Laura-Jane Sheridan

My job is to raise funding from charitable trusts and foundations and to spend a big part of my time connecting the dots between what Visably is trying to achieve and the people who want to fund meaningful change. That means understanding what funders care about and translating our work into something clear, compelling and real.

Nearly 20 years of fundraising experience has shown me that successful applications are built on authenticity, strong relationships and a clear understanding of the impact funding can achieve.

I hold a business degree and a Certificate in Fundraising from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. My work at Visably involves shaping funding applications, developing funder relationships and helping grow the income that makes the whole service possible. I work closely with the wider team and that collaborative side is one of my favourite parts of the job.

One thing I've come to understand more deeply through this work is that sight loss isn't a single experience. People's needs, confidence and day-to-day realities vary hugely. What can look like a small, practical bit of support – the right device, the right person showing up – can have a significant impact on someone's independence. That's what makes this funding worth fighting for.

What I value most about Visably is its clarity of purpose and the commitment of the people in it. Outside of work, I'm happiest outdoors and in nature, but also at home, in the company of my perfectly opinionated menagerie of pet animals.