Our work.
About Wales Council of the Blind
"I have found all my contacts with WCB over the years to be so useful and professional." - Rehabilitation Officer for VI.
Wales Council of the Blind is the umbrella agency representing vision impairment within Wales. We work to campaign, lobby and support the improvement of services for people with sight loss. WCB provides a platform vision impaired people to raise their concerns and wishes.
WCB's Articles of Association sets out a way of letting their members contribute to setting priorities and work streams. An important part of the new structure is the creation of Regional Steering Groups to inform WCB's work. The four new Regional Steering Groups will be established across Wales, covering North, West, South East and South Central.
Each group intends to offer a platform for local clubs, charities, statutory services and people with sight loss to get together and contribute to directing the work and resources of WCB. It's likely that priorities may vary from region to region, and we want that to be reflected in the work of WCB.
WCB's Board of Trustees will include four representatives - one nominated from each of the four regional steering groups - to bring the views of the regions to the table.
What does Wales Council of the Blind do?
- We work to assist the Welsh Government by participating in and facilitating consultation
- keep in touch with what is happening in every area in Wales and in the U.K.
- We highlight examples of good practice and distribute this to the eyecare sector through our SYLW newsletter, e-bulletins, quarterly 'Round-Up' Magazine, and our professional networks
- bring people together to exchange information and ideas
- identify gaps in provision
- encourage the development of new services where necessary
- support and assist other agencies to provide a good service
- represent v.i. within Wales and at an all-Wales level
- represent v.i. in Wales at a U.K. level
Latest WCB news.
Bus services in Wales - Feedback needed
As part of the work Wales Council for the Blind will be doing on the Sight Loss Council, we would like to have an understanding of which bus companies are used in the different areas of Wales.
This information will also be helpful for bigger project we will be working on with Thomas Pocklington Trust. Please can you let Anita know of which bus companies you are using and whether these services are frequent and supportive to your travel needs. You can email or phone her on anita@wcb-ccd.org.uk or 07929280518.
Sight Loss Council for Wales - More representatives needed
Are you blind or partially sighted and want to change things for the better? Wales Council of the Blind is launching a new Sight Loss Council group in Wales and recruiting new members. Sight Loss Councils (SLC Cymru), funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, are regional groups led by blind and partially sighted people. Together, we work with organisations to ensure what they do is accessible and inclusive. You will work with policy makers and local service providers to improve access for blind and partially sighted people in your local community. You will also get the opportunity to come together with other blind and partially sighted people in your area, have a voice and develop new skills.
We are currently recruiting for representatives to cover the following regions:
- Hwyl Dda Health Board area (one required)
- Aneurin Bevan (two representatives required)
- Betsi Cadwaladr (two representatives required)
- Powys (two representatives required)
You can read some volunteer's stories here, and the new SLC volunteers in Wales explain why the role is important to them:
- Alasdaire who likes to be known as Al said: “Being part of the Sight Loss Council Cymru as a volunteer, a representative for The Cwm Taf area is important to me because, together we can make a difference. Supporting each other with shared experiences and encouraging individuals to make change. It is a positive step towards supporting people with sight loss to build confidence while raising awareness within their daily lives, remaining members of their local community and enabling people to make these changes. It is important that they know they are not alone. Ensuring that we have a voice that educates society, allowing others to gain a greater understanding of the struggles that are faced by the visually impaired community. I believe, little changes can make a big difference, much like a ripple effect. teamwork, really does make the dream work”.
- Uzma, said: "I am looking forward to joining the sight loss council as I want to explore what it means to break down the barriers that people with sight loss face every day. I am looking forward to working as a team to support people to gain their independence and have fun at the same time".
Wales Eyecare Conference 2025 - Presentations available
Presentations made at the Wales Eyecare Conference 2025 on 6th November in Cardiff are now available on the Conference website.
John O'Donnell
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John O’Donnell, a cherished member of BridgeVis.
For many years, John dedicated his time and energy into making a difference for people with sight loss in Bridgend. His unwavering commitment, compassion, and generosity touched countless lives and inspired all who had the privilege of working alongside him. John will be sorely missed by all of us at Wales Council of the Blind.
Introducing Anita Davies, WCB’s Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager
Anita Davies has recently taken up the role as Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager with Wales Council of the Blind. This is a two-year pilot project funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust. There are also Sight Loss Councils in England and Scotland.
The Sight Loss Council is for and about people who are blind and partially sighted having a voice through areas such Health, Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport, and Transport. The Sight Loss Council for Wales will be made up of volunteers who are blind or partially sighted. There will be two volunteers from each health board geographic area. Anita will develop Local Action groups in Hywel Dda, Betsi Cadwalader and Cwm Taf Morgannwg areas and will be working with members to achieve this. This is a very exciting opportunity to be involved in making a local or national change around the things you are passionate about.
Anita says 'I am so excited and pleased to be involved in setting up the Sight Loss Council for Wales. It not only enables me to bring all of my skills to the table but it also enables you to be part of something that can make a difference not only to your life but to the lives of blind and partially sighted people'.
If you want to be involved and or want a chat about the Sight Loss Council and the local action groups, please contact Anita on either anita@wcb-ccd.org.uk or ring her on 02920 473954.
WCB Monthly Newsletter - Sylw
WCB produces a monthly print and audio newsletter, Sylw. The main audience for this newsletter is people with sight loss who are not online, so we are particularly keen to include information about face-to-face events in Wales, or telephone events. Unfortunately, we sometimes find out about such events too late to include them. To ensure your face-to-face events are included, please provide us with details well in advance. The bulletin is released at the end of each month.
If you know of anyone with sight loss who would like to receive Sylw in the post each month, please ring WCB on 029 2047 3954 or email bec@wcb-ccd.org.uk.
Wales Eyecare Conference 2025 - Waiting list open
The Wales Eyecare Conference on Thursday 6th November is now fully booked. However, cancellations often occur closer to the date, so a waiting list is available.
We would encourage applicants to add their details to the list, and notifications will be sent once a place is available. You can do this here or ring WCB on 029 2047 3954.
The event will be held at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, and this year's theme is 'Mental Health of Patients and the Workforce'. For full details including the Programme of the Day and information about the venue, click on the 'Eyecare Conference' tab at the top right of this screen.
BridgeVis wins Unsung Heroes Award
Bridgevis (Bridgend & District VI Society), a dedicated local voluntary group, has won Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations' Unsung Heroes award for their outstanding contribution to the Bridgend community.
Nominated by Sandy Davies, the Vision Rehabilitation Specialist for Bridgend Council, BridgeVis was recognised for promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and the meaningful difference it has made to people with sight loss in Bridgend.
Wales Council of the Blind to cease use of X
Wales Council of the Blind will no longer post on X (formerly Twitter).
To continue receiving news from across the sight loss sector in Wales, please sign up here for our weekly ebulletin Sylw, You can also follow us on Facebook, Threads and Instagram @walesblind. Any organisations who want us to promote their activities should email bec@wcb-ccd.org.uk.