York Sight Loss Council is looking for new members! If you are blind and partially sighted, live in York and want to improve services for visually impaired people in your area, we want to hear from you!
Our monthly meetings are still being held virtually for now but you can advocate for blind and partially sighted people from your home. Make a difference – work with policy makers and local service providers to improve access for blind and partially sighted people in the area.
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)
Iain Mitchell is the Engagement Manager for York Sight Loss Council.
He has a visual impairment, caused by Albinism, Nystagmus and photo sensitivity.
“Sight Loss Councils are the only platform I’m aware of, run purely by blind and partially sighted people. The councils address issues in their area and give visually impaired people a voice. That lived experience makes it unique. I’ve seen boardrooms and forums light up when someone stands up and talks about their lived experience. It opens doors.”
Iain Mitchell
Find out more about Iain in his blog post “Don’t let your visual impairment stop you’”
What are services like for you as a blind and partially sighted person living in York?
Let us know the issues you feel we should focus on.
My name is Simon Sharpe and I live in Selby. I was registered blind four years ago and I’m a long cane user. I previously worked in the food industry for 30 years in management and research roles. My interests are martial arts and fitness. I am involved in visually impaired groups in Hull, York and Selby. I am hoping to facilitate change by helping others to create a level playing field for sighted and visually impaired people.
My name is Diane Roworth, and I am registered blind. I am fortunate to have spent most of my working life in the sight loss sector. In 2017 I retired as Chief Officer of York Blind and Partially Sighted Society (now MySight), having started with them as a volunteer 27 years previously. On retiring I was presented with the RNIB Vision Pioneer Lifetime Achievement Award, and also the Paul Harris fellowship from my local Rotary Group (of which I am now a member). I enjoy gardening, travelling, sailing and volunteering. I believe there is a lack of understanding of the impact sight loss can have on a person’s life and that the best people to explain that impact are visually impaired people themselves. I look forward to working together for positive change on issues of local and national importance.
Hello, my name is Caroline I am registered as having sight loss along with other disabilities and mobility problems. I have been involved with My Sight York. For a number of years.
One of my main interests is my cat called princess who has really helped with my mental wellbeing. She is pure white with one green eye and one blue. I love shopping and my passion is fashion. I enjoy going out with friends and socialising. I also enjoy the outdoors and walking. I am a very chatty person who likes to help others if I can and make a difference
