Handle the goods: shopping with sight loss
Friday 23 February 9:45am - 12:45pm
St Matthew's, 20 Great Peter Street, Westminster, SW1P 2BU
This event is now fully booked. To join the waiting list, please contact Liam O’Carroll on liam.ocarroll@pocklington.org.uk or 07970231583.
Blind and partially sighted people living in the capital are invited to join London Sight Loss Councils at their ‘Handle the goods: shopping with sight loss’ event, on Friday 23 February.
About the event
Are you a reluctant shopper due to sight loss?
Find out how shopping centres, retailers and products are becoming more accessible for blind and partially sighted (BPS) people with assistance and technology.
Key event highlights
- London Sight Loss Council members share the work they have been doing over the past year to make retail accessible, for people shopping with sight loss.
- Hear from industry experts about what their organisations do to support and improve your experience as BPS shoppers.
- Learn from Jean-Paul Hewlett, Head of Guest Services at Battersea Power Station, about how their teams at shopping centres across London support BPS people to shop independently.
- Listen to Oran McAllister, Client Engagement at NaviLens, who will demonstrate how they are working to improve product identification using technology.
- Learn about WelcoMe, an app for disabled people designed to notify venues before their visit of how they would like to be supported.
- Hear from Paul Gallagher, Global Accessibility Leader at Proctor and Gamble (P&G), about how they are prioritising product identification and accessibility, and get the opportunity to try this out.
Lucy Williams, Senior Engagement Manager for London Sight Loss Councils, said:
“Accessible and independent shopping was raised as an important issue by BPS Londoners during Listening Month 2022. This is when London SLC members engaged with BPS people across the capital to inform our work.
“As a result, this past year we have worked with shopping centres, technology companies and product brands to #MakeRetailAccessible.
“We are now excited to bring BPS people and retail industry experts together at this event to share knowledge and raise our confidence, so everyone can enjoy shopping.”
Oran McAllister, Client Engagement at NaviLens, said:
“Thomas Pocklington Trust has been raising the bar, and awareness, of the needs for people who are blind or partially sighted to have a more independent and enjoyable shopping experience. It is a great honour to be invited to take part in this forum to discuss these needs and the best way forward for fully accessible shopping. At NaviLens, our mission is to empower everyone who is blind or partially sighted, and this event will help us to continue this hard yet rewarding journey.”
Jean-Paul Hewlett, Head of Guest Services at Battersea Power Station, said:
“Everyone has potential.
“Accessibility is an important topic that allows everyone to shine, no matter where.”
We have also invited other industry insiders to join us for what will be an informative and interactive session exploring the world of accessible shopping.
Refreshments, as well as morning pastries, will be provided.
Event details
- Date and time: Friday, 23 February 2024, 9.45am – 12.45pm
- Venue: St Matthew’s, 20 Great Peter Street, Westminster, SW1P 2BU
- This event is free to attend and light refreshments will be provided.
- Booking required. Are you bringing a guide or companion with you? If so, they will need to book a separate place, under their name. This is to enable us to manage numbers for the size of the venue.
- Booking closes Monday 19 February.
Directions
The main entrance is through St Matthew’s Church on Great Peter Street, Westminster.
St James’s Park, Westminster and Victoria stations are all within a 10 minute walk of the venue. The nearest bus stop is Westminster Abbey which is served by the 24, 148, 11, 211 and 88 bus routes.
Check this link to Parkopedia for car parking locations nearby.
Please contact liam.ocarroll@pocklington.org.uk if you are interested in joining a meet and greet at Westminster tube station at 9:30am.
About Sight Loss Councils
Sight Loss Councils are led by blind and partially sighted members. Together, they tackle local issues and work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services.
Photography and video
During registration, you will be asked to confirm you are happy to be included in any photographs, videos or images from the event. These will be used promotional purposes, raising the profile of our work and for sharing information and good practice. Please note, if you do not wish to be included, you may still feature in the background.
Join our mailing list
When you register, you will be asked whether you would like to join our mailing list.
By consenting to receive our emails you agree to your data being retained and used to send you information of interest to you. We will not sell or rent your information to third parties. We may share your information with third parties such as MailChimp or SurveyMonkey in order to send you communications or to canvass your opinion. You can opt out of these communications at any time by emailing info@sightlosscouncils.org.uk