Birmingham
Birmingham Sight Loss Council was established in 2016 as the first Sight Loss Council in the UK. The success of which has now seen expansion into five regions. The council has made significant changes to services in Birmingham and continues to strengthen relationships with organisations, in order to ensure ongoing accessibility for blind and partially sighted people.
We have compiled a list of organisations delivering services and activities for sport, employment and social activities across Birmingham, as well as the contact information for the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO).
If you are interested in finding out more information about volunteering for the Sight Loss Councils, read the Volunteer Role Description below and fill in our short expression of interest form. If you would like to apply to become a Sight Loss Council member, apply online.
Volunteer Role Description Sight Loss Council Member (DOCX, 60 KB)
Meet the Staff
“My name is Louise and I am the Engagement Manager for Birmingham. I have been registered Sight impaired since birth and severely sight impaired from the age of 7.
I enjoy spending time with my two young children and generally living life to the full, travelling and socialising with friends and family. I am extremely passionate about raising awareness of Visual Impairments, Instilling confidence in other VIPs and Educating and Encouraging the wider world to understand how to become more VI friendly.
Previously I worked in marketing, public sector and more recently I ran the Low Vision Department at the Beacon Centre for the Blind in Wolverhampton. I really believe that with the right attitude and support network, we can all achieve whatever we put our minds to.”
Meet the Council Members
Jordan Long
I have been a Birmingham Sight Loss Council Member since 2017. I enjoy working on Technology and Transport accessibility. I have also been involved with website testing and app testing.
I’ve just graduated from Queen Alexandra College in Birmingham, with qualifications in IT Level 2 & 3.
In my spare time I love photography and performing as a DJ at events and private functions
Ian McNamara
I’ve been blind since birth and I was diagnosed with Retinopathy of Prematurity. I have been a Birmingham Sight Loss Council member since 2017 and my interests are in Accessibility and VoiceOver for Apple devices. I previously worked at Apple as a Customer Service specialist.
I am passionate about access for blind and partially sighted people in Birmingham and am keen to help to improve the daily lives of people living with visual impairment in and around the city.
Sarah Loat
I have worked within the sight loss sector for over 8 years, having been diagnosed with Retinopathy a decade ago. As a teacher at Queen Alexander College and a Sight Loss Council member since 2017, I am passionate about improving services and accessibility in the region. Throughout my career I have worked and volunteered for a number of organisations through the sight loss sector including, Worcestershire Sight Concern, Victoria School and specialist arts College multi-sensory impairment unit, FOCUS Birmingham, Action for the Blind and Guide Dogs.
Most of my spare time is spent being a mummy to my young son. I also love going to the theatre, travelling and exploring new places.
Ahmed
Hi, my name is Ahmed and I have been Visually Impaired for the last few years with Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Degeneration. He have been with the Birmingham SLC from the very beginning. I originally joined to get out and about meeting new people and to explore what was available to VI people in the city.
I currently work full time at the Queen Alexandra College as a Lighting Technician and have also enjoyed being a volunteer at Birmingham Vision. In my spare time, I enjoy outdoor sporting activities and I have also completed the Birmingham Marathon!
My confidence has grown massively since joining the Sight Loss Council it really brought me out of my cubby hole as before I felt locked away.
Steve
I have been registered blind all my life and have no useful vision. I joined the Birmingham SLC 2 years a go, primarily to help increase the services available to blind and partially sighted people in and around Birmingham.
I have a background in Counselling, specialising in drug and alcohol addiction. I have also previously worked as a holistic therapist with attention in aromatherapy.
In my spare time I enjoy watching Formula 1, rock climbing and participating in outdoor activities.
Wayne
I have been Visually Impaired since I was a small child. I joined the Birmingham SLC around two years ago to highlight the issues Blind and Partially sighted people face in Birmingham.
I have previously worked in a specialist school as a teaching assistant and an inclusion development practitioner supporting young people with disabilities, helping them to access sports and leisure facilities.
I am in my final year at University studying Counselling, Young People and Adult Studies.
In my spare time, I am currently learning to play the saxophone, I enjoy socialising with friends and can often be found on a Friday night at the pub!
Lianne
I have been registered Blind since birth with septo-optic dysplasia. As a Sight Loss Council member, I enjoy getting involved with promoting, raising awareness and giving feedback around visual impairment in my local community.
I am hoping to start University in 2021 studying Health and Social Care. I love socialising and getting out and about participating in Street Dance lessons and performances along with my Black Labrador Guide Dog, Ralph!
On Saturday and Sunday evenings, you can often find me presenting an Online Radio Show for the VIP Lounge.
Interested in becoming a Sight Loss Council member?