Rodney Powell Awards 2026: Celebrating the volunteers creating change

Date posted: 3rd July 2026

Volunteers from across Sight Loss Councils, Young Voices, and Student Voices were recognised for their outstanding contributions at the 2026 Rodney Powell Awards, held during the annual Sight Loss Councils Conference in Leeds.

Taking place during Volunteers’ Week, the awards celebrate the dedication, passion, and leadership of volunteers who are helping to create a more inclusive society for blind and partially sighted people.

Named in honour of Rodney Powell MBE, who served as a trustee of Thomas Pocklington Trust for 37 years, the awards recognise the individuals, campaigns and partnerships driving meaningful change through lived experience.

Celebrating Volunteer Achievement

Hosted by broadcaster and journalist Fern Lulham, the evening brought together volunteers, staff, partners and sponsors to celebrate another remarkable year of achievement. Fern’s warmth, humour and honest reflections on living with sight loss helped bring the room together, reminding everyone of the power of lived experience to create positive change. Reflecting on the work of volunteers across Sight Loss Councils, Young Voices and Student Voices, Fern said: “It’s fantastic to hear about all the wonderful work of Sight Loss Councils, to recognise all the work of the amazing volunteers and celebrate their achievements.”

“It was also so touching to hear such human, personal and connecting stories. You can see how people have gone out of their way to have conversations and share their lived experiences to create empathy and understanding between people, and ultimately to create that positive change for others.”

“I think these awards are built on the belief that the moment people share can create a butterfly effect of belonging. Those moments ripple out to reach people they may never meet in person, but still touch those lives and make a difference.”

Our 2026 Winners

The following volunteers, projects and campaigns were recognised for their outstanding contributions to improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people.

Local Campaign of the Year

Winner: North Yorkshire Sight Loss Council – Arts and Culture

Sponsored by Russell-Cooke Solicitors

Members of North Yorkshire SLC stand together at the front of the conference room, face the camera, holding their winners medals, alongside Senior Engagement Manager Iain Mitchell. Behind the group, a large screen displays the text: "Local Campaign of the Year - Sponsored by Russell Cooke.

North Yorkshire Sight Loss Council was recognised for its work improving accessibility across arts and cultural venues throughout the region. Through venue assessments, accessibility recommendations and strong partnership working, the group has helped create more welcoming and inclusive experiences for blind and partially sighted people.

Lesley from North Yorkshire Sight Loss Council said:

“I was thrilled to receive the Local Campaign of the Year Rodney Powell Award for 2026, along with the rest of the North Yorkshire Sight Loss Council Team.

“We all enjoyed visiting various museums and galleries and helping staff make their attractions more accessible for visually impaired people. It is good to feel that we can make a difference and help our fellow blind and partially sighted community have a more enriching experience when visiting such venues.”

National Campaign of the Year

Winner: National App Testers – South Eastern Railway

Sponsored by First Bus

Nine members of the National App Testers group, and winners of National Campaign of the Year, stand together at the front of the Rodney Powell Awards ceremony. Behind them, a large screen displays the text “National Campaign of the Year – Sponsored by First Bus”. Members of the group each hold a medal box and is smiling towards the camera.

Volunteers from five Sight Loss Councils were recognised for their work testing and improving the accessibility of the South Eastern Railway app. Their lived experience helped deliver significant improvements for screen reader users and demonstrated the value of a national accessibility testing model that could benefit hundreds of thousands of rail passengers.

Iris from Sussex Sight Loss Council said:

“I feel honoured that the work we have done by reviewing the South Eastern train app has been recognised with a Rodney Powell Award.

“It once again shows what a difference we can make through being part of a Sight Loss Council and the work we are doing.”

Paul from Sussex Sight Loss Council added:

“Winning this award is great recognition for some of the truly hard work we put in as volunteers.

“For me, the app testing was a meaningful way in which we contributed to a tangible outcome that enhances the experience of blind and partially sighted users. This is one of the main reasons I enjoy being part of the SLC. It enables me to achieve positive results for myself and others at the same time.”

Volunteer of the Year

Winner: Tanja, Staffordshire Sight Loss Council

Sponsored by Arriva North West

Tanja, Staffordshire SLC member and winner of the Volunteer of the Year award poses with Cathy Lowe, Director of Services, at the Rodney Powell Awards. The award recipient holds a TPT-shaped trophy while standing in front of a large presentation screen displaying the Volunteer of the Year category, sponsored by Arriva North West.

