London now has a Sight Loss Council to advocate the needs of blind and partially sighted people and influence positive change in the capital.
The announcement comes after the successful appointment of 14 members, all of whom are visually impaired themselves.
Facilitated by London Vision with funding from Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) and the Vision Foundation, it forms part of the national network of Sight Loss Councils established by TPT.
Cathy Low, CEO of London Vision said: “The formation of a London Sight Loss Council has generated a lot of interest from applicants across the capital. Sight Loss Councils promote engagement and self-advocacy, and can effect real change – as demonstrated already with Sight Loss Councils’ work across the country.
“The 14 members come from a range of locations and backgrounds across the capital. London is an incredibly diverse city and this diversity is reflected in our members to ensure a variety of views and experiences is represented.”
Members of the new London Sight Loss Council are:
- Charmaine Ashpole
- Davinder Kullar
- Haren Thillainathan
- Jonathon Abro
- Jurgen Donaldson
- Lucy Williams
- Mariza Jurgens
- Martia Bevan
- Rachel Bowden Waterson
- Renu Walia
- Selina Mills
- Steven Rattray
- Steve Reed
- Vicky Blencowe
One of the new members of the council, Jurgen Donaldson, said: “Sight Loss Councils have been supporting the visually impaired community across the UK since 2016. I am excited to be part of launching this new London Sight Loss Council and to be part of improving the day-to-day lives of people in our community across this great city”.
The first LSLC meeting will take place virtually in January 2021 where members will establish key priority areas for focus, using their knowledge and lived experience.
Cathy added: “The London Sight Loss Council will complement the network of local sight loss organisations and strive to collaborate and form partnerships across the capital.”
For further information or images please contact: Rosalind Duignan-Pearson, London Vision, rosalind.duignan-pearson@londonvision.org 0203 761 3651 or 07974 578 637.
About Sight Loss Councils
London Sight Loss Council, led by blind and partially sighted volunteers, advocates the needs of blind and partially sighted people and influences positive change in the capital.
Facilitated by London Vision with funding from Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) and Vision Foundation, it forms part of the national network of Sight Loss Councils (SLC) established by TPT.
SLCs are currently operating in Birmingham, Black Country, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Tyne & Wear and Bedfordshire. Each SLC is made up of around 10-12 blind and partially sighted members who meet monthly to discuss accessibility issues and plan projects in their regions under the six priority themes of education, employment, technology, health and social care, transport, sport and leisure. Over the next year Thomas Pocklington Trust will be extending its SLCs across the country. www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk
About London Vision
Our vision is a society and capital city where blind and partially sighted people can participate fully.
Our mission is to make London more equal and inclusive so that people who are blind and partially sighted can advantage of all that the UK’s capital city has to offer.
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About the Vision Foundation
The Vision Foundation transforms the lives of people facing or living with sight loss by funding projects that inform, empower and include.
Being blind or partially sighted shouldn’t mean you’re left out, isolated or held back. But too many people are. That’s why we amplify the voices of blind and partially sighted people, and inspire others to advocate and take action.
Our mission is to make London a shining example of a sight loss aware city.
