Small Changes, Big Impact: Sight Loss Councils Conference 2026
Almost 200 blind and partially sighted volunteers, staff and partners, from across England, Scotland and Wales came together in Leeds earlier this month for the 2026 Sight Loss Councils Conference. Under the theme, Small Changes, Big Impact, delegates celebrated achievement, shared ideas and explored how lived experience continues to influence services, challenge perceptions and improve accessibility.
Held at the Hilton Leeds City from 5–7 June, the conference provided opportunities for volunteers to learn from one another, build new skills and strengthen their collective voice. Together, they continue to drive positive change across the UK.
Throughout the weekend, a powerful message emerged: meaningful change often starts with a single conversation, a new idea, or someone speaking up about their experiences.
For Katharine from South East London Sight Loss Council (SLC), the conference theme captured exactly what volunteering with SLCs is all about.
“The theme of one small change makes a big impact, and everyone sharing their stories reminds you of all the little things you have done and how important they are. All of these small steps are part of a much bigger picture in terms of making a difference for others.”
Katherine, SE London SLC member during part of a round table discussion
Celebrating the power of volunteer voices
Opening the conference, Charles Colquhoun, CEO of Thomas Pocklington Trust, welcomed delegates and reflected on the continued growth of the Sight Loss Councils network.
“I’m proud to open our fifth and largest Sight Loss Councils Conference today. It’s brilliant to welcome nearly 200 staff and volunteers to what promises to be an inspiring event. I’m excited to see the ideas and collaboration that will come from bringing everyone together.”
Emma Hughes, Director of Services at Thomas Pocklington Trust, highlighted the impact volunteers have made over the past year.
“Over the past year, you’ve helped create meaningful, lasting change – from improving transport accessibility to shaping healthcare and culture.”
She added:
“We couldn’t do this work without you – your commitment continues to drive real change for blind and partially sighted people.”
The conference also celebrated the continued growth of the Sight Loss Councils network. Volunteers from all three Scottish Sight Loss Councils attended the event, reflecting SLCs growing strength north of the border, while members of the newly launched Wales Sight Loss Council joined the conference for the first time.
Delegates seated in the main conference room during the opening session
Creating change for the next generation
One of the most memorable moments of the conference came from opening keynote speaker Dr Amit Patel, who reflected on the challenges of sight loss, resilience, and the importance of community.
Drawing on his own experiences of sight loss, Dr Patel spoke about the challenges of adapting to a new way of experiencing the world and the importance of supporting others on that journey.
“If you’ve experienced significant sight loss, you’ll know exactly what I mean. It’s not just about learning new skills, but developing a new relationship with the world. Rooms become unfamiliar, faces become voices and things change.”
Addressing delegates, he recognised the role volunteers play in creating positive change.
“This room is full of people who show up, advocate, support, and keep going. Every one of you is here because you care.”
He added:
“You care about making things better and you care about the next person coming through the door – and that matters.”
Dr Amit Patel, holding a microphone during his keynote speech
His words resonated strongly with delegates.
Steve from Tyne and Wear SLC said:
“We often focus on the here and now and the changes we want to see today. Sometimes we forget to look back and think about who we’re making those changes for. The work we’re doing now could make a difference for people 20 years younger who are following the same path.
“It was nice to understand that perspective from the inside out. Change can be slow, but even small changes make a difference.”
The story of one small change
A highlight of the weekend was a panel session exploring how small changes can create lasting impact.
Representatives from transport, healthcare, culture, and the built environment shared examples of how working alongside Sight Loss Councils had influenced services and improved accessibility.
Tom Sunley from Arriva North West said:
“Working with Sight Loss Councils and Thomas Pocklington Trust about what good bus travel and assistance looks like has been really revolutionary.”
Victoria Garcia from Brighton & Hove Buses added:
“Listening and learning from lived experience has been really valuable.”
Storytellers Panel at the Sight Loss Councils conference, with Trudy Taylor speaking while fellow panellists listen
Trudy Taylor from Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust highlighted the impact of vision awareness training delivered alongside SLCs.
“The training has had a fantastic impact, helping us to look at how we can do things better and increasing our level of understanding. As a result of working with Sight Loss Councils, we are looking at what our signage looks like, and how easy it is to navigate our sites.”
One of the most moving reflections came from Shahiesta Iqbal, Education Development Officer at Community Rail Lancashire, who spoke about Lancashire SLC’s work with the ‘Stations of Welcome’ programme.
“It was a pleasure to be a small part of the conference. My talk was from the heart and I sincerely meant all that I said.
“I really wanted to get across that Lancashire Sight Loss Council working with the Stations of Welcome ladies was a powerful experience for them. It helped to change perspectives and create positivity that will be dispersed amongst the wider community.
“The ladies asked me to thank the Sight Loss Council for helping them to see differently.”
SLC members seated during the Storytellers Panel session
Sharing ideas and building skills
Alongside keynote sessions and panel discussions, delegates took part in workshops covering accessible transport, healthcare, the built environment, technology, communications, campaigning, arts and culture.
