News

Judges from Palmer and Howells, which supports WESC Foundation’s in-house catering team, were onsite earlier this week to judge their annual schools competition. Given this year’s theme of ‘food noise’ the WESC Foundation st...

Students from WESC Foundation have begun planting new trees thanks to a donation from The Woodland Trust. Over 100 saplings will be used to help develop the charity’s East Devon horticulture site at West Hill, near Ottery St Mary. The hardy specie...

WESC Foundation has received the first prototype of a new piece of electronic ‘point of sale’ (EPOS) technology, which experts hope will revolutionise accessibility for disabled staff in the retail sector. Our award-winning Social Enterprise team...

Imagine being visually impaired and having to navigate your way around an unfamiliar toilet, perhaps having to resort to feeling your way around the surfaces with your hands. For most of us it’s not a prospect that we would relish, but thanks to f...

Exeter-based charity WESC Foundation, which provides specialist services to support young people with visual impairment, has announced details of its 2019 Charity Golf Day. This year’s event – the fifth to be organised in partnership with ITEC,...

Yesterday was World Book Day, and once again the WESC Foundation students and staff rose to the occasion with a stunning collection of characters spotted around the campus. School uniforms and college casual wear were swapped for exciting costumes,...

Eight WESC Foundation students braved the wet and windy weather yesterday to complete their latest training walk for this year’s Ten Tors Jubilee Challenge. Three groups explored Haldon Forest, a 3,500 acre woodland located between Exeter and...

WESC Foundation volunteer Don When WESC Foundation needed a helping hand to improve access at its East Devon horticulture site, Sidford resident Don Peek jumped at the chance to get involved. Mr Peek volunteers for several hours a week at “WESC Cou...

Congratulations to Will who has completed the CITY Community Trust “Train to Succeed” course. The 12 week programme is aimed at young adults between the ages of 19 and 24 who are registered as Not in Education, Employment or training (NEET). The...

Results from a pioneering video game study, developed by an Exeter charity to help children and young people with visual field loss caused by brain injury, have been announced in a leading academic journal. Scientists from institutions including WES...

Here is a reminder about half term arrangements: The last day will be Friday 15th February with finishing times of 1pm for School students, and College students can leave from 1pm, although support is available until 4pm if needed. The College will...

Today (February 13th) has been designated by UNESCO as World Radio Day. It celebrates radio as a medium, and particularly the impact it has on people around the world. WESC Foundation’s own radio station, VI Radio, has been broadcasting from our Ex...

We have been developing some wonderful partnerships with businesses, charities and Saying ‘thank you’ for a job well done during work experience. other organisations. Many of these relationships help provide opportunities for our young pe...

WESC Foundation will open today, so we are here for anyone who can safely get into school/college/day services AND get back home again later. We completely understand if parents choose not to send young people in due to local conditions or where tran...

School and College are currently open, and it is our intention to open tomorrow for those young people who are able to get here (and return home) safely. We are currently contacting families of all our young people by telephone to discuss individual...

We had a great visit from Dr Sarah Bell yesterday at WESC Foundation’s Discovery Garden and the outdoor setting at West Hill. Sarah and the team behind the Sensing Nature project have been exploring the diverse sensory experiences people with visua...

Nine WESC Foundation students braved the cold weather on Dartmoor yesterday to begin preparations for the annual Ten Tors event which takes place in May this year. Regular training sessions will continue over the coming months to prepare the young pe...

Could you help drive our charity forward and help make a difference to the lives of our young people? WESC Foundation is a registered charity (registered number 1058937) which was registered in 1996.  As a school for blind people, the organisation h...

New Year’s Resolutions With 2019 stretched out ahead of us like a blank canvas, there’s no better time to plan your New Year’s Resolutions. If you’ve already given up on the gym, ditched the diet, or just want to do something a little...

Dear all Here we are at the end of another term, and always a lovely time at WESC Foundation with Christmas events and Christmas trees and many many mince pies.  Please find below details of the end of term arrangements. The last day will be Thursda...

In September the Exeter based PaddleBoat Theatre Company came into WESC Foundation’s horticulture area to support a drama workshop with WESC students working in collaboration with students from other ‘Topsham Road’ schools; Southbrook School, W...

A new computer game, developed by neuroscientists from WESC Foundation and the University of Lincoln, could help visually-impaired children lead independent lives. The game has been rolled out online, www.eyelander.co.uk, and it is being made freely...

The WESC group with their medals! Well done guys! Six WESC Foundation students have taken part in this year’s Ten Tors Jubilee Challenge on Saturday 12th May on Dartmoor. The six intrepid visually impaired youngsters, five of whom were completing...

The winning team Santander! Well done! The sun shone brightly at the WESC Foundation fundraising, golf tournament at Exeter Golf and Country Club last week as teams from businesses and organisations from throughout the South West battled it out for t...

WESC students Ross, Zoe, Nina and Jago celebrating with their well-deserved medals! On Wednesday 25th April 2018 WESC Foundation hosted Devon’s 2018 SEND (special educational needs and disability) Swimming Gala and invited seven other schools to jo...

