A street view of berwick town centre lined with tall black bollards along the pavement edge. The bollards are plain and dark with no colour contrast markings. Buildings on both sides of the street feature shopfronts and upper-storey windows. Red, white, and blue bunting is strung across the street overhead. Several pedestrians can be seen walking in the distance, and the sky appears overcast. The word “Before” is written in bold white text at the bottom of the image.

A close-up street view in Berwick town centre, showing a line of dark bollards along a cobblestone pavement beside parked cars. Each bollard now has a bright white reflective band painted around the top and middle sections, providing clear colour contrast against the dark surface. Wooden planters and several parked vehicles are visible in the background. The word “AFTER” is written in bold black text at the bottom left corner of the image.

Northumberland County Council listened 💪
Small changes, big impact — new bollard colour contrast in Berwick town centre makes a huge difference for accessibility.
Proud to see local collaboration with @ThomasPocklingtonTrust making streets safer and more inclusive.
#Accessibility #SightLossAwareness

The photo shows the exterior of a stone-built café called Café 1897. In front of the entrance, there are several white wooden planters with greenery inside them. Each planter is painted white and clearly marked with red text that reads “café 1897.” Behind the planters are white metal outdoor tables and chairs arranged neatly for customers. The café is set in a charming old stone building with large windows, hanging flower baskets, and a lantern above the entrance. A flag (the red cross of St George) is hanging from the building.

Had a lovely message from Nick Morphet after joining one of our Sim Specs Walks in Wark
He shared how it’s not just awareness,but real improvements:Planters outside a café were painted white, making the street easier for blind & partially sighted people to navigate.
Small changes. Big difference.

The photo shows the exterior of a stone-built café called Café 1897. In front of the entrance, there are several white wooden planters with greenery inside them. Each planter is painted white and clearly marked with red text that reads “café 1897.” Behind the planters are white metal outdoor tables and chairs arranged neatly for customers. The café is set in a charming old stone building with large windows, hanging flower baskets, and a lantern above the entrance. A flag (the red cross of St George) is hanging from the building.

Had a lovely message from Nick Morphet after joining one of our Sim Specs Walks in Wark
He shared how it’s not just awareness,but real improvements:Planters outside a café were painted white, making the street easier for blind & partially sighted people to navigate.
Small changes. Big difference.

A group of bus drivers wearing high-vis jackets sit in a bright training room, facing a presentation screen. The walls are decorated in yellow and black with “Bus Driver Academy” branding.

A group of smiling bus drivers and trainer, with engagement manager Jack Moffat for Thomas pocklington trust and volunteer Darren Cook, stand in front of a red double-decker bus with “Go North East” branding. Another yellow bus is parked behind them on a sunny day.

Six bus drivers in yellow high-vis jackets walk across a bus depot yard in front of a yellow bus. The sky is blue, and green hills are visible in the background.

Inside a bus, a trainer in an orange high-vis vest speaks to several bus drivers wearing yellow high-vis vests. They stand and sit near the front seats, listening closely.

Another great Sight Loss Awareness session with Go North East drivers 🚍 Huge thanks to volunteer Darren Cook for sharing his insight. Drivers were engaged & eager to learn, making transport more inclusive for all. #Accessibility #Inclusion

The image shows a group of people standing in front of a red bus with the label “Go North East” and license plate “YD70 CDZ”. There is also a green double-decker bus labeled “Angel” to the right. The group, which includes both men and women, appears to be composed of transportation or bus depot staff. Most of them are wearing high-visibility vests, and a few individuals are holding white canes, indicating that they may be visually impaired or involved in accessibility awareness or training. The setting seems to be outside a bus depot or garage. Everyone is standing on a pedestrian crossing, posing for the photo in front of the buses.

Had a brilliant day with GoNorthEast delivering a sight loss awareness session.
Big thanks to the amazing drivers + staff who got stuck in 🙌
We’re building a future where public transport works for everyone. #Accessibility #SightLossCouncils #Inclusion

🚨 Paid internship for blind/partially sighted students!
Work from home + some travel (incl. London)
36hrs/week | Real Living Wage
📍 North East (Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Cumbria)
Apply by 14 July 👉 f.mtr.cool/kyduwzonsn
#Accessibility #Internship

Photo Description: Two people are seated behind a table at an indoor event. On the left is a smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a striped shirt. On the right is a man with a beard wearing a white shirt and black cap. Behind them are three large banners. One bright blue banner says “BORN GOOD | Beyond Sight Loss.” Another banner is for “Sight Loss Councils” with a photo of a diverse group of blind and partially sighted people, including a guide dog. The third banner promotes IES (Integral Energy Solutions). On the table are leaflets, keyrings, cups, and a small suitcase displaying simulation glasses used for sight loss awareness.

