Staffordshire Sight Loss Council launch
Thomas Pocklington Trust is thrilled to announce the Staffordshire Sight Loss Council (SLC) launch in the West Midlands, bringing our ever-expanding total to almost 25 across England and Scotland.
Blind and partially sighted (BPS) members from across Staffordshire will use their lived experience of sight loss to increase the accessibility of public transport, streets, health and fitness. We are also looking for BPS people from South Staffordshire to join us.
Last week, members celebrated the launch of the Staffordshire Sight Loss Council in their first in-person meeting in the sunshine. This is where they began to share their ideas for projects across the country.
For volunteer Tanja Price, her role within the Sight Loss Council is about speaking up for those who may not be able to:
“I want to be a voice for those who may not have the confidence.”
How will Staffordshire Sight Loss Council implement change?
Members will work with service providers and participate in activities. This includes vision awareness sessions, panels, and forums. The goal is to increase accessibility and raise awareness for blind and partially sighted people in their local area.
They will also conduct access audits and support simulation glasses walks. This is to help sighted people experience common eye conditions to better understand vision impairment.
Staffordshire SLC volunteer Alison Teale expressed that she was most excited about using her lived experience to make a difference:
“I am looking forward to joining a team that will use our experiences of being visually impaired to help improve the lives of all visually impaired people across Staffordshire.”
Volunteer Geoff Ryder added that he was looking forward to supporting those with visual impairments in any way possible:
“I look forward to helping visually impaired people in any way I can.”
Louise Connop, Senior Engagement Manager for Central England, added that she was most excited about working collaboratively with service providers and businesses to create real change:
“We are excited to announce the launch of our newest West Midlands Sight Loss Council in Staffordshire. Working collaboratively with organisations, businesses, and service providers across a range of sectors, we will raise awareness of the challenges and barriers faced within your community and empower each other to share stories and build relationships.”
Do you want to get involved and make a difference?
We are looking for BPS people from South Staffordshire to join us. Our SLCs are run by dedicated BPS people who use their lived experiences to affect change in their community. Join us as a volunteer today and start making a change, one conversation at a time.
Publication date: 08 August 2024