
Team Leader (Central Services) & Volunteers Co-ordinator
Phil Green
Technology Advisor
Nadine Mayor
Groups Co-ordinator
Yvie Rose
Grants Officer
Matty Lamb
Peer Support Mentor
Jill Spry
Admin Officer
Kath Gelling
Barrow Buddies Coordinator
Lynda McKell
Resource Advisor
Paul Backhouse
Volunteer Resource Advisor & Fundraiser
Rachel Bellamy
Resource Advisor

Board Of Trustees

Vera Wilton
Chair

Having been a local optometrist running my own business for more than 40 years I already had a connection to VSBD so as soon as I retired (for the first time) I was asked if I would become a Trustee. It didn’t take a lot of thought as I am still passionate about improving the lives of visually impaired people. My local connections, optometry, business and communication skills are useful tools within the Board. As well as my volunteering work on the Board I try to keep fit with gardening, yoga, cycling and walking in our beautiful landscape. My young grandson challenges me in many ways so I enjoy spending time with him and the rest of my family.

Maggie Reynolds
Vice-Chair

My name is Maggie Reynolds; I am a retired Nurse and have been visually impaired since birth. I have been a Trustee for around ten years and was Chair up until three years ago when I needed to step back for health reasons. Now that I am returning to my previous levels of fitness, I feel able to get back “into the saddle” and bring my lived experience to the Board as we look to support the staff in delivering the essential services our clients and service users deserve. My priority is, and remains, representing the visually impaired whilst supporting our staff and service users.

Ray Mowat
Trustee

I am married to Amanda, we have three adult children, four grandchildren and I have been a trustee at VSBD for two years now.

I live in Barrow, am a keen member of Barrow Cricket Club and regularly kayak to stay fit. I am a qualified Social Worker, although most of my working life was in managing services supporting adults with learning disabilities and as a Regulatory Inspector for Adult Care Services.

I am passionate about the work of VSBD and our amazing team at Ostley House and hope I can use my knowledge, skills and experience to support our teams to continue providing high quality services to the local community.

Lyn Savage
Trustee

I am a retired, self-employed optometrist. I started a business in Ulverston and worked for over 30 years contracted to the N.H.S.

My special interests were keratoconus contact lens fittings and improving the visual outcomes of children and adults with a disability.

I became interested in optometry as I needed my first glasses for myopia at age 4. Also, because my favourite uncle was registered blind from birth. Uncle Jack had a full and interesting life so I do understand what can be achieved by a visually impaired person with appropriate support.

I have a P.A.D.I. Dive Master scuba diving qualification and in good weather I walk the local fells and beaches. Additionally, I create traditional and Ikebana flower arrangements and am publicity and social media officer for Ulverston and District Flower Club.

I have worked professionally with people who are visually impaired and registered blind, and I understand the problems, solutions and possibilities.

Konrad Orlowski
Trustee

My name is Konrad Orlowski, I’m 71, married with 3 children and have lived in Ulverston for the past 43 years.
In my working life I was a secondary school teacher running a design technology department until I took early retirement after being registered blind.

At the latter end of my career I had personnel and technical support which enabled me to stay in work an extra couple of years. Being in technical education I found it useful and interesting to use the equipment the RNIB was able to supply to help me remain in employment.

In the past I had a broad range of interests including fell walking, skiing, cycling and photography, for many years I was the chair or treasurer of Ulverston Photographic Society. Currently I enjoy travelling, cycling and I’m also a voracious reader, grateful for the technology that enables this for a non-braille person!

I hope that, as a Trustee, I might be able to offer a little insight into the practicalities of living with sight loss.

Simon Hollis
Treasurer

I qualified as a solicitor in 1990 and spent the first years of my career in York, moving to Ulverston in 1997 before becoming a partner in the firm (Livingstons’) in 2003 and eventually retiring in September 2023.

Although a keen fisherman, I do feel I want to put my acquired knowledge to good use. I am keen to support others and feel my work within the legal profession and my experience with legacies and estate account matters can be of particular benefit, hence my active role as a trustee and Treasurer for the charity.