Blind and partially sighted volunteers needed

Greater Manchester Sight Loss Council is looking for visually impaired volunteers

The newly formed Greater Manchester Sight Loss Council, which raises awareness of the issues faced by blind and partially sighted people, is looking for enthusiastic visually impaired volunteers.

Sight Loss Councils (SLCs) are currently operating in Birmingham, Black Country, Bristol and Merseyside and work closely with businesses, charities, transport hubs, local politicians and other service providers to improve access to services for visually impaired residents.

Engagement Manager, Iain Mitchell, who heads up Sight Loss Councils in the North West of England, said: “The new Sight Loss Council, spearheaded by local blind and partially sighted volunteers, will highlight the challenges visually impaired people from the Greater Manchester region face and influence positive change in this area.

“We need people who are passionate about advocating the needs of their community.  Together, we will set our priorities and the programme of activities to influence this change.

“For example, our work may be to encourage shops in the city centre to consider people with visual impairments in their layout and lighting.  Or include work with transport providers to introduce features that help blind and partially sighted people know they have got on the right bus”.

Volunteering can be a great way for volunteers to learn new skills and boost their confidence.

Iain explained: “Our members can get involved in a wide range of activities. It is a fantastic opportunity for visually impaired people to learn how to advocate for themselves and others, get confident with public speaking, help organise events, and much more. Our members gain transferable skills that can increase their confidence and boost their CV”.

Laura, who volunteers for the Merseyside Sight Loss Council, agrees.  She said: “Volunteering has given me opportunities I would never have had and increased my confidence massively”.

The Sight Loss Councils meet once a month, where members can discuss priorities and put forward issues raised by their communities.

Those wishing to volunteer can find out more information by visiting the Sight Loss Council's website:

• www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk/become-a-member