Great day at the Northumbrian Water Innovation Festival! 🙌
Volunteer Emma joined us at our stand to connect with businesses, share what we do, and highlight the importance of accessibility.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by! 👋
#InnovationFestival #SightLossCouncils #Inclusion #Accessibility

Five people are standing and smiling inside a brightly decorated training room labeled “The Elite Bus Driver Academy.” One man sits at the front holding a long white cane, suggesting a visual impairment simulation or awareness focus. The walls and chairs are painted in bold yellow and black, reinforcing a strong brand identity for the training space.

Staff in high-vis vests are seated in bright yellow chairs, attentively facing a screen at the front of the room. The presentation slide is titled “Statistics Quiz,” with logos from Sight Loss Councils and Thomas Pocklington Trust visible. A flipchart stands beside the monitor, showing active engagement in the training session.

A line of Go North East staff, all wearing high-vis jackets, are participating in a simulation exercise outdoors. The first person is blindfolded and being carefully guided by a colleague behind them. Others in the group observe or wait their turn. The setting is a sunny day at a bus depot, with garage bays clearly visible.

A second group of participants is seen walking outdoors at the depot in a single file, taking part in a visual impairment simulation. Several people are blindfolded or wearing simulation glasses and being guided by colleagues. One participant confidently leads another by the arm while others follow, reinforcing the guiding technique being taught.

We Joined GoNorthEast as drivers took part in visual impairment awareness training using TPT resources. From guiding to boarding a bus wearing sim specs—it was powerful, practical, and a great example of commitment to accessible transport.

From left to right: Staff members Nicki, David, Kelly, Liam, Lu, Belle, Sam, Matt, Lauren, Jack, and Georgina are standing together on the Thames Path in bright sunshine. Behind them, the River Thames flows calmly, with the Shard and surrounding modern office buildings rising in the background. Several team members are holding white canes, and everyone is smiling, capturing a moment of unity and accessibility on a clear London day.

The Engagement Team hit the streets of London to test Aira, GoodMaps & Waymap in the sunshine! It was a great hands-on day for new & experienced staff alike because practice makes perfect.
Have you used a wayfinding app? Tell us where & how it helped!
#StreetsForAll #VisionForChange

Poster for the Vision Zone Event at Morpeth Library, held on 14 May, listing supporting organisations like RNIB, Guide Dogs, and Northumberland Sensory Services.

Jack Moffat and Georgina Cole (works for Thomas pocklington Trust) at an info table with banners for Sight Loss Councils and Northumberland Sensory Services behind them.

Great time at yesterday’s Vision Zone Event at Morpeth Library! Thanks to all who came along and to RNIB, Guide Dogs, Sight Loss Councils & others for supporting people with sight loss. Amazing to connect & share resources. #Accessibility #SightLossSupport

The image shows a group of people seated around a table in a bright, modern room with large windows overlooking a courtyard. Two participants are wearing simulation glasses (used to mimic visual impairments) while engaging in everyday tasks—one person is handling coins, and another appears to be filling out a form with a pen. The others watch or participate supportively. Mugs, water bottles, and snacks are on the table, contributing to a relaxed but focused environment. This setting is part of a sight loss awareness session.

This image shows a man seated at a table wearing simulation glasses, which are typically used to simulate visual impairments. He appears to be handling coins, likely as part of a sight loss awareness activity. Around him are other participants, some observing and others engaged in conversation.

This image captures a group of people participating in a sight loss awareness session in a bright, modern office setting with large windows offering a city view. Several individuals are seated around a table engaged in hands-on tasks. One person is wearing simulation glasses and appears to be filling out a form with a pen, while others interact with coins—likely simulating real-life challenges faced by people with visual impairments. There are various items on the table including printed worksheets, a soft drink, mugs labeled “THE TERRACE,” and a phone. The atmosphere looks collaborative and focused, with participants showing clear engagement in understanding the barriers visually impaired individuals encounter in daily life.

