Thomas Pocklington Trust Launches Sight Loss Council Cymru to Champion Accessibility in Wales

Date posted: 12th February 2026

Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) has announced a major milestone in its mission to strengthen the voice of blind and partially sighted people, with the launch of Sight Loss Council Cymru – the first of its kind in Wales.  

Speaking ahead of the launch event on 12 February 2026, Emma Hughes, Director of Services at Thomas Pocklington Trust, said: 

“Thomas Pocklington Trust is delighted to be working in partnership with Wales Council of the Blind to develop Sight Loss Councils in Wales for the first time. 

“Our approach is built on a simple but powerful principle: lived experience matters. When people who understand the challenges first-hand speak directly to decision makers, real change happens. The success of our Sight Loss Councils in England and Scotland shows what’s possible, and we’re proud to extend this model into Wales.” 

Developed in partnership with Wales Council of the Blind and funded by TPT, this pioneering initiative will give blind and partially sighted (BPS) people a bold new platform to influence decisions, shape services, and drive lasting change across the country. 

One Wales Council of the Blind volunteer said: “Sight Loss Council Cymru is a fantastic new initiative for blind and partially sighted people in Wales and a first for Wales. There are many different conditions effecting many different people across Wales. The Sight Loss Council can be the voice for all those people and can make a real difference in people’s lives.” 

 

A Powerful Partnership for Impact 

Sight Loss Council Cymru marks the next step in the growth of the UK-wide Sight Loss Council movement, which is already empowering communities across England and, more recently, Scotland. Bringing the model to Wales for the first time, this two-year pilot will ensure BPS voices are heard at both local and national levels. 

 

How Sight Loss Council Cymru Will Work 

Sight Loss Councils are volunteer-led groups made up exclusively of people with lived experience of sight loss. Using their insight, they collaborate with councils, businesses, transport providers, health bodies, and local groups to identify barriers and push for practical, meaningful improvements. 

“I want to join the Sight Loss Council to use my knowledge and life experience to help other blind and partially sighted people lead better lives,” said a local volunteer. 

Sight Loss Council Cymru will meet ten times per year and work closely with local sight loss organisations and Local Action Groups to set priorities and shape solutions. 

 

Building a Wales Where BPS People Have the Power to Shape Their Own Lives 

The launch signals TPT’s commitment to ensuring blind and partially sighted people in Wales have the power, platform, and support to influence the world around them—making everyday life more inclusive, equitable, and accessible. 

Wales SLC volunteer Alasdaire shared about this development: 

“Together we can make a difference. Little changes can create a ripple effect, and teamwork really does make the dream work.” 

Get Involved 

Learn more about Sight Loss Councils in Wales and get involved at sightlosscouncils.org.uk/meet-the-councils/wales/ 

 or Enquire about Sight Loss Councils in Wales