About Sight Loss Councils

Sight Loss Councils are regional groups across Scotland, England, and Wales, led by blind and partially sighted (BPS) volunteers. All groups use lived experience to tackle the things that really matter to blind and partially sighted people, every day. Each SLC is made up of blind and partially sighted members who meet monthly to discuss accessibility issues and plan projects in their regions under priority themes. These themes are centred around what blind and partially sighted people have told us matters most to them, including accessible transport, streets, health and fitness, arts and culture, and retail.

 

There are currently around 25 Sight Loss Councils.

 

Thomas Pocklington Trust and partners plan to expand these further across the country this coming year.

 

Sight Loss Councils Vision and Mission:

Our vision

A society in which blind and partially sighted people have access to goods and services at the same level as everybody else.

 

Scotland’s Sight Loss Councils project summary

Scotland’s Sight Loss Councils (SLCs) are delivered by a consortium of partner organisations (Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans, Visibility Scotland and Thomas Pocklington Trust). By combining the strengths of each partner, SLCs aim to create an inclusive and accessible Scotland where vision-impaired and blind people can contribute to society and live a ‘good life’.

 

The SLCs tackle inequalities by ensuring vision-impaired and blind people are represented and participate in societal change.

 

Through supported and informed, peer-led participation in local and national consultations and campaigns, members positively challenge the systemic barriers that limit access to local amenities, services, opportunities, and independence.

 

The Scottish SLC model indirectly creates opportunities for members to develop knowledge, skills, and confidence while also fostering friendships and connections. Its direct purpose is to address and reduce the societal barriers that limit participation.

 

The SLC approach not only amplifies marginalised voices and supports local decision-making, but it equips BPS people with the skills, confidence, and autonomy needed to influence local and national change. This co-creational approach gets in and tackles the root causes of inequality and stigma associated with vision impairment through positive representation.

 

What are their priorities?

Many blind people we speak to feel that they are under-represented and have no strong, unified voice when decisions are being made – especially in the design and implementation of goods and services. We are here to change this.

 

• Transport: Ensuring public transport is accessible so everyone can travel independently and safely.

 

• Built Environment: Advocating for safer street environments, including addressing pavement parking and e-scooter safety.

 

• Healthcare: healthcare services are accessible and inclusive.

 

• Arts and culture: From museums to theatres, SLCs are helping cultural spaces across the country become accessible.

 

• Sports and leisure: Promoting accessible sports and leisure facilities to encourage physical activity.

 

• Retail: Work in partnership with retail to remove barriers and create an environment where everyone, regardless of their sight, can navigate a store, access products, and complete a transaction independently.

 

ID: Callum Lancashire, Engagement Manager for Scotland.

Callum said: “Sight Loss Councils are so important, as we want people to talk, share their experiences, share the things they like, their struggles and hopefully collectively we can make a real change for the better. Everybody has the right to be treated the same whether that is going to work, the shops, appointments, football, rugby or concerts; people with a vision impairment shouldn’t be looked at as a problem, inclusivity should be a necessity.”

 

Recruitment and volunteer membership

Members

Each SLC will have up to ten members, who are lived experience volunteers recruited following Sight Scotland’s volunteer recruitment policy

• Members sign up to the volunteer agreement and SLC Code of Conduct
• Members receive person-centred support to ensure they are safe and fully able to participate
• Agree to disclosure/PVG checks
• Development to take on a leadership role, but only in appropriate and following a strengths-based approach

 

Sight Loss Council Scotland recruitment

Sight Loss Council Scotland is recruiting new members. If you want to make a real difference in your local area on the issues that affect vision-impaired people, joining our Sight Loss Council could be the perfect volunteering opportunity for you.

 

You will work with policymakers and local service providers to improve access for vision-impaired people in your local community. It is also a great opportunity to come together with other blind and partially sighted people in your area. This is your chance to develop your skills and influence positive change.

 

Hear from a Sight Loss Council Volunteer

 

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 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.

 

Join the mailing list

Stay up to date with news from Sight Loss Councils by signing up to the Sight Loss Council mailing list, linked below:

Mailing list.

 

Further reading

Sight Loss Councils Scotland | Sight Scotland

Sight Loss Councils – Thomas Pocklington Trust