This image shows a bright, modern office space filled with people actively participating in a sight loss awareness session. At the center of the image stands a tall man with a white cane, who is Jack Moffat, the Engagement Manager for Thomas Pocklington Trust. He appears to be leading the session, engaging with a group seated at one of several tables. The attendees, seated and listening attentively, are involved in various hands-on activities—likely part of the experiential learning exercise. Some are using simulation glasses, while others are interacting with forms, everyday items, and tactile tasks intended to simulate the challenges faced by blind and visually impaired individuals.

We delivered a great sight loss awareness session with GT3 Architect’s . Staff wore simulation glasses to try tasks like counting money, filling in forms & sending texts—revealing how tough daily life can be for blind & VI people. #Accessibility #VisionForChange

The image shows a group of people seated around a table in a bright, modern room with large windows overlooking a courtyard. Two participants are wearing simulation glasses (used to mimic visual impairments) while engaging in everyday tasks—one person is handling coins, and another appears to be filling out a form with a pen. The others watch or participate supportively. Mugs, water bottles, and snacks are on the table, contributing to a relaxed but focused environment. This setting is part of a sight loss awareness session.

This image shows a man seated at a table wearing simulation glasses, which are typically used to simulate visual impairments. He appears to be handling coins, likely as part of a sight loss awareness activity. Around him are other participants, some observing and others engaged in conversation.

This image captures a group of people participating in a sight loss awareness session in a bright, modern office setting with large windows offering a city view. Several individuals are seated around a table engaged in hands-on tasks. One person is wearing simulation glasses and appears to be filling out a form with a pen, while others interact with coins—likely simulating real-life challenges faced by people with visual impairments. There are various items on the table including printed worksheets, a soft drink, mugs labeled “THE TERRACE,” and a phone. The atmosphere looks collaborative and focused, with participants showing clear engagement in understanding the barriers visually impaired individuals encounter in daily life.

This image shows a bright, modern office space filled with people actively participating in a sight loss awareness session. At the center of the image stands a tall man with a white cane, who is Jack Moffat, the Engagement Manager for Thomas Pocklington Trust. He appears to be leading the session, engaging with a group seated at one of several tables. The attendees, seated and listening attentively, are involved in various hands-on activities—likely part of the experiential learning exercise. Some are using simulation glasses, while others are interacting with forms, everyday items, and tactile tasks intended to simulate the challenges faced by blind and visually impaired individuals.

We delivered a great sight loss awareness session with GT3 Architect’s . Staff wore simulation glasses to try tasks like counting money, filling in forms & sending texts—revealing how tough daily life can be for blind & VI people. #Accessibility #VisionForChange

The image shows four people walking down a quiet, residential street on a cloudy day. • In the front right is a young woman with long, light hair. She is wearing a color-blocked sweater in white, maroon, and black, along with black pants and shoes. She’s smiling and holding the sims specks package • Walking beside her to the left is Jack Moffat, a tall man with a beard. He’s wearing a black baseball cap, a black padded vest over a gray sweater, blue jeans, and tan boots. He is using a white cane, indicating he is visually impaired. • Behind them, further back, are two more people. One is wearing a bright orange puffer coat and red plaid pants, with short white hair. Next to them is someone dressed in dark clothes — a navy coat and hat — who is being guided with the person in orange wearing the sims specks The street has parked cars on both sides and traditional stone houses with sloped roofs. The area looks calm, with greenery and some yellow daffodils blooming on the left side. The mood feels peaceful and friendly, a casual walk through a village.

This image shows a group of five people walking along a quiet, tree-lined path beside a light-colored building with large windows. The scene is bright but overcast, it’s a cool, early spring/late winter day. At the front right of the group is Jack Moffat, a tall man with a beard. He’s wearing a black baseball cap, a black padded vest over a gray knit sweater, blue jeans, and tan boots. He is using a white cane, indicating he is visually impaired. Walking behind and beside Jack are four individuals identified as councillors wearing SimSpecs — special simulation glasses often used to mimic various visual impairments for training and awareness. • The man on the far left wears sunglasses, a black jacket over a gray t-shirt, and dark shorts. • Next to him is a man in a bright blue jacket and gray beanie, carrying a crossbody bag and holding something in his hand. • A man in a dark coat and hat walks just behind them. • Further back, a woman in a vibrant orange puffer coat and red plaid leggings walks with focus. They all engaged in an awareness walk, to better understand accessibility or the experience of those with sight loss. The environment is calm and semi-rural, with bare trees and a low stone wall running alongside the path.