Judi Spiers and WESC staff and students gathered to celebrate the opening! Supermarket giant Morrisons has kindly donated £35k towards a brand new therapeutic sensory room for WESC Foundation students and today marks the official opening! WESC Found...

The WESC Foundation group with their BASH Awards and certificates WESC Foundation students and young people stole the show on Friday 23rd March 2018 at Devon’s BASH Awards (Be Active, Be Safe, Be Healthy) organised by Devon & Cornwall Police. T...

WESC student Jacob getting down with his rap music! WESC Foundation students raised funds for their summer residential trips to San Francisco, Bristol and the Calvert Trust by running a non-stop, 24-hour, live radio marathon with a variety of guest s...

WESC Foundation is reopening on Tuesday 20th March.  The College is open from 8am for residential students and the usual time for day students.  The School is open from 11am and students should arrive, as usual, at St David’s Reception. If you ha...

Due to the adverse weather WESC School and College will be closed tomorrow, Monday 19th March, for day students and residential students returning to WESC after the weekend. We will be updating the situation tomorrow as to whether we will be opening...

Well done Team LV for winning the BEST Charity Pub Quiz! The WESC Foundation BEST charity pub quiz, sponsored by Thomas Westcott, was a sell-out success last week! Around 20 teams from businesses and organisations from across Exeter battled it out to...

Faith looking delighted to start her fundraising for WESC! WESC Foundation students and staff have made such a positive impression on Exeter College student, Faith, so much so that she has decided to run the Torbay half-marathon to raise money for th...

We are pleased to say WESC Foundation School and College will be open as normal on Monday 5th March 2018. We want to say a big heartfelt thank you to all our fantastic staff working so hard and the wonderful community volunteers that helped us get th...

Joseph practising his massage skills within his class Students from WESC Foundation are learning the art of massage therapy as a way to increase their employability skills and help people who are stressed or sit at a desk all day by easing away their...

WESC staff and University of Plymouth students and staff celebrating the opening of the new Exeter School of Nursing facility The first cohort to study at a new nurse training facility has gathered to celebrate its achievements with two of the profes...

WESC is delighted to welcome new CEO Jane Bell WESC Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jane Bell.   Jane Bell joins WESC Foundation from the charity Shared Lives South West where she has been Chi...

L-R: Melissa Cantrill – Volunteer at Cowick Street shop, Becky Foster-Rooke – Enabler at WESC, Nina – WESC student, Maria Dowswell – Shop Assistant, Helen Kielstra – Shop Manager and Maureen Biss – Deputy CEO at WE...

Megan lives with her friend Susie at Rainbow House From the first day at College WESC Foundation works with young people with visual impairment and their families to start putting together a plan for life after college. Whether the young person choos...

WESC learner Jack looking very excited to begin his Braille class teaching WESC learner Louis Grade 1 Braille, along with his teacher Jenny Aspiring WESC learner Jack’s ultimate goal is to be a Braille teacher and he’s well on the way to achievin...

WESC are currently inviting companies to tender for both the Auditing and Investment Management Services. If you would like any further information please email Jane Nutt, Director of Quality and Resources: JNutt@wescfoundation.ac.uk. The closing dat...

L-R Mark Blatchford – Station Garage, George – WESC learner and Jim – WESC Enabler Charismatic, sociable, dedicated and hard-working are just a few of the words that Mark Blatchford Manager at Station Garage, Topsham, used to descri...

WESC learner in the hydrotherapy pool during a physio session stretching for the ball Are you a parent looking for therapy or mobility services for your visually impaired child? Are you a company with staff members who have a visual impairment and ar...

Join us at Exeter Golf and Country Club on Thursday 10 May for WESC Foundation’s Charity Golf Day. Price: £200 for a team of four This price includes 18 holes, a bacon bap, drinks & refreshments midway round the course, and a two-course e...

University Challenged steal the title back! Another hugely successful WESC charity pub quiz took place last week at Matthew’s Hall in Topsham where over 100 participants battled it out for first place! Congratulations goes to team, University Chall...

WESC ex-student Ben and his manager Mark Vandenberg sorting through some books to sell on eBay Hard work, determination and charisma are just a few of the qualities that have helped secure an internship placement for WESC ex-student Ben, 19, from Exm...

WESC student using a VisiLift screen with the aim to improve his functional vision WESC Foundation has recently published a report in the British Journal of Visual Impairment. This report takes information from over one hundred scientific studies to...

WESC Foundation school learners celebrating the fantastic Ofsted result! “The school rightly places the highest emphasis on preparing pupils for independent living in all its aspects. As a result, over time, pupils’ self-confidence and self-belie...

WESC Family Group fun! We are excited to welcome back next week all WESC students after their summer break and also we are delighted to announce that the WESC Family Group will be starting back on Friday 15th September at 10.30am. WESC’s Family Gr...

The very start of Ant’s trek began here! WESC Enabler, Antony (Ant) Clark, is celebrating finishing his incredible challenge walking the entire Pennine Way, a massive 268 miles, and raising over £560 for WESC Foundation. Ant tells us about the...

