Samantha Leftwich TPT SLC

A busy week for Bedfordshire @SLCouncils delivering 2 Coffee & Chat events at #LutonAirportParkway & #Stevenage stations as part of our #MakeTransportAccessible project to improve accessibility of the services. Lots of great conversations, tips shared & exciting work to come.

Buses are the most used form of public transport in the UK, vital for many #Blind and #PartiallySighted individuals making our work with @BusUsersUK even more important. This led Sight Loss Councils and @PocklingtonHub to create bus and coach driver training videos in collaboration with @CPT_UK, @transportgovuk, @DVSAgovuk, @BrightonHoveBus, designed to educate drivers on the types of visual impairment and what they can do to help.  Claire Walters, Chief Executive of Bus Users UK, said: "Accessible transport is a lifeline for those with sight loss, providing access to essential services, education, and employment." Access free training materials here: bit.ly/3zwOF5u #MakeBusesAccessible #MakeTransportAccessible #VisionForChange

As part of #CatchABusMonth Bedfordshire @SLCouncils attended an event in Luton to meet representatives from bus operators & staff from Luton Borough & Central Bedfordshire Councils. Highlighting our #MakeBusesAccessible campaign & sharing the launch date of our new resources!

Essex @SLCouncils delivered a talk & activities to 70 people at the South Essex PCN network training session highlighting the #AccessibleInformationStandard, #SensoryImpairment, #VisionImpairmentAwareness & gave an insight into accessing NHS services as #BPS people. #Blind #VI

Essex @SLCouncils delivered another fantastic VI #Awareness Session to Conductors from @greateranglia as part of our ongoing partnership as part of our national project to #MakeTransportAccessible We look forward to continuing our work with them to build confidence for staff.

Bedfordshire @SLCouncils visited @forest_centre Marston Vale to continue our work with them. This time we were joined by Jo & we started the process of creating an audio guide of one of their more accessible walks as part of our local #MakeSportAndLeisureAccessible project. #BPS

Excited for Essex @SLCouncils to attend #UFEST at Maldon Promenade Park with @MaldonTCouncil & lots of other organisations engaging with communities to highlight the #SightLoss councils work & #RaisingAwareness. Come down and see us! #Community #Maldon #Blind #PartiallySighted

Was great for engagement staff from TPT @PocklingtonHub to represent @SLCouncils at a VI Sector conference today along with Campaigns officers from @guidedogs & @RNIB to discuss how we can collaborate on built environment projects in our regions. #StrongerTogether #Collaboration

Delighted that Essex @SLCouncils joined a focus group & collaborative workshop around colourful surfaces with @Sustrans & @guidedogs Lots of great feedback from #Blind & #PartiallySighted people given. Our engagement & their research continues. #SaferStreets #BuiltEnvironment

It’s #TakeYourDogToWorkDay so here’s Lizzie my #GuideDog & honorary Essex @SLCouncils member who is a #DogWithAJob she attends meetings, events & sessions for work, guiding me to, from & around venues, filming & sometimes likes to snooze too! #SleepingOnTheJob #LickyLizzie

Bedfordshire @SLCouncils attended #LutonAirportParkwayStaion today to take part in a pilot ‘Try a Train’ event with @GTRailUK specifically aimed at supporting #Blind & #PartiallySighted people to build their confidence in travelling on the network. Our collaboration continues.

It was great for Essex @SLCouncils to attend the @EssexSight Sight Exhibition today. A fantastic event where we spoke to many people about the services provided by TPT @PocklingtonHub & our Sight Loss Councils. Raising awareness & the profile of our work. Join us to make change.

It was great for Essex @SLCouncils to be invited to the launch of #MaldonDistrictCouncils #BeatTheStreet initiative to encourage people to walk and get more active. We discussed accessibility & continue to encourage #Blind & #PartiallySighted people to get involved & get active.

Exciting day for Essex @SLCouncils on #GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay working with Stansted SAFE Forum at @STN_Airport on a joint project about accessibility, inclusion and independent travel. More to come soon!

London & Bedfordshire @SLCouncils attend Battersea Power Station yesterday to deliver VI Awareness Sessions to @ethosfarmUK Staff from across Guest experience services at @BatterseaPwrStn, Westfield & Luton DART to #MakeRetailSccessible & #MakeTransportAccessible for BPS people.

It was great to catch up with Nichola from Resourcefully in Chelmsford to discuss our Arts and Culture project with Essex @SLCouncils. As we move into spring and summer with lots of great arts festivals planned we are working to #MakeArtsAndCultureAccessible. Work will continue!

It was great for both #Essex & #Bedfordshire @SLCouncils to attend the pan-disability access forums, LLAAF & SAFE @LDNLutonAirport & @STN_Airport to discuss accessibility for disabled passengers. Focusing on staff training & showcasing a familiarisation event with our volunteers.

Huge thanks to Victoria @AccessBuses, Nick, Dean and Dave for showing us your new accessible buses! The team @PocklingtonHub are looking forward to working with you to increase driver awareness in the sector making bus journeys inclusive for all.

Despite the weather, it was great for Essex @SLCouncils to have initiated some #Accessibility site visits with the Dovercourt Public Realm Scheme team to discuss their proposals. Highlighting the needs of various groups. This was a great event & work will continue with them.

@c2c_Rail the audio visual announcements on the train leaving Benfleet station at 16:17 weren’t on. Can you please make sure they’re on so that #Blind and #PartiallySighted people know when to get off for their stop. This also saves time if they have booked #PassengerAssistance.