Worcestershire SLC promotes local activity
Worcestershire Sight Loss Council (SLC) has come together with Sight Concern Worcestershire to promote local activity and recruit new members.
Over 40 blind and partially sighted (BPS) people attended two information sessions. It was a great opportunity to raise awareness of Worcestershire SLC’s work. Guests had the opportunity to find out about our upcoming projects in the region, learn about the wider work of Sight Loss Councils, and how they can get involved. As a result, four BPS people have expressed interest in joining Worcestershire SLC.
Afterwards guests were able to network and enjoy afternoon tea and fish and chips.
We were delighted to work with Sight Concern Worcestershire and are looking forward to future collaborations to improve accessibility across the county.
Louise Connop, Senior Engagement Manager for Central England, is highlighting Worcestershire SLC’s local activity
Feedback
Louise Connop, Senior Engagement Manager for Central England, said:
“Worcestershire Sight Loss Council launched at the end of 2022. We organised these sessions because we want to hear from blind and partially sighted people across the county to ensure their views are being heard.
“It was interesting to hear from people in different areas of Worcestershire to see how some issues were location specific, whilst others were an issue across the whole county. As a member led group, it is extremely important that the work we do covers the issues that the local VI community wants us to address. We will continue to ensure we have other opportunities for people to feed into the work that we do in 2023.
“We work collaboratively with organisations and service providers across the region to raise awareness and improve accessibility. We are still looking for local blind and partially sighted people to help us make Worcestershire an inclusive place for to live, work and visit.”
Anne Eyre, CEO of Sight Concern Worcestershire, said:
“I am delighted that we are working closely with Thomas Pocklington Trust to make Worcestershire Sight Loss Council a success. It is a much-needed way for the people we support to ensure their voices are heard. All of us at Sight Concern Worcestershire are excited to see what Worcestershire Sight Loss Council achieves.”
Rachel, Wellbeing Activities Coordinator, Sight Concern Worcester, added:
‘Having Worcestershire Sight Loss Council attend our connections groups has been such a positive experience. The conversations that the SLC representatives started have been lively and has resulted in some really important peer support.
“It is so important to hear the voices of visually impaired people and to understand what they need and want so their communities can be inclusive. As a sighted person working for Sight Concern Worcestershire, I am constantly learning from my colleagues and clients – it’s only by listening to those with lived experience that we can make Worcestershire an inclusive place for our VI community.”
Delegates at the event were blind or partially sighted. One said:
“Today’s session went really well and it was a good opportunity to meet new people. I found the information about Sight Loss Councils very useful and how they work to improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people locally.
“A lot of us at these groups are older and struggle to keep up with technology and online services for things. Sight Loss Councils seem like a good idea to raise awareness and make things more accessible.”
Join Worcestershire Sight Loss Council
Are you blind or partially sighted? If you live in Worcestershire and would like to advocate for visually impaired people, we’d love to hear from you.
Find out more about volunteering for Sight Loss Councils in our Volunteer Role Description – Volunteer Role Description Sight Loss Council Member (DOCX, 60 KB).
If you would like to apply to become a Sight Loss Council member, apply online here.
Training and development
It’s really important to us that you get as much as possible out of volunteering. You’ll receive relevant training and the opportunity to learn and/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
Join our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest news from our Sight Loss Councils
Publication date: 10 March 2023