Thanks for sharing this. We weren’t aware of this background and our post was focused on celebrating the brilliant women across our SLCs and the impact they make every day.
We appreciate you highlighting this and we’ll look into the source of the theme more carefully in future.
You guys are doing such incredible work! Thank you.
09.03.2026 10:55 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
Antony Merlyn, Accessibility Engagement Manager for GTR, stands on a train speaking to attendees during a previous Try a Train event. Three attendees are seated in front of him, each holding a long cane. Antony is addressing another attendee seated to his left while the group listens.
Last chance to book! 📣
Join North London SLC and GTR this Thursday for a relaxed Try a Train session at King’s Cross. Previous attendees said it “opened my eyes to a new way of independence” and “gave me the confidence to travel.”
Book by 5pm Wednesday: https://bit.ly/3ZKrv4T
Members of Merseyside Sight Loss Council are standing outside Speke Hall, on a stone bridge in front of a large black and white timber framed historic building. From left to right: SLC members Mick and Naomi with their Guide Dogs, David, SLC Coordinator, Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for North West England, and SLC member, James. Trees and gardens surround the building under an overcast sky.
shows Merseyside Sight Loss Council members are standing outside Liverpool ONE shopping centre in front of a large illuminated reindeer sculpture. From left to right, SLC members Mick, Carolyn, Mike, Engagement Manager Kelly Barton, and SLC member James.
Merseyside Sight Loss Council turns 7! 🎉
Our brilliant volunteers have used their lived experience to improve accessibility across transport, streets, universities, and cultural venues - and we couldn't be more proud of their acheivements.
Celebrate their impact: https://bit.ly/3FuJzsM
Image description: A purple graphic with white text reading “Happy International Women’s Day.” The International Women’s Day logo appears at the bottom left, and the hashtags #GiveToGain and #IWD2026 appear in the bottom right. The background features abstract circular shapes and gradients in various shades of purple.
Happy International Women’s Day!
This year’s #GiveToGain theme reflects the incredible blind and partially sighted women across the Sight Loss Councils network. Your passion and dedication are inspiring real change across the country.
#IWD2026 #InternationalWomensDay
Lauren from Lady McAdden stands at a table, demonstrating how to check a silicone breast model used for breast cancer awareness. Several attendees are seated around the table, following along. Sam, Essex SLC member, is placing a hand on the model used as a tactile aid to explain changes in skin texture to be aware of.
A group photo following Essex SLC's breast cancer screening event. Blind and partially sighted attendees are stood alongside Amy Askew, Engagement Manager for Thomas Pocklington Trust, Angela and Lauren from Lady McAdden, and Lucy from Southend in Sight. They are stood facing the camera, smiling.
Blind and partially sighted women in Essex came together for a breast screening awareness event hosted by Essex Sight Loss Council and Southend In Sight.
The session created space to discuss barriers, share experiences, and build confidence to attend screening appointments. https://bit.ly/3N7DBm3
Derbyshire SLC members, Helen, Dannie, and Vee pictured with Matt Harrison, Engagement Manager for East Midlands. They are standing together in a wood panelled room, each holding a long cane with ball tip. They are in front of a Sight Loss Councils banner.
Derbyshire SLC members, Vee, Julian and Dale, pictured with Matt Harrison. They are outside, standing in front of a green and yellow tram. Each are holding a long cane, and they are smiling at the camera.
Derbyshire SLC is 2! 🎉
From working with East Midlands Railway, to challenging unsafe street design, delivering VI awareness across the county and improving access to arts and culture. Our volunteers are driving real change.
Huge thanks to all our members and partners for their brilliant work.
Many hospital systems assume people can see. A member of our team shared:
“No one was calling names. A screen showed patient names, audio said ‘Next patient please.’ I’d flagged that I’m visually impaired but had no reassurance my name would be called.”
Accessible healthcare can't be optional.
Arthur, a 1st year Orthoptics student, pictured with a female colleague during a recent VI Awareness Session at Liverpool University. Both are wearing simulation glasses which highlight specific sight loss conditions, and looking at the camera.
“Today’s session helped me better appreciate the everyday impact of sight loss.”
A first-year Orthoptics student at University of Liverpool reflected after a Vision Awareness session with Merseyside Sight Loss Council.
This is how lived experience shapes future healthcare. #MakeHealthAccessible
Sight Loss Council and Young Voices volunteers, and Thomas Pocklington staff, are sat on a bus creating some of the videos used in the training materials. Two passengers have white canes with them and there is a guide dog sat at the front.
It’s been a couple of weeks since we announced our partnership with Guide Dogs UK to expand our vision impairment awareness training for bus drivers across the UK.
Developed by Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss Councils, shaped by lived experience.
Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/463C46N
Graphic banner with a dark blue background featuring soft, translucent circles and scattered gold dots. A gold-outlined rectangle containing the text ‘2026’ appears on the left. Large white and gold text reads ‘Rodney Powell Awards.’
Nominations for the Rodney Powell Awards close tonight at Midnight!
