Blind and partially sighted people in South West London are coming together to work with businesses and services providers to improve the accessibility of services. They are also looking for other blind and partially sighted people in the area to join them.
South West London Sight Loss Council (SLC), funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, is due to launch in March 2023. The new SLC will be led by blind and partially sighted volunteers who will use their lived experience to create positive change.
There are currently over 15 SLCs operating in different regions across England. This is set to expand over the coming years. The new South West London SLC will cover areas which include Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth.
To support this growth and expansion in London, existing Sight Loss Council members have created a series of short films about what being a member involves and why other blind and partially sighted people should join them.
This includes using their lived experience to create positive change for others, increasing accessibility, building confidence, learning new skills, meeting like-minded people, having a voice, feeling valued, attendance with other members at a national member conference, and more.
Haren Thillianathan, a founding member of the new South West London Sight Loss Council, is looking forward to the new SLC launch and meeting new members. He said: “In my experience of being a member of a Sight Loss Council, it is a great way to make a positive impact on the lives of blind and partially sighted locally and beyond.”
Lucy Williams, Senior Engagement Manager for London, said:
“Sight Loss Councils are made up of individuals with lived experience of sight loss. Together they work with local businesses and service providers to raise awareness, provide invaluable insight, and make positive change within their communities.
“If you are a blind or partially sighted, based in South West London, and want to improve access and awareness amongst service providers and businesses in your area, we want to hear from you.”
Paul Hopkins, a Birmingham Sight Loss Council member who helped create the films, added:
“Never think you don’t have anything to offer because just living your life everyday as a visually impaired person means you are going to have picked up some life hacks. You’ll have experiences that will really benefit someone else somewhere along the line.”
Mariza Jurgens, London Sight Loss Council, said:
“My experience as a Sight Loss Council member was one of the greatest honours of my life.”
Join South West London Sight Loss Council to help ensure visually impaired people in your area can live the lives they want to lead.
