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.
Sight Loss Council Cymru needs your feedback
Sight Loss Council (SLC) Cymru has nearly all the representatives in place. In preparation for their first business meeting which will take place very soon, the council would like some feedback on the items below. This information will help with the campaign work we will be doing with Thomas Pocklington Trust and other sight loss charities.
Can you please feed back to us:
- What type of bins do you use in your local area? Are these wheelie bins, recycle bins, or bins that are bags in multiple colours thrown into the bin lorry like a bin bag?
- How problematic is this in your area when you go out because of where full or empty bins are placed?
- Do you use the assistance scheme provided through the local authority and does this work well?
- Do you know what a floating bus stop is and do you have any in your area? Do you feel these are problematic or not?
- Do you know if your local authority are installing or have installed continuous footways? If so are these problematic?
- Have you had any experiences relating to E-bikes and e-scooters?
To give your views on these issues, please contact Anita Davies, Wales Council of the Blind's Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager on either 029 20473954 or 07929 280518, or email anita@wcb-ccd.org.uk.
Opportunity to join Sight Loss Council for Wales
Are you blind or partially sighted, and passionate about creating positive change for others? Sight Loss Councils (SLCs), are led by blind and partially sighted volunteer members and are established in other parts of the UK. We have established one in Wales. It aims to influence businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services on a local and national level. Join us to help ensure visually impaired people can live the lives we choose.
For more information, and to find out how to join us, click here.
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.
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 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.