WESC Foundation’s amazing supporter, David Sherwood, has set himself the challenge of completing 1,206 miles of hiking, the equivalent of walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back, to raise money for WESC Foundation! His route has inclu...

Susan’s manager Rebecca says she is a pleasure to work with! One WESC Foundation learner, Susan, has caught the eye of Natspec who has printed her success story, regarding gaining employment at KFC, in their latest newsletter. Please click on t...

Will stacking the shelves at Tesco’s Exmouth as part of his work experience WESC Foundation learner, Will, aged 19 has been taking part in a weekly work placement at Tesco’s in Exmouth for the last month. Will, accompanied by his enabler Suza...

Fiona receiving the St David’s House Cup award for Personality of the Year presented by Judi Spiers Inspirational WESC Foundation learners celebrated all their hard work and dedication at an uplifting awards ceremony with delighted parents, tut...

As part of the Inspection of Cornwall Council local area’s effectiveness in identifying and meeting the needs of, and improving outcomes for, children and young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities Ofsted will host an onlin...

Susan and her managers outside KFC waiting to start work! Determined, hard-working, resilient, enthusiastic, positive….these are all words to describe one of WESC’s amazing learners, Susan, who has just secured her first paid employment role at K...

Please help support these two amazing people as they climb to Everest base camp to raise money for charity! WESC employee Stuart Young wanted to challenge his physical and mental capabilities, along with raising money for charity so he’s decided th...

WESC learner Katie with her summer flower! Creative WESC Foundation learners were excited about exhibiting their sensory artwork at Exeter School for the sixth year running! The exhibition ran between 12 – 15 June 2017. The exhibition of sensor...

Crealy tickets are now sold out! If you have already purchased a ticket then we will post them out to you on the next working day. Thank you so much for your support! All money raised will go towards supporting the visually impaired children and you...

WESC Foundation is looking for keen gardeners to help at our budding West Hill Garden Centre Project, near Ottery St Mary, Devon. The site has nearly ten acres of land to play with including: two polytunnels, a huge glass house, propagating green hou...

The sprinkling crumbs as you break your first scone. The spread of the jam. Spoon on your Cornish clotted cream, let your tea brew, and enjoy. There’s nothing like a cream tea… Would you like to host a fundraising cream tea for WESC Foundation fo...

Half term is week commencing Monday 29 May and WESC will be closed to school and college learners. On Friday 26 May finishing times will be 1pm for School learners, and College learners can leave from 1pm, although support is available until 4pm if...

Team Venture were crowned the winners! (L-R) Shawn Willis, Stuart Hawker, Alec Cole and Stuart Haskins The sun did eventually shine at WESC Foundation’s golf tournament at Exeter Golf and Country Club last week as businesses and organisations throu...

WESC Foundation is pleased to welcome the University of Plymouth onsite. L-R Bridie Kent, Head of School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Tracy de Bernhardt Dunkin, WESC’s Principal & CEO and Maureen Biss, WESC’s De...

Peter White addressing a captivated audience! ‘Transitioning to adulthood’ was put under the spotlight at a special conference hosted by WESC Foundation (WESC), the Specialist Centre for Visual Impairment based in Exeter, Devon. Experts from aro...

Finding out all about WESC at the Open Day Are you exploring pre and post 16 options for a young person or adult (up to 25 years old) who is visually impaired (VI)? Do you want to find out how WESC Foundation can support VI learners in mainstream sch...

Katie with a massive smile on her face as she crosses the finishing line! Well done Katie! Four students from WESC Foundation, Exeter’s Specialist Centre for Visual Impairment, have taken part in this year’s Ten Tors Jubilee Challenge on Saturda...

A team of visually impaired golfers have entered the WESC Foundation charity golf day which is being held at Exeter Golf and Country Club on Thursday 11 May 2017. WESC’s annual golf tournament is always a great event! The price to enter a team of...

Antony (Ant) Clark is one of our incredible enablers at WESC Foundation and he’s set himself a huge fundraising challenge this summer! Ant is set to walk the entire Pennine Way, a massive 268 miles, and is looking to raise money for updating WESC F...

BBC Radio 4 In Touch presenter Peter White will be speaking at WESC’s 2017 conference! WESC Foundation (WESC) is pleased to announce their eighth Annual International Conference will be held on 4th May 2017 at their campus on Topsham Road. This...

WESC learners all gathered for the Powhiri Ceremony! The WESC Factor week was truly one to be remembered this year with the theme of New Zealand. WESC learners explored people, culture and the environment of New Zealand experiencing the music, art, l...

Budding DJ Jacob mixing his next musical set! WESC learners and staff were getting into the festival spirit as the whole campus got together for a music and food festival! Held in the school hall, the WESC-bury festival was an idea developed by the l...

WESC Foundation’s last day of term is Friday 31 March 2017. The finishing times will be 1pm for school learners, and college learners can leave from 1pm, although support is available until 4pm if needed. The college will reopen for the start of t...

L-R Jon Duckham, WESC Fundraising Manager, Jack and Katie WESC students and Craig Clews, Crealy’s Deputy General Manager WESC Foundation has been Crealy Adventure Park & Resort’s charity of year for 2016 and we are pleased to announce tha...

