Sight Loss Councils launch in Scotland
Thomas Pocklington Trust is excited to announce the launch of Sight Loss Councils in Scotland for the first time on 25 April 2024.
Sight Loss Councils (SLC) are delivered in Scotland by Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans, Visibility Scotland and funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust. The expansion of SLCs into the devolved nations builds on the success of TPT’s SLC model in England.
Sight Loss Councils Scotland held its inaugural launch event at Summerhall in Edinburgh on 25 April 2024. On Tuesday, 30 April 2024 we will hold a second event. Visibility Scotland will host the event, from 1-3pm in Glasgow city centre.
This first of two taster events served as an introduction to the Sight Loss Councils in Scotland for everyone interested in learning more, including potential new members, supporters and partners.
Moreover, the event provided platform for collaboration, as SLCs in Scotland actively seek businesses interested in partnering to promote accessibility and equality.
Callum Lancashire, Engagement Manager for Scotland, being interviewed on camera by STV
Emma Hughes, Director of Services at Thomas Pocklington Trust, said:
“Thomas Pocklington Trust is delighted to be working in partnership with Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans and Visibility Scotland to launch Sight Loss Councils in Scotland for the first time.
“This expansion builds on the success of Thomas Pocklington Trust’s Sight Loss Councils in England. Our model is centred around our core belief that only people with lived experience can truly explain what is needed to decision makers and service providers, so everyone can live full and independent lives. We are proud to be rolling out this model beyond England and its success is a testament to the hard work of all our volunteers.”
Callum Lancashire, Sight Loss Council Scotland Engagement Manager, added:
“I am excited to get the SLCs going in Scotland, and I hope as many people as possible come along to find out about what we are doing and how we can work together to try and improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people. The idea behind the SLCs is that we want people to talk, share their experiences, share the things they like, their struggles and hopefully collectively we can make real changes for the better.
Callum went on to add:
“Our new SLCs offer an exciting and fresh opportunity to have the voices of blind and partially sighted people heard across Scotland. If the SLCs in Scotland are to make a real difference we need people to take part, and to achieve this we need to create a fun and supportive environment where members feel comfortable and empowered to share.”
Join Sight Loss Councils Scotland
Sight Loss Councils Scotland is recruiting new members who live in the local area.
If you are blind and partially sighted and want to improve services for visually impaired people, get in touch.
You’ll get the opportunity to create positive change for others. You will also meet like-minded people, have a voice, receive training and enhance your skills. If you’re interested in public speaking or honing your social media skills, there’s something for you to get involved in.
Learn more and how you can join Scotland’s first Sight Loss Council
Stay in the know
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Publication date: 26 April 2024