Members of Wark Parish Council navigated the streets of the beautiful Northumbrian village of Wark wearing sim specs (simulate various sight conditions).
The walk highlighted barriers blind and partially sighted people face in the area.
#MakeStreetsAccessible #StreetsForAll #VisionForChange

We've created a UK Sight Loss Sector Starter Pack! As more of us join #BlueSky it's a great way to share news and updates relevant to #BlindAndPartiallySighted people.

DM us to join or follow here: go.bsky.app/3BLF1ot

The image shows the exterior of De Baliol Care Home, a two-story red-brick building with beige upper sections and a brown tiled roof. A covered entranceway with a white gable extends from the building, with hanging flower baskets on either side. In the foreground, there is a well-maintained garden with a variety of plants, including a wooden birdhouse, green shrubs, and flowering plants. A neatly kept pathway leads to the entrance, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The sky is partly cloudy, and the setting appears peaceful and inviting.

👁️‍🗨️ Empowering carers with Sight Loss Awareness!

The Thomas Pocklington Trust recently worked with staff at De Baliol Care Home, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, equipping them with the skills to support residents with sight loss.
A fantastic step towards inclusive, person-centered care! 👏💙
#SightLossAwareness

Northumberland& Tyne & Wear Sight Loss Councils are working hard to improve accessibility for blind and partially sighted people:
👟 Sim Specs Walks: work with local councils to improve built environment
🚌 Transport focus
🏥 CareHome Sight loss awareness work
🤝 Community Engagement
🏏 Inclusive Sports

Image description: The photo shows Jack Moffat from Thomas Pocklington Trust standing between two construction workers from Taylor Woodrow in an office setting. Jack is wearing a blue and black jacket, jeans, trainers, and a black cap, holding a white cane. The two construction workers are dressed in high-visibility orange workwear with reflective stripes and white hard hats on. In the foreground, a blue Vine Simulation Package is visible, used for sight loss awareness training. The background features a white office wall with a window covered by blinds, a construction site plan pinned to the wall, and dark carpeting. The group is posing for a photo following a sight loss awareness session delivered by Jack to the construction team.

Huge thanks to Taylor Woodrow who put forward 15 ground men and other staff members to take part in sight loss awareness work. They now have a better understanding of how to make the area around their building sights more accessible.

#StreetsForAll
#BuildEnvironment

An elderly gentleman is sat down in a garden, with his hands on a walking stick. He is smiling at his carer. His carer has her hand on top of his and is smiling warmly at him.

#Northumberland SLC is delivering further vision awareness sessions to care home workers.

Staff at Summer hill, The Grange, abbeyfeild, dolphin view and De Baliol care homes will learn how they can best support their blind and partially sighted residents. 

#MakeHealthAccessible #VisionForChange

Photographed outside around greenery and daffodils we have Jack Moffat (engagement manager of TPT) stood to the left of Jack is Northumberland SLC volunteer Matty Bolam stood behind a sign reading - “Abbeyfield - registered residential care home” with a sign stating “only heroes work here” (abbeyfield society is a registered charity).

It was a pleasure to visit @TheAbbeyfield care home in #Alnwick.
#Northumberland SLC delivered sight loss awareness work to several care workers. The staff engaged so well and it was a-great session.
#VisionForChange

The post is made up of a two photograph collage. In the left hand photo we have Jack Moffat, northeast engagement manager of Thomas pocklington trust, while Jack uses his mobile phone device to show how he would access healthcare related websites/apps and the difficulties he would face using these and also what is good about these. sat next to Jack on the right is an opencast assessor and inbetween both of them is another accessor presenting the opencast logo on his back pack. On the right hand photograph we have Hazel Dixon (volunteer for Tyne and Wear SLC) wearing her blue opencast hoodie, stood next to Jack Moffat in the entrance of the opencast reception area.

It was great to take part in #opencasts survey on how disabled people access health related websites. Thanks to our #TyneandWearSLC volunteer Hazel Dixon for getting us involved.

A banner image made up of four boxes. The top left box shows a group of visually impaired people listening to Jack Moffat doing a presentation on the work of the Tyne and Wear sight loss council. The top right image shows the Thomas Pocklington Trust logo. The bottom left image shows the Newcastle Vision Support logo, and the bottom left logo shows Jack Moffat, Engagement Manager for North East Sight Loss Councils talking to the CU Wednesday group at Newcastle vision support.