WESC Foundation has teamed up with Cycling Projects – Wheels for All and Ride On to be able to offer people in Exeter with a range of disabilities the chance to get out on an adapted bike! The all-ability cycling sessions will be held at WESC F...

WESC Foundation was invited onto the pitch at last Saturday’s Exeter Chief’s match, along with other charities, to celebrate Exeter Foundation (the fundraising body of the Exeter Chief’s) raising the amazing sum of £1 million and donating it t...

Congratulations Team LV for winning the BEST Charity Pub Quiz! It was a sell-out success at WESC Foundation’s BEST charity pub quiz last week, when just under 150 entrants battled their way through eleven brain baffling rounds, including a roun...

WESC teacher Matt Smith and Marketing Manager Katy Gaulton getting to grips with the new bike! WESC Foundation is pleased to announce that they have been successful in their fundraising bid to BBC Children in Need to purchase two new adaptable side-b...

WESC learner Fiona….a whiz at the iPad! Ever since Fiona, 21, from Essex, purchased her first iPad she has been using it non-stop and says it has changed her life! Fiona, a WESC residential student for three years, has an eye condition called o...

Finding out all about WESC at the Open Day There was a real buzz in the air yesterday at WESC’s Open Day as parents and professionals left the 15 acre campus feeling informed, enthused and excited about the services and facilities WESC has to offer...

WESC Foundation’s end of term is Thursday 9 February 2017. The finishing times will be 1pm for school learners and college learners can leave from 1pm, although support is available until 4pm if needed. The college provision will reopen on Monday 2...

The Burns taster plate! Today is Burns Night and WESC Foundation learners are getting into the spirit of things by celebrating this special day. Burns Night is held in honour of Scotland’s most famous 18th century poet Robert Burns and is a way to...

The hardy group get set for the training! Four WESC students and five staff ventured out to Haytor on another training session for the Jubilee Challenge yesterday! The weather report looked reasonable so a day’s training was on the agenda. On arriv...

Last year’s Rock Solid mud warriors! Sadly, we have been informed that Rock Solid has gone into liquidation. Everyone who has booked a place will get an email from Rock Solid. Thank you to all the brave intrepid WESC Challengers who have alread...

Finding out all about WESC at the Open Day Are you exploring pre and post 16 options for a young person or adult (up to 25 years old) who is visually impaired (VI)? Do you want to find out how WESC Foundation can support VI learners in mainstream sch...

WESC learners Grace, Jago and Nina giving clothes over to Miss Lee who is an official collector for the homeless WESC Foundation’s young learners wanted to help people in need this Christmas and therefore asked the WESC’s Social Enterprise Charit...

WESC’s Adult Services young person Megan selling some fantastic tree decorations WESC Foundation learners have been busy getting all their hand-made decorations ready for the Christmas Fayre. They enjoyed rustling the tinsel, feeling the felt,...

WESC Foundation’s last day of term is Friday 16 December 2016. The finishing times will be 1pm for school learners, and college learners can leave from 1pm, although support is available until 4pm if needed. The college will reopen for the start of...

Superstar Sammi receiving her award! Congratulations to WESC learner Sammi who was presented with an award and certificate for ‘Most Improved Rider 2016’ at Riding for the Disabled yesterday.  Sammi has been riding Will, the horse, for a while n...

Charity shop assistant Maria standing outside new St Thomas Social Enterprise Charity Shop! WESC Foundation – The Specialist Centre for Visual Impairment is proud to announce the opening of their sixth Social Enterprise Charity Shop in Cowick Stree...

Tom and his very calm driving instructor. Well done Tom! Yesterday a former WESC Foundation student, Tom, who now is a dedicated volunteer, took to the roads to have his first driving lesson in a car to raise money for WESC Foundation. Tom was in the...

Aspiring journalist Samia getting to grips with how the studio works! As part of their NCFE Radio Production course a group of six WESC learners and five staff visited the bright lights of London last week to have a tour and speak to the presenters a...

Would you like to make a difference to the lives of visually impaired young people at WESC Foundation? Do you love meeting new people? WESC Foundation needs you! We need a volunteer collection coordinator to organise, brief and meet volunteer collect...

Photo from 2016 Conference. L-R: Dr Jonathan Waddington, Dr Gordon Dutton, Dr Amanda Lueck, Tracy de Bernhardt Dunkin, Dr Cathy Williams, Mark Braithwaite and Janet Harwood WESC Foundation is pleased to announce that we are now taking bookings for ou...

Will very excited to start his work placement! Will, 18, has an eye condition called Retinopathy of Prematurity and a CVI (Cerebral Visual Impairment) which means he doesn’t see detail or recognise familiar faces. He also has cerebral palsy and use...

Andrew finishing the Exeter marathon last year! WESC Foundation is delighted to announce that Andrew Lewis from MJ Baker Foodservice has won the bid to receive our charity place at the London Marathon next year and will be running the 26.2 miles to r...

Exeter College student modelling her original creation! Over 150 guests joined WESC Foundation and their Ambassador, Judi Spiers, for a night of glitz and glam at Exeter Castle for WESC’s annual fashion show and auction. Exeter College Fashion...

