Erin Leslie, Community Worker

We recently recruited a new Community Worker to work in our Community Sensory Support Service in Dumfries and Galloway. Erin Leslie commenced in post in July 2023 and has been supporting the visually impaired community throughout Dumfries and Galloway ever since.  Erin shares her experience of what life has been like for her since she started.

My Visibility Scotland journey so far…

I started with Visibility Scotland as the new Dumfries and Galloway Community Worker on the 10th of July, so I am not long in my role. The team made me feel welcome from the moment I joined. I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy some great hands-on practical training experience, which has helped me to settle into my role and become more confident in it.

In one of my first weeks in my role with Visibility Scotland, I had Visual Impairment Awareness Training delivered by Audrey Ward. Audrey has been working with Visibility Scotland for many years and has lived experience of being visually impaired. She also has a wealth of knowledge to share, with so many practical hints and tips. Audrey’s positive mindset and ‘can do’ attitude have been an inspiration to me from when I met her during my first week.

The training has been beneficial. I have used Audrey’s practical hints and tips when working with service users to provide self-management strategies to maintain as much independence as possible for our service users. I am gaining confidence and knowledge in my role and how I can make a difference in the lives of visually impaired people in Dumfries and Galloway.

I’m delighted to have received such a lovely welcome from my colleagues. I cannot wait to meet more of our service users. I love hearing their stories and working with them to identify strategies that allow them to remain positive and to make the most of their sight.

Find out more about our support in Dumfries and Galloway

Read more about our what we’re doing to support visually impaired people in Dumfries and Galloway:

Dumfries and Galloway Community Sensory Support Service