Sight Loss Councils
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slcouncils.bsky.social
Sight Loss Councils
@slcouncils.bsky.social
250 followers 480 following 270 posts
Sight Loss Councils are groups of blind & partially sighted people working to drive transformative change & raise awareness across the UK. #VisionForChange
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slcouncils.bsky.social
North London Sight Loss Council led a sim-spec walk with Islington Council engineers to highlight the barriers #Blind & #PartiallySighted people face daily on our streets, leading to discussions on how the design process can remove them: https://bit.ly/3MmuAF0

#InclusiveDesign #StreetsForAll
Liam O'Carroll, Interim Engagement Manager for London Sight Loss Councils, is walking along a pavement next to restaurant tables and chairs. He is holding his long cane, and about to walk into a planter, directly in front of him. Liam O'Carroll, Interim Engagement Manager for London Sight Loss Councils, is stood at a meeting table, holding a folded, cane. Attendees of the sim-spec walk and awareness session are looking on as he demonstrates its use.
December 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Over the weekend we hit 2,000 followers on Facebook! 🎉

Thanks to everyone who’s joined our community so far. Not following yet? Every like, share, and comment helps us reach more people and make a bigger impact.

Follow us today! https://www.facebook.com/SightLossCouncils/
Graphic with a dark teal background and a white rectangle in the centre. Inside the rectangle, large light blue text reads ‘2k’ with smaller dark teal text above saying ‘Thank You’ and below saying ‘Followers’. At the bottom, the Sight Loss Councils logo appears with light blue circular dots in the top right and bottom left corners.
December 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
As #IVD25 ends, we thank our volunteers who make change happen. Our Senior Engagement Managers said you raise awareness, fuel change, and show compassion in action every day.

Your lived experience drives real change. Thank you, for all you do.

Join our team: https://bit.ly/3Ige7Ox
A group photo of several Sight Loss Councils volunteers and Engagement Managers standing together after the 2025 Rodney Powell Awards. Several people have their arms in the air, whooping and cheering. Dark blue text on a white background at the bottom reads: Happy International Volunteer Day. Every contribution matters", alongside the Sight Loss Councils logo and tagline 'A vision for change.'
December 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
What does volunteering mean to our Sight Loss Council members?

For Amy, it’s having a voice.
For Chloe, it’s impact and community.
For Jordan, it’s confidence and connection.

Everyone brings something unique and every contribution matters.

More stories: https://bit.ly/48h2aoq #IVD25
A dark blue graphic with a photo of a female SLC volunteer, talking into a microphone with four female audience members around her. To the right, dark blue writing on a light blue text box reads: "Volunteering means having a voice and using it to bring communities, business and government into our mission for a more accessible life." The Sight Loss Councils logo appears in the bottom left corner
December 5, 2025 at 4:01 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
198 volunteers across 25 Sight Loss Councils are improving accessibility in communities every day.

Every contribution matters - and yours could too.

Learn how to get involved: 🔗 https://bit.ly/3Ige7Ox

#IVD25 #InternationalVolunteerDay
A dark blue text box featuring a quote from a Sight Loss Council member. The quote reads: ‘I joined Sight Loss Councils because I wanted to make a real difference. I love that we’re really pro-active, and from the moment I joined there was so much to get involved with.’ The Sight Loss Councils logo and tagline ‘A vision for change’ appear underneath. To the right of the quote, overlapping the white text box, is a photo of James who is holding a long cane, standing against a light-coloured wall.
December 5, 2025 at 12:01 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Today we're celebrating our incredible volunteers this #InternationalVolunteersDay! 🌟

Across the UK, our Sight Loss Council volunteers turn national priorities into local action, using their lived experience to remove barriers and create real change. #IVD2025 #VolunteerDay
Graphic with text that reads ‘Sight Loss Councils are celebrating International Volunteer Day’ at the top, alongside the Sight Loss Councils logo and tagline ‘A vision for change.’ Below, a yellow speech bubble on a blue background contains the words ‘THANK YOU’ in bold blue letters
December 5, 2025 at 9:00 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Gloucestershire SLC is expanding into Swindon 🎉

There are 7,400 residents are living with sight loss in Swindon and we’re here to make services inclusive and accessible.

Join us as a volunteer, or partner with us, to improve accessibility across the area.

Find out more: 🔗https://bit.ly/4oBAWhd
Kahl, a Gloucestershire SLC member, is stood with Yahya, Engagement Manager for south West England. They are in front of a Sight Loss Councils banner, smiling at the camera and both are holding their long canes.
December 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
On #IDPD, we’re celebrating what real inclusion looks like – and the blind and partially sighted volunteers in our Sight Loss Councils who push it forward.

When something isn’t accessible, our members push to change it. Inclusion becomes real when lived experience leads the way.