WESC’s corporate partner Crealy Great Adventure Park is inviting you for a special Halloween full day, Tuesday 25 October 2016 10am – 5.30pm, at Crealy to support the visually impaired young people at WESC Foundation. Tickets also include a furth...

WESC Foundation’s last day before half term will be Friday 21 October. The finishing times will be 1pm for all learners. The college will reopen on Monday 31 October 2016, where residential learners will be welcome to book in from 8am and the usu...

Congratulations to ‘University Challenged’ from Exeter University who stole the show! The WESC Foundation BEST charity pub quiz, sponsored by Thomas Westcott, was a sell-out success last week! Twenty teams from businesses and organisation...

Finding out all about WESC at the Open Day Are you exploring pre and post 16 options for a young person or adult (up to 25 years old) who is visually impaired (VI)? Do you want to find out how WESC Foundation can support VI learners in mainstream sch...

Lights, camera, action……WESC Foundation is thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for this year’s Gala Fashion Show and Charity Auction, which will be held on Thursday 20 October 2016 at the beautiful and historic Exeter Castle, in...

A sparkly Frosty in his winter woollies! WESC’s Christmas cards are now on sale! Why not buy a pack of ten stunning cards and envelopes for only £2.99 (designs opposite) and help raise money for the young people at WESC Foundation? The message ins...

Representatives from Lord Taverners and WESC Foundation students and staff Everyone at WESC Foundation is so grateful to the Lord Taverner’s, Clare Milne Trust and all the members of the public who have donated and helped us to buy a brand new spec...

Richard Ellis, Head of Visual Impairment Services WESC Foundation’s Head of Visual Impairment Services, Richard Ellis, has written an article for SEN magazine highlighting the need for a personalised approach to learning to support children with a...

The winning team ‘Training Partnerships’ from Torquay. Well done! WESC Foundation in partnership with Listen2Win hosted a Visual Impairment Challenge at WESC’s 14-acre campus in Exeter. Players from the England Blind Football team, Kery...

Five WESC Foundation learners are delighted that through taking part in the Seeing Ear Creative Writing Competition 2015 and have had their short stories published in the ‘Seen Through Other Eyes 2015’ book. Seeing Ear is a charity that aims t...

A few of the 2015 Great West Run Team! This is your chance to do something AMAZING!! WESC Foundation is looking for recruits to join our Great West Run team, represent WESC, run that distance, raise money for WESC and have an absolutely brilliant da...

WESC Trustee – Noel Fowler, WESC Ambassador – Chris Lorimer, Learner – Will, Judi Spiers and WESC Principal Tracy de Bernhardt Dunkin Dedication, motivation and inspiration was the theme of the day today as hardworking WESC Foundati...

WESC Foundation’s end of term is Thursday 21 July 2016. The finishing times will be 1pm all learners. The college will reopen for the start of term on Tuesday 6 September 2016, where residential learners will be welcome to book in from 8am and the...

Finding out all about WESC at the Open Day Are you exploring pre and post 16 options for a young person or adult (up to 25 years old) who is visually impaired (VI)? Do you want to find out how WESC Foundation can support VI learners in mainstream sch...

Representatives from Lord Taverners and WESC Foundation students and staff The Lord’s Taverners were in Exeter today, Friday 24 June 2016, to present a new wheelchair accessible minibus to WESC Foundation. The new 14-seat wheelchair accessible mini...

The WESC team in pink and blue shirts overtaking another boat! Last Saturday a WESC team took to the waters to compete in Exeter’s Dragon Boat Festival at Exeter Quay. Despite having a boat filled with mainly complete novices the team worked togeth...

Tempted? WESC learners enjoyed healthy Meze to start! It’s Healthy Eating Week at WESC Foundation and learners and staff are all getting into the spirit by taking part in a Healthy Eating Quiz, competing in the healthy holiday lunch menu, trying di...

Cleaning the poly tunnels The new WESC Country Garden, social enterprise, horticultural project is already providing valuable opportunities and experiences for the learners at WESC Foundation, thanks to an Environmental Grant from Greggs Foundation!...

WESC learner ‘Maddy’ having a trot on ‘Winston’ WESC Foundation is delighted that their latest edition ‘Winston’ the Horse Simulator was on ITV WestCountry News last night. The TV coverage talks about the benefits of ridin...

Enjoy the Rollercoaster at Crealy on 15th July! WESC’s corporate partner Crealy Great Adventure Park are throwing open their doors for one night only to support the visually impaired young people at WESC Foundation. The charity of the year partners...

WESC learner Katie drawing her masterpiece! Creative WESC Foundation learners are excited about exhibiting their sensory artwork at Exeter School, between the 14 to 17 June 2016 10am to 3pm, for the fifth year running. The exhibition of sensory artw...

Tom at the Radio One Studio Hardworking, passionate and budding radio producer, Tom, is helping to shape the future for visually impaired people everywhere through his work on the BBC Radio One’s Youth Council.  Tom is elated with his new position...

A representative from Wave Leisure, who sponsored the Spark Sport Achievement Awards, presenting Anna with her certificate for second place. Well done Anna! WESC learner Anna, 17, is visually impaired, has autistic tendencies and learning difficultie...

