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About WCB.
Wales Council of the Blind is the umbrella agency representing vision impairment within Wales. We work to campaign, lobby and support the improvement of services for people with sight loss. [Read more...]
Latest news.
Bus services in Wales - Feedback needed
As part of the work Wales Council for the Blind will be doing on the Sight Loss Council, we would like to have an understanding of which bus companies are used in the different areas of Wales.
This information will also be helpful for bigger project we will be working on with Thomas Pocklington Trust. Please can you let Anita know of which bus companies you are using and whether these services are frequent and supportive to your travel needs. You can email or phone her on anita@wcb-ccd.org.uk or 07929280518.
Sight Loss Council for Wales - More representatives needed
Are you blind or partially sighted and want to change things for the better? Wales Council of the Blind is launching a new Sight Loss Council group in Wales and recruiting new members. Sight Loss Councils (SLC Cymru), funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, are regional groups led by blind and partially sighted people. Together, we work with organisations to ensure what they do is accessible and inclusive. You will work with policy makers and local service providers to improve access for blind and partially sighted people in your local community. You will also get the opportunity to come together with other blind and partially sighted people in your area, have a voice and develop new skills.
We are currently recruiting for representatives to cover the following regions:
- Hwyl Dda Health Board area (one required)
- Aneurin Bevan (two representatives required)
- Betsi Cadwaladr (two representatives required)
- Powys (two representatives required)
You can read some volunteer's stories here, and the new SLC volunteers in Wales explain why the role is important to them:
- Alasdaire who likes to be known as Al said: “Being part of the Sight Loss Council Cymru as a volunteer, a representative for The Cwm Taf area is important to me because, together we can make a difference. Supporting each other with shared experiences and encouraging individuals to make change. It is a positive step towards supporting people with sight loss to build confidence while raising awareness within their daily lives, remaining members of their local community and enabling people to make these changes. It is important that they know they are not alone. Ensuring that we have a voice that educates society, allowing others to gain a greater understanding of the struggles that are faced by the visually impaired community. I believe, little changes can make a big difference, much like a ripple effect. teamwork, really does make the dream work”.
- Uzma, said: "I am looking forward to joining the sight loss council as I want to explore what it means to break down the barriers that people with sight loss face every day. I am looking forward to working as a team to support people to gain their independence and have fun at the same time".
Seasonal support for people with sight and hearing loss from Deafblind UK
Deafblind UK's Winter Wellness programme returns this winter, offering extra support to keep people healthy and connected through the winter. The service is available to anyone affected by sight and hearing loss, and their families and carers and will be available until February 28th 2026.
Services include extended helpline hours, extra holiday support, telephone and video groups, Christmas Day and Boxing Day calls, and winter befrienders. You can find out more about the service and how to apply on the Deafblind UK website.
Ask your MS to support changes to the Bus Services (Wales) Bill
Only 1 in 10 blind and partially sighted people in Wales can make all the bus journeys they need. Now, RNIB Cymru is calling for stronger legal duties in the Bus Services (Wales) Bill to make public transport truly accessible.
It only takes 2 minutes to act – send a pre-written email to your Member of the Senedd (MS) using an easy online tool in English or Cymraeg.
The deadline to make changes to the Bus Services (Wales) Bill is 25 November, and the debate to agree these changes will happen on 2 December. Complete the e-action today to ask your MS to champion the needs of passengers with sight loss.