A dark blue social media graphic for International Day of People with Disability. On the left, white text reads: Sight Loss Councils are celebrating International Day of People with Disability – 3 December 2025,” with the Sight Loss Councils logo below. On the right, a photo of a woman in a white Sight Loss Councils hoodie speaking into a microphone appears inside a large quarter-circle shape. A lighter blue curved shape sits behind it as part of the grpahic design,
December 3, 2025 at 11:41 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
London SLCs supported Thomas Pocklington Trust Campaigns team in meeting Alex Mayer MP last week. We shared lived experience, Reflect & Engage insights and London SLCs' #EBikeCharter.

SLC member, Haren, said it was “a great chance to raise safety concerns for blind & partially sighted people.
Photo shows Haren, Alex Mayer MP, Bhavini and Liam O Carrol from Left to right. They stand outside smiling, two guide dogs are also present
December 2, 2025 at 9:30 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Our work to improve bus travel for blind and partially sighted people continues 🚍

Essex SLC delivered a Vision Awareness session to #FirstBus drivers - real stories, practical tips, great feedback. 

Accessibility starts with understanding: https://bit.ly/48zaWOv
A male and female bus driver, during the sighted guiding session. They are on the forecourt, walking towards the camera with a white, single-deck bus behind them. The male driver is wearing a pair of simulation glasses and is being guided by his colleague. A group shot of Essex SLC, bus drivers, and trainers, on board the bus. Everyone is in yellow high-vis jackets and looking forward to the camera, smiling.
December 2, 2025 at 10:03 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
New episode of @pocklington.bsky.social 'Through Our Eyes' podcast 🎧

A brilliant conversation about the real challenges blind and partially sighted students face when choosing a university.
Well worth a listen - and a share!

Listen here: f.mtr.cool/mjnvdemnmd
The TPT logo is positioned top left. Underneath this in small text reads: "Through Our Eyes Podcast-Episode 2" in an outline box. The title reads: "Selecting a course and university" below, text reads: "A podcast made by and for blind and partially sighted students. Stay tuned!, listen to our website and all major streaming platforms". Four rectangle badges with the texts: "listen on" and the logos of Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube. On the right is a mobile phone icon with a podcast app open showing the artwork for the 'Through Our Eyes' podcast.
December 1, 2025 at 1:50 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
This #BlackFriday, remember: not all disabilities are visible.

Make shopping accessible for blind & partially sighted customers with some simple changes. Check out our Top Tips for Retailers resource: http://bit.ly/3ipqGfz

#MakeRetailAccessible #AccessibilityMatters
A person standing outside a shop with large Black Friday sale posters checks their phone, which displays a store listing and directions for an electronics retailer
November 28, 2025 at 12:17 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
#Merseyside SLCs met 2nd-year radiography students at the @liverpooluni.bsky.social for a vision awareness session.

Great questions, lots of engagement, and plenty of love for guide dogs Dotty and Kip. An essential step toward more accessible healthcare 👏

#MakeHealthAccessible #InclusiveHealth
Naomi, Merseyside SLC member, is stood with her guide dog, addressing students. Mick, fellow SLC member is sat beside her, looking on. Two female students during the sighted guiding session. Two fellow students are behind them, also learning sighted guiding techniques..
November 27, 2025 at 4:03 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
🎉 What a day!

SE London Sight Loss Council’s first Live Well, Get Active Day brought 30 blind and partially sighted people together to try VI cricket, tennis, Zumba, yoga, spin, and more. Thanks to everyone who made it possible. 

Read the full write-up via the link: https://bit.ly/3XjUPxZ
Five people of varying ages engage in a spin class in a spin studio, illuminated by colorful lights, with a view of trees outside.
November 27, 2025 at 9:03 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Two awards ceremonies in one day - and SLCs were part of both! 🎉

Our Vision Awareness Training for Bus Drivers, developed with @pocklington.bsky.social, has been Highly Commended at the UK Bus Awards. Huge congrats to everyone involved!

#MakeTransportAccessible #InclusiveTravel
pocklington.bsky.social Thomas Pocklington Trust @pocklington.bsky.social · 13d
Big news! Our Vision Awareness Training for Bus Drivers, created with SLCs & partners, was Highly Commended at the UK Bus Awards 2025! Proud to equip drivers to make travel safer & more inclusive for blind & partially sighted passengers.
Alison, Sussex SLC member, her guide dog, Jen Sweeny, Corporate Engagement Manager for TPT, and Lauren Eade, SLC coordinator for South East England Sight Loss Councils being photographed by a photographer against the UKBA backdrop , holding their Highly Commended certificate.
November 26, 2025 at 4:16 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Proud to support last nights #CiTTiAwards25 - celebrating innovators shaping the future of urban mobility.

