Northumberland SLC celebrates second birthday
Northumberland Sight Loss Council (SLC) has celebrated its second birthday and its work to create change for blind and partially sighted (BPS) people across the region.
Thomas Pocklington Trust recently appointed Jack Moffat as the new Engagement Manager for North East England. Jack, previously a SLC volunteer, is registered severely sight impaired.
Jack brings with him a wealth of knowledge of the local area, and endless enthusiasm, and is excited to begin work on Northumberland SLC’s local and national projects.
He said:
“From trialling new luggage locating technology at Newcastle airport, to improving accessibility at Manor Walk shopping centre, it has been a fantastic two years for Northumberland Sight Loss Council.
“With an ever-growing team of enthusiastic volunteers, there could not be a better time to join us.
“We are finalising our projects which include; improving accessibility of bus services, working to make our streets clutter and hazard free, and encouraging more BPS to get involved with sport and leisure.
“We need the support of Northumberland’s visually impaired community to support this work. Please, consider joining our diverse, friendly, and motivated SLC. Together we can create a better environment for visually impaired people to thrive in.”
Northumberland SLC at a VI kayaking session, with Northumberland Vision
If you would like to collaborate with Northumberland Sight Loss Council on a project, please get in touch.
What our volunteers say
Chloe Hesse recently joined Northumberland SLC. She said:
“I’m looking forward to being able to use my knowledge and experience to support others and promote positive change.
“I may be a raindrop in the ocean, but I can still make a difference. I want to advocate for those around me and show the world that if it’s more accessible, we can achieve just as much as a sighted person.
“Through our local project, I can explore my passion for sport again, which brings comradery and offers as a social outlet.
“I hope that through my volunteer role, I can rebuild my confidence and return to work through the opportunities that Sight Loss Councils is offering me.”
Matty Bolam, Northumberland SLC member, added:
“I just want to help people who are blind or partially sighted to be treated as equals. Being an SLC volunteer gives me a sense of pride. I am trying to help make a difference.
“I would encourage others to join our Sight Loss Council to help make a difference for others in the local community.”
Jack Moffat, Engagement Manager for North East England, pictured with Matty Bolam, Northumberland SLC member
Join Northumberland Sight Loss Council
Northumberland Sight Loss Council is recruiting new members who live in the local area.
If you are blind and partially sighted and want to improve services for visually impaired people in your area, we want to hear from you.
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.
Stay in the know
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Publication date: 14 November 2023