Tanja was recognised for her determination and commitment to raising the voice of blind and partially sighted people with local and national decision-makers, helping to create new opportunities for influence and long-term change.

Tanja said:

“I’m highly honoured to have received the Rodney Powell Award for Volunteer of the Year. It hasn’t really sunk in yet.

“Much of the credit must be given to my fellow members of Staffordshire Sight Loss Council. Without their contribution, I don’t I would have won this award or even been nominated.

“I really do think of this as a team award. I hope it encourages all of us to continue building on what we have achieved so far.”

Runner-Up: Tom, Young Voices

Tom Ashworth, a Young Voices volunteer and runner-up in the Volunteer of the Year category, stands with Cathy Lowe, Director of Services, at the Rodney Powell Awards. Tom holds an open presentation case containing a medal while posing in front of a large presentation screen displaying the Volunteer of the Year award category, sponsored by Arriva. Sight Loss Councils and Thomas Pocklington Trust logos are visible on the screen, with a Sight Loss Councils banner and awards table in the background.

Tom was recognised for his leadership, advocacy and commitment to ensuring the voices of young people with sight loss are heard. Through Young Voices, national campaigns and engagement with decision-makers, he has championed greater inclusion and helped drive meaningful change.

“I am incredibly honoured to have been named Runner-Up Volunteer of the Year.

“As a Young Voice Young Leader and someone with lived experience of visual impairment, I am passionate about creating a more inclusive society and improving accessibility for people with sight loss and other SEND needs.

“Receiving this recognition means a great deal to me and motivates me to continue championing inclusion, accessibility and meaningful participation for all.”

Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering – Student Voices

Winner: Zehra

Sponsored by Guide Dogs

Zehra, Student Voices volunteer, stands with Director of Services, Emma Huges at the 2026 Rodney Powell Awards. Zehra is holding a TPT shaped trophy as the winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Student Voices award. A screen behind them displays the text “Outstanding Contribution – Student Voices,” sponsored by Guide Dogs, and identifies the winner as Zehra Yunel.

Zehra was recognised for her consistent contribution to Student Voices, sharing her lived experience through events, campaigns and national discussions to help strengthen the voices of blind and partially sighted students.

Reflecting on her award, Zahra said:

“I was really happy to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Student Voices Award.

“This award means a great deal to me because it recognises my commitment to advocating for the rights of visually impaired young people and supporting them to achieve their full potential in education.

“Through volunteering with Thomas Pocklington Trust, I have found my voice, discovered the public speaker and advocate in me, and developed a passion for disability rights and education law.

“Throughout the conference weekend, I really enjoyed learning more about the inspirational work taking place across different volunteer groups and celebrating with them.”

Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering

Winner: Heather, West of England Sight Loss Council

Sponsored by The Go-Ahead Group

Heather was recognised for more than five years of dedicated work improving accessibility across healthcare settings. Through partnerships with NHS organisations, she has helped influence practice, champion accessible communication and drive lasting improvements for blind and partially sighted patients.

Heather said:

“It was a great honour to win the Rodney Powell Award for Outstanding Contribution this year. It made me feel that the work I have done with the Sight Loss Council has been recognised and valued.

“I’ve had the pleasure of leading the work the West of England SLC has been doing with North Bristol NHS Trust over the last five years. Working in partnership with the Trust, I have been proud of achieving significant and sustainable improvements in training, implementation of the NHS Accessible Information Standard, and the standards of physical and digital accessibility.

“Although improvements may be made by an individual, working as part of an organisation such as the SLC, supported by a national charity, provides much more power and influence. The benefits of working as a team also shine through and contribute to the work being exciting and rewarding.”

Thank You

The Rodney Powell Awards would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We would like to thank Russell-Cooke Solicitors, First Bus, Arriva North West, Guide Dogs and The Go-Ahead Group for helping us celebrate the achievements of our volunteers and recognise the impact they make across the UK.

We would also like to thank Hilton Leeds City for generously hosting the conference drinks reception and helping create a memorable evening of celebration for volunteers, guests and partners.

Finally, thank you to every volunteer, nominee and finalist. Whether shortlisted or not, your commitment, lived experience and determination continue to improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people across the UK.

As Fern Lulham reminded everyone during the ceremony:

“Some people you’ll never meet, but you’ve helped them.”

Congratulations to all our 2026 Rodney Powell Award winners.

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