SLC volunteer Nikki and Engagement Manager Dave judged and presented awards, ensuring accessibility is part of key transport conversations. 🎉

#MakeTransportAccessible
Dave Smith, Engagement Manager for South East England, and Nikki, South West London SLC member, are stood in front of a dark blue CiTTi awards banner before the awards ceremony. Dave is wearing a tuxedo, Nikki a long black dress with leopard print scarf. Both are holding their canes and smiling at the camera.
November 26, 2025 at 12:41 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Huge luck to @pocklington.bsky.social, SLCs, & partners at the UK Bus Awards! Our Vision Impairment Awareness Training is up for the 'Partnership for Excellence' award, today!

We're so proud of our team, whose lived experience is helping make bus travel safer and more inclusive 🎉#VisionForChange
November 25, 2025 at 10:03 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Today, London SLCs will meet Alex Maher MP, Chair of the Micromobility APPG, to discuss the impact of e-bikes & e-scooters on blind & partially sighted people. Insights from our Reflect & Engage report and work with operators to improve street safety will be shared, as well as LSLCs #EBikeCharter.
Haren, SW London SLC member, walks with his guide dog Addy along a pavement beside a row of parked e-bikes, highlighting the challenges blind and partially sighted people face navigating London’s streets safely.
November 24, 2025 at 12:30 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
1/2 A big moment for #Staffordshire SLC yesterday 🎉

After attending a recent SLC meeting where she heard directly from SLC members, Dr Allison Gardner MP raised #PavementParking in the House of Commons, giving Staff SLC a shout-out too!
Five Years Waiting: Campaigners Celebrate a Birthday No One Wanted - Thomas Pocklington Trust
bit.ly
November 21, 2025 at 2:28 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Join SE London SLC & #GoviaThameslinkRailway for a hands-on Try a Train event on Friday 5 Dec 🚆

Build confidence, explore #LondonBridge station, take a guided trip to East Croydon, and join a Q&A with staff.

Spaces are limited - book now: bit.ly/4qTIcYd

#Railway200 #MakeTransportAccessible
Antony Merlyn, Accessibility Engagement Manager, at GTR is talking to a group of attendees at a previous Try a train event on a platform at Sutton Station.
November 20, 2025 at 10:02 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
A great day at #SightVillage London, and what a fantastic event it turned out to be. Our London Engagement Manager had a brilliant time - meeting new people, reconnecting with familiar faces, and sharing the work of #London SLCs across the capital. Thanks to all who stopped by!
Liam O'Carroll, interim Engagement Manager for London Sight Loss Councils, standing at the TPT information stall, talking to a male passer by. Liam O'Carroll, interim Engagement Manager for London SLCs, standing at the TPT stand, in front of their 'Education Service' banner. He is wearing his white Sight Loss Council hoodie, holding his long cane, and smiling at the camera.
November 19, 2025 at 4:08 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
South Yorkshire SLC invited @sheffielduni.bsky.social Architecture students for a sim-spec walk, giving future designers a chance to see the barriers BPS people face.

Their takeaway: include lived experience from the very start of projects.

Learn more about our work: 👉https://bit.ly/41VStrR
A group shot of South Yorkshire Sight Loss Council on a train station concourse.. From left to right: Tony, Toby, and Vicky Thompson, SLC Coordinator for Yorkshire and Humberside. The participants of the walk pictured together in the city centre, in front of a historic stone building. They're wearing sim-specs, and smiling at the camera.
November 19, 2025 at 10:30 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Merseyside SLC has been working with Arriva to help blind and partially sighted people feel more confident when travelling by bus.

This video shows how we’re improving accessibility together, including new driver training materials created with @pocklington.bsky.social 

Watch the video here 👇
November 18, 2025 at 5:34 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Today’s the day! #SightVillage London is underway.

We don’t have a stall this year, but our London Engagement Manager will be out and about, networking and spreading the word about London SLCs.

If you’re attending, do pop by and say hello to @pocklington.bsky.social! 👋
pocklington.bsky.social Thomas Pocklington Trust @pocklington.bsky.social · 22d
In #London tomorrow? Want to experience the latest low vision and sight related tech? Join Sydney and team at the free Sight Village event in the #ILEC Conference Centre in the Earl’s Court area of London today.

For more info or to book your free tickets visit: https://f.mtr.cool/sxelvabsyn
November 18, 2025 at 9:52 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Sight Loss Councils are proud that our Vision Awareness Training for Bus Drivers - created with @pocklington.bsky.social and partners - has been shortlisted for a UK Bus Award!

Huge thanks to our volunteers whose lived experience shaped the training. Fingers crossed for the 25th! 🤞
Social media grpahic. Heading - We’re Finalists for the UK Bus Awards 2025! Main Text, on a white background – TPT and our partners are shortlisted in the Partnership for Excellence category, recognised for our Vision Awareness Training for Buss Drivers. Fingers crossed for 25 November! TPT and Sight Loss Councils logo are placed at the top of the text and a cartoon of clapping hands are positioned at the bottom framing the UK Bus Awards Finalist 2025 logo.
November 17, 2025 at 1:03 PM