Sight Loss Council Cymru launched
L-R: Owen Williams, director of Wales Council of the Blind, Jane Hutt MS, cabinet secretary for social justice, Anita Davies, engagement manager for Wales, and Martin Symcox, head of partnerships at the Thomas Pocklington Trust
Sight Loss Council Cymru has been created to champion accessibility in Wales.
The volunteer-led group is made up exclusively of people with lived experience of sight loss, who will collaborate with councils, businesses, transport providers, health bodies and local groups to identify barriers and push for practical improvements
Emma Hughes, director of services at the Thomas Pocklington Trust, said her organisation was “delighted to be working in partnership with Wales Council of the Blind to develop sight loss councils in Wales for the first time”.
Emma explained: “Our approach is built on a simple but powerful principle: lived experience matters. When people who understand the challenges first-hand speak directly to decision makers, real change happens. The success of our sight loss councils in England and Scotland shows what’s possible, and we’re proud to extend this model into Wales.”
Developed in partnership with Wales Council of the Blind and funded by the Thomas Pocklington Trust, the two-year pilot launched on 12 February. It aims to give blind and partially sighted people a new platform to influence decisions, shape services and drive change across the country.
Volunteer Alasdaire said: “Together we can make a difference. Little changes can create a ripple effect, and teamwork really does make the dream work.”
Sight Loss Council Cymru will meet 10 times per year and work closely with local sight loss organisations to set priorities and shape solutions.