Wales
Thank you for visiting the Sight Loss Council Cymru page!
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Sight Loss Council Cymru, a two-year pilot project run by Wales Council of the Blind and funded through Thomas Pocklington Trust.
Sight Loss Councils (SLC) are regional groups led by blind and partially sighted (BPS) volunteers. We use our lived experience to tackle the things that matter most to BPS people every day.
About SLC Cymru
SLC Cymru will bring together up to 15 volunteer representatives from across Wales who are blind or partially sighted. The group will include at least one representative from each health board area, alongside an independent chair.
Our members will work closely with Local Action Groups where they exist, or with local sight loss groups in their area. This ensures the voices and experiences of BPS people are heard, helping to shape decisions that affect our communities.
This is an exciting opportunity to make your voice heard and help create a more accessible Wales.
Anita Davies, Engagement Manager for Wales, said:
“When I accepted the role of Sight Loss Engagement Manager for Wales, I was so excited for many reasons. I had heard about Sight Loss Councils in England and, very early on, I asked if one would be coming to Wales. Now, several years later, it’s here, and I have the privilege of helping make it a platform that enables blind and partially sighted people to have an independent voice.
“The SLC provides a structured way for people to shape services, offer positive solutions, provide support, training, and advice, and make a real difference in everyday life at a local, regional, and national level in Wales. It also gives this voice visibility at a UK level.
“SLC Cymru is about sharing information across the sight loss sector and ensuring that opportunities and resources reach people locally through multiple channels, so that blind and partially sighted people can access the full range of support available through our partnerships.”
Why should I volunteer?
Are you blind or partially sighted and passionate about creating positive change?
If you want to make a real difference in your local area, joining SLC Cymru could be the perfect volunteering opportunity. As a volunteer, you’ll help highlight challenges, influence services, and work with others to create positive change across Wales.
Hear from our volunteers
“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.”
“I am excited to be part of a project that will improve services for people with sight loss.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Enquire about Sight Loss Councils in Wales
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.
Stay in the know
Stay up to date with news from Sight Loss Councils and Thomas Pocklington Trust by signing up to their mailing list.