It was a real privelage to talk at #NewcastleVisionSupport , people were very keen to share their views on accessibility problems in Newcastle upon Tyne.
This is a great help for our #SLC in prioritising the relevant issues in the area.
@slcouncils.bsky.social

On the left hand side we have Matty Bolam, volunteer for Thomas pocklington trust, stood next to Jack Moffat TPT engagement manager, then to the left of Jack is Morpeth councillor riddle, then on the far right we have Penny, Rehabilitation worker all stood outside of Morpeth town hall.

It was great to be joined by councillor riddle for our simspecs walk around Morpeth. We have highlighted a few key issues within the town centre and look forward to addressing these together. #slc #morpeth #slcinfo

Photographed at the reception check in area at the holiday inn, Newcastle gosforth, we have Peter auld norther manager for IHG hotels and resorts on the left, in the middle Jack Moffat, engagement manager for Thomas pocklington trust and on the right hand side Emma Hogg, volunteer for TPT.

Fantastic meeting Peter auld today, the northern area manager for @IHGhotels myself and Northumberland SLC volunteer Emma Hogg are very excited about working together to improve the customer experience for blind and partially sighted people.
#SLCouncils #SLCinfo @holidayinn.bsky.social

Photographed in Hexham market square, On the left we have Jack Moffat, northeast engagement manager for Thomas pocklington trust stood next to on the right is Hexham town councillor Trevor Cessford

It was great to be joined by councillor Cessford for our walk around Hexham today, highlighting a few key issues faced with the built environment within the town and we look forward to addressing these together.
@SLCouncils @daftladtc #VisionForChange #SLCs

Officers from Newcastle City Council outside, at the start of the sim spec walk this week. Several officers are wearing simulation spectacles and being guided by a partner.

More great coverage from Tyne & Wear SLC's sim-spec walk with officers from @NewcastleCC this week.

Officers wore simulation glasses which highlight various sight loss conditions, to experience the challenges many blind & partially sighted people face.

bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

Volunteer matty from Thomas pocklington trust stood next to two carers and Jack Moffat, North east engagement manager for thomas pocklington trust, stood infront of the door entrance to Dolphin view care home, all smiling.

#Northumberland SLC had an excellent sight loss awareness session with the staff at dolphin view.The staff engaged fantastically and seemed to get a lot out of the session. It was an absolute pleasure. We really enjoyed meeting you all!
#MakeHealthcareAccessible #VisionForChange

Volunteer Matty from Northumberland SLC sat next to TPT northeast engagement manager Jack Moffat. Both are sat at a table with a full simulation spectacles case open with the glasses on show, TPT information leaflets and business cards are also set out in the table with a Thomas pocklington Trust banner behind them. And the beautiful scenery of Alnwick Gardens in the background.

Our #Northumberland SLC had a wonderful morning at the #AlnwickGardens well being event. We networked with many other wonderful charities. As ever it was a pleasure to collaborate with @VisionNorthumberland and @MacularSociety

#VisionForChange

The image shows a group of 7 people standing in a semi circle on a pathway, behind them is a brick wall and Infront of them are some blue chained bollards. We have Jack Moffat, Northeast engagement manager, Stood with his white cane talking to three councillors wearing sims specks

Northumberland SLC enjoyed our sims specks walk with Amble Town Council.
This is part of our "Make Northumberland's towns accessible" project.
We feel extremely positive about what we can achieve moving forward.
#MakeStreetsAccessible

Photographed here are 9 people all in casual clothing, smiling, stood infront of the Berwick upon tweed town council offices, there are 7 councillors, 4 of them wearing simulation glasses, sighted guide Becky and the northeast engagement manager Jack Moffat are also stood within the photo.

Our simspecs walk with the town councillors of Berwick went extremely well. We are delighted to say that they have agreed to work with us moving forward to boost accessibility in Berwick for blind and partially sighted people.
#StreetsForAll

Photographed are 11 individuals all stood infront of the new electric stagecoach bus, workers from nexus on the left, TPT volunteers Steve Holliday and Darren cook and engagement manager Jack Moffat stood in the middle and stagecoach and go northeast staff stood at the far right of the bus.

Our SLC attended “meet the bus event” ran by the combined authority and nexus. Stagecoach and GoNortheast attended and showed us their respective new bus models. Our volunteers keenly shared their thoughts and We are working with their newly formed bus transport focus group