Valerie Baynton

I officially began working for Sight Life in 2020 just as the Covid lockdowns began. I already knew many of the members as I had been PA to a member of staff for a couple of years previously, but throughout the pandemic I was mostly on the telephone running a variety of groups to keep members in touch and feel less isolated. We did manage to have quite a bit of fun with quizzes, exercise groups and craft groups over the conference line. It was lovely when we were finally allowed to meet in person, and my role was to encourage members to re-join groups and events, and to improve their wellbeing and confidence.

I am now the Volunteer Development Manager and enjoy recruiting, training and assisting our many volunteers to get involved with Sight Life. I am still involved with the facilitating of groups and activities, particularly the Singing group, the Ramble, Museum tours and the fun quiz group.

I am a Professional Singer in my spare time and perform all over South Wales. As a member of Caerphilly Ladies Choir and a qualified Music Therapist, it is fair to say music is a really important part of my life! I’m infamous at Sight Life for my kazoo playing!

Most of my summer weekends are spent with friends camping or at music festivals. My other interests are tap dancing, walking, yoga, shoes and charity shopping, I love a bargain. I am passionate about recycling and reusing items, definitely the office hoarder, if you need something you will probably find it in my cupboard!