Sight Loss Council Cymru
Introduction
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.
What is the Sight Loss Council Cymru?
The SLC Cymru is a two-year pilot project run by Wales Council of the Blind and funded through Thomas Pocklington Trust. Sight Loss Councils, funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, are regional groups led by blind and partially sighted volunteers. We use our lived experience to shape inclusive services, influence decisions, and ensure accessibility in local communities.
SLC Cymru will comprise up to 15 representatives across Wales who are blind or partially sighted. The SLC will be made up of at least one representative from each health board area and an independent chair.
The SLC Cymru representatives will have engagement with either Local Action Groups (LAG) where they exist or local sight loss groups relevant to the area they represent.
Meetings
There will be ten meetings per year, roughly monthly. Two of those meetings will be held face-to-face and the others online via Zoom or Teams. All reasonable expenses will be met.
Why should I join?
- Training and development will be provided;
- You will have a voice to influence services.
Members in other SLCs tell us they volunteer to:
- make a difference;
- build confidence;
- increase accessibility;
- boost their CV;
- meet like-minded people;
- feel valued.
What have existing Sight Loss Councils achieved?
- reduce street clutter and obstacles so blind and partially sighted people can navigate the streets independently and safely;
- make transport accessible so everyone can get a bus, taxi or train;
- deliver vision awareness sessions to increase the accessibility of services;
- meet with local politicians and councillors to put forward key issues;
- help to plan and run regional and local activities, events or meetings;
- improve access to sport, leisure, health and other important community services.
I'm interested. What do I do next?
Contact anita@wcb-ccd.org.uk for an application form.
Once an application is received you will be contacted for an informal interview.
We will ask you to fill in a Tech Assessment Form to see what support you might need.
Once recruitment is successful you will be invited to the compulsory training and a face to face meeting with the other SLC representatives.
If selected, we will require two references.
Hear from our volunteers about why you should join us
“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.” - Alasdaire, who likes to be known as Al.
"I've just had my interview for joining the Sight Loss Council and I'm excited about that because I'm looking forward to exploring what it means to break down the barriers that people like myself face with sight loss and to work together as a team to support people with sight loss to gain their independence and have fun at the same time." - Uzma.
"The reason I wanted to join the sight loss council is to provide a voice for myself and the people of Swansea Bay region to feed back to WCB, the Welsh Government and other relevant organisations issues that are of importance so that they can be addressed in a timely manner. After reading through the articles of association for WCB I felt that they were aligned with what I was passionate about. I wanted to encompass all of the themes within this. I hope to make a difference for people who are sight impaired within my region and through Wales as well as learn from the different situations to use in other areas." - Paul.
"I am excited to be part of a project that will improve services for people with sight loss." - Teresa.
"I wish to join the WSLC to assist others in my community with sight loss to live a better quality of life which they deserve.". SLC volunteer, Judi, said: "My mission is to ensure that everyone’s voice from our community is heard and responded to. I don’t believe there is any such thing as a ‘hard to reach group’, only ones that need a little bit more effort to engage with. Hearing from these groups is especially important in my quest." - Tony.
"The Sight Loss Council is a fantastic new initiative for blind and partially sighted people in Wales. There are many different conditions effecting many different people across Wales. The Sight Loss Council can be the voice for all those people and can make a real difference in people's lives." - Tim.
"I want to join the Sight Loss Council to use my knowledge and life experience to help other blind and partially sighted people lead better lives." - Nick.
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.
Resources
Here is a resources page for the Sight Loss Councils: https://www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk/resources/