WESC Foundation’s end of term is Thursday 26 May 2016. The finishing times will be 1pm for school learners and college learners can leave from 1pm, although support is available until 4pm if needed. The college provision will reopen for the start o...

The WESC group in front of the Capitol Hill Nine visually impaired learners, accompanied by seven WESC staff members, have travelled across the water to the ‘land of dreams’. Experiencing new cultures, visiting historical monuments, and practisin...

WESC learners rehearsing for the Us and Them performance. Picture By Jim Wileman WESC Foundation learners were thrilled to put their drama skills to the test by working with Exeter Northcott Theatre in producing two performances: Us and Them and Jung...

The winning team, ‘Fantastic Four’, collecting their prize WESC held their charity golf day at Exeter Golf & Country Club on 12 May sponsored by ITEC.  With a record 17 four-ball teams entering and over £7,000 raised, the Specialist...

L-R: Dr Jonathan Waddington, Dr Gordon Dutton, Dr Amanda Lueck, Tracy de Bernhardt Dunkin, Dr Cathy Williams, Mark Braithwaite and Janet Harwood Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) was put under the spotlight at a special conference hosted by WESC Found...

WESC learner Will receiving his Gold award! Well done Will! Three visually impaired students from WESC Foundation, Exeter’s Specialist Centre for Visual Impairment, have taken part in this year’s Ten Tors Jubilee Challenge on Saturday 7 May on Da...

WESC teacher Lesley with her class celebrating in the WESC Factor carnival The WESC Factor week was truly one to be remembered this year! WESC young people put their creative talents to the test as they competed for victory in many activities from so...

The Devon Cream Tea canvas created by Hannah and Megan from WESC’s Adult Day Centre WESC Foundation learners have been involved in the Sense of Place Jigsaw Art project, organised by Sense (a charity that supports children and adults with senso...

Ben showcasing his medal! WESC Foundation’s learner Ben is one in a million! Ben showed his determination and true team spirit last week as he ran the London marathon with his dad, despite his visual impairment, in just over six hours. This fantast...

WESC learner Fiona and Enabler Emma as they got back from the 9 mile walk The sun shone at WESC Foundation on Saturday 23 April 2016 as around 20 walkers, including several WESC students, set off from Exmouth to walk back along the Exe river trail to...

WESC Foundation’s end of term is Thursday 26 May 2016. The finishing times will be 1pm for pre-16 learners and post-16 learners can leave from 1pm, although support is available until 4pm if needed. The post-16 College provision will reopen for the...

WESC Foundation (WESC) launches ‘Exeter’s Blind Spot’ campaign. Despite the charity’s rebrand, many people know WESC as the blind school and not by their official name, WESC Foundation. Exeter’s Blind Spot campaign is aiming to increase...

Julian Davey in full action training for the London marathon! WESC supporters are taking on a whole range of different challenges this April to fundraise for WESC Foundation! Three of the triumphant WESC Foundation ‪‎Rock Solid Race team and en...

WESC Support Workers Kelly and Dominique getting a bit muddy! WESC Foundation is so proud of our awesome Rock Solid team who all completed their Rock Solid challenge last weekend. We had just under 80 brave supporters taking part in the 5K, 10K, and...

WESC Foundation’s end of term is Thursday 24 March 2016. The finishing times will be 1pm for pre-16 learners and post-16 learners can leave from 1pm, although support is available until 4pm if needed. The post-16 provision will reopen for the start...

WESC learner Will with his trainer British Blind Sport and Active Devon joined up with WESC Foundation on Saturday 19 March 2016 to host a day of VI sports training sessions at WESC’s Exeter campus. In the morning sports coaches and professionals w...

WESC learners, staff and ambassadors officially opening the Sidwell Street Shop Popular presenter and broadcaster Judi Spiers opened the latest new social enterprise charity shop for WESC Foundation in an official ribbon cutting ceremony at Sidwell S...

Team LV from Liverpool Victoria stole the evening by winning the trophy! Well done! The WESC Foundation BEST charity pub quiz, sponsored by Thomas Westcott, was a sell-out success last week! Twenty-five teams from businesses and organisations from ac...

Nina at WESC Foundation becoming a whizz at technology! Nina, 14, is sight impaired and studies Entry Level Maths, Science and English and a full Key Stage 4 Curriculum at Dawlish Community College three days a week. She also attends WESC Foundation...

There was a real buzz in the air at WESC’s Open Day last week as parents and professionals left the 15 acre campus feeling informed, enthused and excited about the services and facilities WESC has to offer visually impaired young people and adu...

The RockSolid challenge last year – are you up for it this year? WESC Foundation is joining forces with RockSolid to raise vital funds for projects at its Topsham Road campus in Exeter. The charity, which is Exeter’s Specialist Centre for Vis...

VI taster day – why not get involved? British Blind Sport, WESC Foundation and Active Devon are working together to host an afternoon full of activities that anyone with a visual impairment can try. The event will be held at WESC Foundation on...