The sessions encouraged volunteers to share good practice, discuss local challenges and develop practical skills to support their influencing work. From using lived experience to create change and building confidence in public speaking, to exploring accessible healthcare, technology and social media storytelling, the workshops reflected the many ways volunteers are driving positive change in their communities.
Steve, Birmingham and Black Country SLC member, speaks into a microphone during a workshop
The ‘What Culture Means to Me’ workshop encouraged volunteers to explore how arts and culture continue to enrich the lives of blind and partially sighted people.
Carolyn from Merseyside SLC said:
“The ‘What Culture Means to Me’ workshop was a fantastic opportunity to create together and talk with other blind and partially sighted people about how culture continues to enrich our lives. The workshop demonstrated that we are still curious about the visual world, still want to engage with it, and still want to create within it.
“Whether through art, music, theatre, heritage or festivals, culture continues to inspire us, connect us and help us make sense of the world around us.”
Carolyn, and other SLC members, getting creative during the ‘What Culture Means to Me’ workshop
Building connections across the UK
One of the most valued aspects of the conference was the opportunity for volunteers from across England, Scotland and Wales to come together in person.
While SLCs work together throughout the year, the conference offered valuable time to exchange ideas, discuss local priorities and learn from one another’s successes.
Paul from Sussex SLC said:
“I’m really glad the networking session was added to the agenda this year because, given how far we all travel to be together, it’s important to have time to exchange views and experiences, and discuss what’s working well and what isn’t across Sight Loss Councils.
“We all have different priorities in our local areas, so it was a valuable opportunity to learn from each other.”
Nikki, from South West London SLC, added:
“My highlight of Conference has been seeing how inspirational everyone is.
“Hearing stories about the amazing work taking place across the country, sharing new ideas, and networking with other SLC members has been incredibly valuable.”
Nikki sits with fellow SLC delegates during a workshop
Challenging perceptions and breaking down barriers
The conference closed with an inspiring keynote from disability advocate, athlete and content creator Toby Addison, aka Blind Tobes.
Sharing his personal experiences of sight loss, social media and challenging stereotypes, Toby encouraged delegates to continue using their voices to educate others and create change.
“We need to keep educating people, breaking down prejudices and normalising blind people in society.
“There is still a long way to go to fully integrate blind people into society. I still have conversations with people who don’t know what to do with me.”
Toby also praised the work taking place across the Sight Loss Councils network.
“You guys are amazing advocates in the real world and helping people in a capacity we haven’t seen before.”
Toby Addison, aka Blind Tobes, during his keynote speech
Celebrating excellence
The conference also provided an opportunity to celebrate volunteers through the Rodney Powell Awards, recognising individuals, projects and partnerships that have made an outstanding contribution to improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people.
Coming soon: Find out who the 2026 Rodney Powell Award winners are.
Taking ideas home
For many delegates, the value of the conference extended far beyond the weekend itself.
Volunteers left Leeds with new ideas, renewed confidence and practical examples of how change can be achieved.
Patricia from Hampshire SLC said:
“I’ve taken away an idea from Lancashire Sight Loss Council about working with emergency services and checking their awareness of how to support blind and partially sighted people in emergency situations.
“We’re going to connect after the conference so we can try to implement something similar in our region.”
Beth from Tyne and Wear SLC added:
“It’s been really interesting to hear how other Sight Loss Councils have used their lived experience to make changes in their areas. It helps you realise that small changes can have a big impact, and it motivates you to keep going.”
Amy Askew, Engagement Manager for East England, laughs as she facilitates a workshop
Making conference possible
A conference of this scale would not be possible without the dedication of volunteer sighted guides.
Throughout the weekend, guides supported delegates to navigate the venue confidently, access sessions and participate fully in every aspect of the conference, helping to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Brandon Jones, Head of External Relations at First Bus and a volunteer sighted guide, said:
“I was privileged to volunteer as a sighted guide at this year’s Sight Loss Councils Conference. It was great to meet so many attendees, advocates and volunteers from across the UK, all committed to improving accessibility and inclusion.”
SLC volunteer Steph said:
“A big thank you to all the volunteer sighted guides. You all made such a great team and were an integral part of the flow at conference. It was lovely to chat to the individuals I personally interacted with. Thank you once again for giving your time to Sight Loss Councils.”
Some of our sighted guides and a guide dog gather in reception for a group photo
Small Changes, Big Impact
As delegates returned home with stronger connections, new ideas and renewed motivation, one message echoed throughout the weekend.
Dave from Sussex SLC reflected:
“Speaking openly at the conference with other blind and partially sighted people who share a common purpose is incredibly powerful. By working together, we can make small changes that have a big impact.”
Paul from Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire SLC added:
“There was a lot of power in that room. We have more power than we realise to influence positive change.”
The 2026 SLC Conference may be over, but the conversations, connections and ideas it sparked will continue to shape communities across the UK for months and years to come.
Two delegates laughing with one another
Join us
Passionate about making a difference? Want to influence positive change? Our Sight Loss Councils, led by blind and partially sighted volunteers, are recruiting new members. Join us today!
We use our lived experience to create positive change for others. Together, we tackle local issues and work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services.
Join us to help ensure visually impaired people in your area can live the lives they want to lead.
Publication date: 26 June 2026