Bristol SLC expands and changes name to West of England
Bristol Sight Loss Council (SLC) has expanded into North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to work with more partners. It has also changed its name to West of England SLC as a result.
Due to this expansion, West of England SLC is also looking for blind and partially sighted people who are passionate about creating change and live in North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to join them.
The SLC launched in May 2019 and over the last four years has:
• produced a video with an NHS Trust to promote the importance of the Accessible Information Standard (AIS)
• worked with Bristol City Council to produce a video for taxi drivers about assisting people with a visual impairment
• worked with arts and culture venues to develop their accessibility including increasing audio description
• supported First Bus in improving their services for blind and partially sighted people including organising two ‘Meet the Bus’ events
• worked with National Rail to produce the first ever audio guide of a mainline train station
They now want to work with organisations in North Somerset and South Gloucestershire on similar projects to create positive change for people with sight loss.
Jerry, West of England SLC member, reading a letter through a magnifying glass as pictured during our AIS campaign
Alun Davies, Engagement Manager for South West England, said:
“We are really excited to be expanding Bristol Sight Loss Council to Cover North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. All Sight Loss Councils are led and supported by blind and partially sighted people. Our aim is to make a real impact and positive change in local communities.
“We are calling out to all blind and partially sighted people living in North Somerset or South Gloucestershire. If you want to improve access and awareness amongst service providers and businesses in your area, we want to hear from you!”
Emma Blackmore, West of England SLC member, said:
“Joining West of England Sight Loss Council allows me to help blind and partially sighted people in my community. It has also helped me gain more confidence, skills, and meet lots of people who are on similar journeys. It gives me more purpose.”
Members of West of England SLC pictured with Alun Davies, Engagement Manager for South West England, at our 2022 SLC conference
Join West of England Sight Loss Council
Are you blind and partially sighted and living in North Somerset and South Gloucestershire? Do you want to improve services for visually impaired people in your area? Then join our SLC.
You’ll get the opportunity to create positive change for others, meet like-minded people, have a voice, feel valued, receive training, and learn or enhance your skills. Whether you’re interested in public speaking or honing your social media skills, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.
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Publication date: 14 July 2023