WESC Foundation’s end of term is Friday 12 February 2016. The finishing times will be 1pm for pre-16 learners and post-16 learners can leave from 1pm, although support is available until 4pm if needed. The post-16 provision will reopen for the star...

Susan and her work colleague at Sainsbury’s When WESC learner Susan, 21, secured her work experience placement at a local Sainsbury’s store in Pinhoe, Exeter, she was over the moon! As part of WESC Foundation’s vocational programme learners...

WESC learners and Crealy staff celebrating the fantastic news about being Crealy’s Charity of the Year! WESC Foundation is delighted to announce that they are Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park’s charity of the year. The partnership, which...

L-R WESC Ambassadors: Chris Lorimer, Judi Spiers, Michael Caines MBE and WESC’s Director of Education & Development Mark Braithwaite Broadcaster Judi Spiers, two-star Michelin Chef Michael Caines MBE and Business Consultant Chris Lorimer we...

There is a cold weather alert level 3 (amber) issued from the met office which includes the possibility of snow and winter conditions for the South West and parts of England. WESC Foundation will remain open but parents who are expecting their young...

Finding out all about WESC at the Open Day WESC Foundation would like to wish everyone a happy New Year and we hope you’ve had a restful and enjoyable Christmas break. We’d also like to remind you about our Open Day which is scheduled for Tuesday...

Fundraising plays a vital role in ensuring that the children and young people here at WESC have access to the most up to date equipment and technology, as well as experiencing the widest range of stimulating and exciting activities. WESC Foundation i...

Jack working on producing the Braille labels “My name is Jack and I am in Lesley’s tutor group in college at WESC Foundation. “As part of my work experience I have been visiting the WESC Charity shops to help them find out what braille labels t...

Sidmouth Shop Window One WESC’s Social Enterprise charity shops are getting in the Christmas spirit by decorating their shop windows full of festive cheer! The shops aren’t just any charity shops they are also excellent training venues for the vi...

WESC volunteers at Waitrose’s last New Year’s Eve! WESC Foundation has two important collections coming up and we need your help to ensure that they are as successful as possible! On New Year’s Eve we are collecting and bag packing at W...

Fundraiser Maggie taking her leap of faith dressed as a day of the death character from the film Spectre! Around forty thrill seeking WESC supporters gathered at Haven Banks Activity Centre on Sunday to leap from the 25 metre tower on the quay and fu...

Harryot creating a sand masterpiece in her art lesson! Harryot, 18, has been at WESC since she was 7 years old.  She was born prematurely and has optic nerve atrophy, nystagmus and a squint. As a result, she finds judging distance, speed and depth v...

WESC Foundation’s end of term is Friday 18 December 2015. The finishing times will be 1pm for pre-16 learners and post-16 learners can leave from 1pm, although support is available until 4pm if needed. The post-16 provision will reopen for the star...

Finding out all about WESC at the Open Day Are you exploring pre and post 16 options for a young person or adult (up to 25 years old) who is visually impaired (VI)? Do you want to find out how WESC Foundation can support VI learners in mainstream sch...

A shot in the dark! Forty-nine food loving WESC Foundation supporters attended the fabulous Dining in the Dark gourmet evenings hosted by the Salutation Inn in Topsham on three evenings in November and were fascinated and enthralled by the unique din...

WESC Soundwaves choir is pleased to announce that they will be performing with the Folk Orchestra of East Devon on Friday 11 December at the Parish Church of St. Margaret in Topsham. Come along and watch this spectacular performance where WESC learne...

Four year old Jacob and his mum from Essex were the first external family to partake in a CVI assessment at WESC Foundation Cortical or Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) is a temporary or permanent visual impairment that occurs when the visual process...

College learners and staff excited about hearing the grade from the college Ofsted report WESC Foundation students and staff are thrilled to announce that the college provision has been rated ‘Good’ following a recent Ofsted inspection. A team of...

Are you brave enough? Not long now until our adrenaline junkies throw themselves off the new tower at Haven Banks to raise money for WESC Foundation. Could you join them? Are you brave enough? Why not get your work colleagues and jump as a team? It�...

L-R: Lady Clifford of Chudleigh, WESC President, Judi Spiers, broadcaster, Tracy de Bernhardt Dunkin, WESC Principal & Chief Executive and Glen King from Glen King PR The Met Office played host to a sell-out fundraiser fashion show for WESC Found...

WESC Foundation is pleased to announce that Dr Gordon Dutton and Dr Amanda Lueck are among the speakers who have confirmed their attendance at next year’s conference, which will focus on cerebral/cortical visual impairment (CVI). We are now taking...

WESC Foundation is holding a Recruitment Open Morning on Wednesday 21 October 2015 between 9am – 1pm for anyone who is interested in working for our amazing charity. Why not take the opportunity to visit the site and meet some of the staff an...

L-R: Katy Gaulton, WESC Marketing, PR & Comms Officer, Mark Cornfield, WESC Deputy Principal Director of Finance & Resources, Andy Roberts WESC Vocational Enterprise Manager, Jeff Smith BMC Azurri Sales Manager, Alastair Petrie BMC Azurri Man...

