The Blind Spot: New podcast tells the stories, challenges and triumphs of blind and partially sighted people

Date posted: 18th June 2020

Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) has launched a new podcast sharing the stories and life experiences of blind and partially sighted people.

In its first episode, The Blind Spot features visually impaired people from Bristol who have made real positive change in services, access and facilities for blind and partially sighted people across the city. They discuss their highlights, challenges and successes over this last year.

Through the Bristol Sight Loss Council, which celebrated its first year this month, this inspiring group of people has undertaken a raft of projects including visual awareness training for GP surgeries and working with First Bus to improve bus travel.

Bristol Sight Loss Council member, Liz Illingworth, said:

“The highlight for me has been that, through all our work and the contacts we’ve made, we are becoming a recognisable force in the city.”

The Sight Loss Council (SLC), funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust and led by blind and partially sighted volunteers, advocates the needs, and campaigns on behalf of, blind and partially sighted people in the area.

Emma Hughes, Director of Services at TPT, said:

“Far too often the voices of blind and partially sighted people go unheard and their potential and achievements go unnoticed.

“The Blind Spot Podcast will invite blind and partially sighted people to tell their stories and shine a light on the highs and the lows of what it means to be a blind person living in Britain today. The podcast will also highlight TPT’s work supporting blind and partially sighted people to live the life they want to lead.”

Listen now to the podcast:

The Blind Spot future issues will include:

• Life after Lockdown: The social distancing challenges faced by visually impaired people.
• Student stories: Tips and experiences of further and higher education, including the challenges in accessing student support and Disabled Students Allowance.
• Employment: Personal experiences of looking for work as a blind and partially sighted person.
• Activism and campaigning: Stories from visually impaired people working to advocate for blind and partially sighted people

Ends

For further information or images please contact:

Penny Wilkinson, Thomas Pocklington Trust, penny.wilkinson@pocklington-trust.org.uk 07974 578 637.

Editors’ Notes

About Sight Loss Councils

SLCs are currently working in Birmingham, Black Country, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. Funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, each SLC is made up of around 10-12 blind and partially sighted volunteer 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. www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk

Over the next year Thomas Pocklington Trust will be extending its SLCs across the country. To find out more on this or other volunteering opportunities in the sight loss sector contact volunteering@pocklington-trust.org.uk

About Thomas Pocklington Trust

Thomas Pocklington Trust is a national charity dedicated to enabling and empowering blind and partially sighted people of all ages to live the life they want to lead. We are committed to increasing awareness and understanding of their needs and aspirations, to working with partners and to developing and implementing services which meet these needs to increase independence and improve lives. These include:

• Acting as an advocate and positive change agent for blind and partially sighted people.
• Creating opportunities for blind and partially sighted people seeking employment.
• Enabling opportunities and supporting blind and partially sighted people whilst in and entering education.
• Facilitating the voice and encouraging self-determination of blind and partially sighted people.
• Being an effective partner and grant funder based on our knowledge of the sector.

www.pocklington-trust.org.uk