Sight Loss Council launched in York

A new advocacy group, led by blind and partially sighted people, has launched in York. York Sight Loss Council will campaign for positive change in the city and tackle a range of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people, such as e-scooter safety and access to health and social care.

York Sight Loss Council, funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, will join the network of Sight Loss Councils across the country, working to improve access to products and services at a local and national level.

Engagement Manager Iain Mitchell said: “York Sight Loss Council will meet with politicians, local businesses and organisations to voice the needs of visually impaired York residents. We are a ‘doing group’ not a talking group. We challenge inequalities and work to break down barriers.”

The Sight Loss Council will meet once a month and base its work on six priority areas: Education, Employment, Transport, Technology, Sport and Leisure and Health and Social Care.

The council is still open to applications from new members. Iain adds: “You will gain advocacy experience which can help with confidence and you will make a real difference in your local community. It’s also a chance to meet like-minded people and improve your skillset.”

Find out more and join us: www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk/join-us 

Image shows a black car parked right across the pavement which would cause people to need to move out onto the road to pass it.  This is the type of barrier blind and partially sighted people regularly face on a typical street. York Sight Loss Council will join the national Streets For All campaign to call for accessible streets for everyone.  www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk/campaigns/streetsforall/

Publication date: 29 March 2021