WESC mobility team delivering visual impairment awareness training to South West Water South West Water staff, partners and contractors were given a taste of the challenges that street works pose to blind and visually impaired people during a special...

Harry working hard in WESC’s eBay centre! WESC Foundation has taken on its first apprentice. Harry Roberts impressed staff during his internship when he worked in WESC’s charity shop, as well as running its eBay store and mobile phone app. Ha...

WESC staff celebrating receiving the IIP award! WESC Foundation is delighted to announce that they have achieved the Investors in People Standard Accreditation. The IIP accreditation is recognised as a sign of excellence, a great employer and an outs...

Gil Stephens won Exeter’s BEST pub quiz 2015! WESC Foundation’s BEST charity pub quiz was a resounding success as teams from businesses and organisations all over Exeter battled it out for the glory. The eventual winners were the team from Gi...

Ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open new WESC accommodation WESC Foundation held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open their two new zero carbon energy ‘Satellite’ Landlord Supported Living Houses.  The event was followed by a drink...

Learner Harry using Braille overlay to work the till in Heavitree Charity Shop WESC Foundation – The Specialist Centre for Visual Impairment is nominated in the Best use of Technology category in the Charity Times Award for its work with BMC Azurri...

New WESC Foundation shop sign at our new premises on Sidwell Street WESC Foundation – The Specialist Centre for Visual Impairment is proud to announce they have opened their fifth Social Enterprise retail outlet in Exeter – Sidwell Street. The S...

All the glitz and glamour from last year’s Fashion Show! WESC Foundation is thrilled to announce details of this year’s Gala Fashion Show and Charity Auction, which will be held on Thursday 22 October 2015 at the prestigious Met Office buildi...

Welcome to our refreshed new website which gives you more information about how WESC Foundation supports visually impaired people on-site and in the community. We hope you find the new website quicker and easier to navigate. It boasts a modern, colou...

Finding out all about WESC at the Open Day Are you exploring pre and post 16 options for a young person or adult (up to 25 years old) who is visually impaired (VI)? Do you want to find out how WESC Foundation can support VI learners in mainstream sch...

WESC Foundation’s last Pub Quiz Champions! The best charity pub quiz in Exeter is back, that’s right… our pub quiz is back! Wednesday, 23 September 2015, 7pm at WESC’s campus on Topsham Road.  Pop the date in your diary! We are so gratef...

WESC learner Jacob excited to be at the Radio One studios! A group of young, aspiring DJs in Exeter have been given a taste of life at BBC Radio One’s production studios, during a special trip they made to London this month. The DJs, all of them vi...

L-R Conference Speaker Dr Lauren Ayton, WESC’s Director of Business Development Mark Braithwaite, Conference Speaker Dr Stephen Hicks and WESC’s Principal Tracy de Bernhardt Dunkin On 2 July 2015, Visual Impairment (VI) was put under the...

Contact a Family are hosting free information workshops aimed at parents and carers of young people with a disability aged 14–17 years old. If you would like information about transition or money/benefits advice why not attend one of the events lis...

All you adrenaline junkies come and join us on Sunday 20 September 2015 at Haven Banks! This one is for you! WESC Foundation is seeking to recruit 88 intrepid, thrill-seeking supporters who are willing to throw themselves off the new tower at Haven B...

Three students from WESC Foundation have been busy fundraising to raise enough money to fund their trip to St Petersburg in Russia and….they did it! The three students, Harry, George and Tom, and three staff members are now in Russia seeing where L...

WESC Foundation is holding a Recruitment Open Day on Friday 19 June 2015 for anyone who is interested in working for our amazing charity. Why not take the opportunity to visit the site and meet some of the staff and young people that you could be...

‘The Four Amigos’: Dave, Mark, Adrian and Ian who are best “golf” buddies and former city traders, will be trekking to the top of Ben Nevis on 10 June 2015, to raise money for WESC Foundation! As well as celebrating Mark’s 50th birt...

The sun shone on the WESC Foundation golf tournament at Sidmouth Golf Club last week as teams from businesses and organisations throughout the South West battled it out for the glory. WESC Foundation’s golf days are about two things, having fun and...

Creative WESC Foundation learners are excited about exhibiting their sensory artwork at Exeter School, between the 16 to 19 June 2015 10am to 3pm, for the fourth year running. The exhibition of sensory artwork called Sensational 2015 is going to be...

WESC Foundation invited local contractors involved in the refurbishment of the new WESC Assessment and Family Centre, to a guided tour of the new facilities they had helped to create. A school and college for children, young people and adults with si...

An exclusive gourmet meal and wine tasting evening in the unique surroundings of The Salutation Inn, Topsham, but with a difference; you will be eating and drinking in the pitch darkness! This idea might seem a little strange at first, but by suppres...

WESC Foundation has fifteen charity places for the 2015 Great West Run and is looking for recruits to take these places, represent WESC, run that distance, raise money for WESC Foundation and have an absolutely brilliant day that they will never for...

WESC Foundation learners, staff and supporters enjoyed some glorious spring walks on Sunday 3 May 2015 in the grounds and gardens of Ugbrooke House. The walks were wonderful and everyone had a marvellous time, despite the odd shower. The highlights o...