Last chance to celebrate the amazing volunteers of Sight Loss Councils & Thomas Pocklington Trust who go above and beyond for blind and partially sighted people across the UK.
Submit your nomination today: https://bit.ly/4pOay42
As #RPAwarenessMonth closes, Jack, Engagement Manager for the North East, shares a powerful update on living with Retinitis Pigmentosa.
“I won’t give up - blind or otherwise, I’ll always have something to smile about.”
Read his story on resilience and adapting to sight loss: https://bit.ly/4qVsxpS
Inclusive employers shape a more accessible future of work.
At Sight Loss Councils, we work with organisations to improve accessibility and inclusion. Hosting a Get Set Progress intern, supported by @pocklington.bsky.social is a practical next step.
Find out more 👇
Liam O' Carroll and Nikki, SW London SLC volunteer, testing audio for the new exhibition. Nikki is sitting at a table in front of a large computer screen with headphones on. Liam is standing beside her, leaning forward. Both have a hand placed on a circular, tactile, device. Paul and Paresh, North London SLC volunteers are stood in the background.
A group shot of London SLC members at the Science Museum in front of a large, towering sculpture of a human figure. From left to right: Ching, Liam, Amrit, Paresh, Nikki, and Paul. They are all facing the camera, smiling.
London SLC volunteers joined an advisory workshop at the Science Museum, helping shape its new Tomorrow gallery through feedback on audio and tactile exhibits.
Accessibility built in from the start - just one example of SLCs across the country influencing arts and culture nationwide.
Several people stand together after the 2025 Rodney Powell Awards. Two women in the centre are embracing warmly. Other attendees stand close by, the atmosphere is celebratory.
Final call for Rodney Powell Award nominations!
Help recognise SLC and Thomas Pocklington Trust volunteers who make a real difference for blind and partially sighted people.
Your nomination could inspire others too. Deadline: 28 Feb 2026.
Nominate now: https://bit.ly/4pOay42
Dave Smith being interviewed during a simulation walk in Brighton. He is facing the news anchor, Ian Palmer and there is a camera man holding up a camera and filming them to the side.
Dave Smith, Engagement Manager for South East England, pictured at the 2023 SLC Conference. Dave is speaking into a microphone.
“I was told I would never work.”
Dave, Engagement Manager for SE England, was diagnosed with RP at 16. He was told he’d eventually go blind and never work.
He’s now built a career across multiple roles, adapting as his sight changed.
Read his story for #RPAwarenessMonth 👉bit.ly/3YyUeJk
SLC graphic which includes teal and dark-blue curved shapes in the top-right corner and bottom left corner. Quote reads: ‘One of the biggest changes RP has brought into my life is learning to ask for help and accept it. I’ve always been very independent, so this was a huge shift for me. Now, I find kindness in strangers every day, which is hugely life affirming.’ Ann, North London Sight Loss Council. White text underneath reads ‘Retinitis Pigmentosa Awareness Month’ on a dark blue background.
RP affects everyone differently. One volunteer shares:
“One of the biggest changes RP has brought into my life is learning to ask for help and accept it… I find kindness in strangers every day, which is hugely life affirming.”
Read their stories: https://bit.ly/4rKJB2D
#RPAwarenessMonth
Headshot of Patricia. Patricia has long light hair and is wearing a red cardigan, black top, and sunglasses. She is smiling at the camera.
Meet Patricia from Hampshire SLC. From championing accessibility at Westquay to bringing charities together for real change, her story is well worth a read.
Check out the full Q&A on our Facebook page and find out how to get involved: bit.ly/3YyUeJk
#BehindTheScenes #InConversationWith
Liam is standing with a male attendee, demonstrating sighted guiding techniques. Liam is holding the guide's elbow in a 'coffee cup' hold with one hand, and his long cane with the other.
A group shot of MP Marsha De Cordova's team with London Sight Loss Council after the session. They are standing in front of a longer conference table, in front of a presentation screen.
Last week London SLCs delivered Vision Awareness to Marsha De Cordova’s team at Thomas Pocklington Trust, including sighted guiding in sim specs.
A great session with strong engagement and powerful discussion to build confidence and understanding when working with blind & partially sighted people.
📢 Tech Friday from @pocklington.bsky.social!
Curious about the free screen reader NVDA? Join TPT on 27 Feb at 11am for a hands‑on look at what NVDA can do and how it compares with other screen readers.
Register: pocklington.tfaforms.net/5069021%E2%8...
#NVDA #AssistiveTech #Accessibility
A group of people take part in a SLC simulation walk along a pavement with roadworks. One participant, Emmanuel, uses a white cane while a member of the council guides him. Additional council staff and volunteers follow behind as the group navigates barriers and construction equipment on a busy street.
There are just over two weeks left to nominate for the Rodney Powell Awards 2026!
Volunteers make a lasting difference for blind and partially sighted people — and local partners see the impact too.
Nominate someone who’s gone above and beyond by 28 Feb:
Full detais 👉 https://bit.ly/4pOay42
Antony Merlyn, Accessibility Engagement Manager for GTR, said on board a train with a previous Try a Train attendee. Antony is demonstrating how to use the emergency assistance button. To the right, white text on a dark blue background reads: North London Sight Loss Council, Try a Train: Supporting confident travel in North London A free event for blind and partially sighted people living in London. In the bottom left corner is a light blue date stamp which says 13 March, 10am.
There's still time to book onto North London SLC's 'Try a Train' event on 13 March, 10am 🚆
A free, hands-on session for blind & partially sighted people to explore station support, onboard assistance, and take a guided trip to Potters Bar with GTR staff.
Spaces are limited: https://bit.ly/3ZKrv4T
A six‑image collage created for Retinitis Pigmentosa Awareness Month. The top row is features SLC volunteers, Josie, Amin, and Dannie. The bottom row is features Gill, Johnny, and Ann. Dark blue text on a white background reads ‘Retinitis Pigmentosa Awareness Month. The Sight Loss Councils logo appears in the bottom right corner.
This February is #RPAwarenessMonth 💜
Retinitis Pigmentosa affects everyone differently. We’re proud to share the voices of Sight Loss Council volunteers living with RP, the myths they face, and what helps them stay independent.
Read their stories: https://bit.ly/4rKJB2D
Liam O'Carroll, Engagement Manager for London SLCs is stood on stage in a white tent, holding a microphone. He is wearing a dark suite and burgundy bow tie. A seated person is visible in the background, next to a sign which reads 'Elephant & the Nun'.
“I was a person who was blind but not a blind person. But I grew ready, there was no choice of course. Time made me.”
February is #RPAwarenessMonth. This month, we’re sharing stories that show the many ways RP shapes people’s lives.
Read Liam’s story here: https://bit.ly/3Zh6I90
🚍 Big news!
We’re proud to share that Guide Dogs UK and Thomas Pocklington Trust are joining forces to expand our free vision impairment awareness training for bus and coach drivers across the UK - shaped by lived experience and driving more inclusive travel
Read more 👉https://bit.ly/463C46N
A group of Go North East staff and Sight Loss Council representatives stand in front of a bright green double-decker “Angel 21” zero-emission electric bus at a depot. The group are wearing high-visibility jackets and winter clothing. Several individuals are holding long white canes used by blind and partially sighted people. The bus displays destinations including Newcastle, Gateshead, Chester-le-Street, Durham and Brandon. The group are standing together on wet concrete, smiling and facing the camera, following the awareness session.
Earlier this week, our colleagues in the North East delivered vision awareness training with drivers from Go North East, sharing practical skills to better support blind and partially sighted passengers.
More exciting news on how this work is growing… this afternoon 👀 Stay tuned!
Wales Sight Loss Council members seated around tables in a large hall during the launch event
From left to right: 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 Thomas Pocklington Trust. They are stood together in a line, smiling at the camera, during the launch event.
We’re thrilled to launch Sight Loss Council Cymru today!
This two-year pilot gives blind and partially sighted people across Wales a platform to share experiences, influence decisions, and shape services.
Read more about this historic moment: https://bit.ly/461ZgCo #SightLossCouncilsCymru
Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for the North West, presenting to staff at Liverpool City Council. They are sat around a conference table in a wooden panelled room. Kelly is standing at the head of the table, with a presentation screen behind her.
Two male staff members walk down an outdoor staircase. One is wearing simulation glasses and is being guided during the sim spec walk.
“This should be part of induction for all staff who work on streets.”
This week, Merseyside SLC joined Liverpool City Council’s Design & Highways teams for a simulation walk, highlighting the real impact of street design on people with sight loss - and why inclusive design must come first.
Photo from the 2025 Rodney Powell Awards Ceremony. From left to right: Mervyn Williams, Trustee at Thomas Pocklington Trust, Claire Sisk, host of the 2025 Rodney Powell Awards, and Steve, Birmingham and Black County SLC volunteer - and winner of the Outstanding Contribution Award. Steve is holding a glass trophy in his hand, all are smiling at the camera.
Past Rodney Powell Award winners say recognition truly matters — from boosting confidence to validating the impact of their work. If an SLC or Thomas Pocklington Trust volunteer has made a difference, your nomination could mean more than you realise.
Nominate by 28 Feb 2026: https://bit.ly/4pOay42
Group shot in front of a wooden test-shelter. From left to right: Dannie (Derbyshire SLC(; Vee (Derbyshire SLC); Jules (Derbyshire SLC); Sian (Nottinghamshire SLC); Debbie (Nottinghamshire SLC); Mike (Merseyside SLC); Matt Harrison (Engagement Manager, TPT) and Emily Roberts-Howes (Bauer Media Outdoor).
A new bus shelter has launched in Essex, shaped by the lived experience of blind and partially sighted passengers. Developed with Bauer Media Outdoor and SLC volunteers from Essex, Merseyside, Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3O7Qeh1
