Lead Organisation: Beacon Centre for the Blind
Partner Organisations: Focus Birmingham and Sense Ability Matters (SAM)
For the last four years Beacon has led a pioneering whole-system influencing approach, placing people with sight loss at the heart of health and social care decision making. To date, they have successfully played a key role in influencing NHS digital accessibility and service design, developing leadership programmes driving national policy change.
Building on these successes, Beacon will now work collaboratively with Focus Birmingham and Sense Ability Matters (SAM), sight-loss charities that will enable them to extend their services to new geographic areas and reach new communities to ensure systems are more accessible and inclusive. Both partners will receive tailored mentorship, coaching and facilitated knowledge sharing to support their priorities and pace. They will also continue to evolve their work with the Black Country Integrated Care Board
Why it matters
Sight loss often coexists with other conditions. Beacon’s integrated approach ensures services are inclusive and not isolated.
Outcomes will include:
Improved access to digital and clinical pathways for VI people
Greater involvement of VI people in co-production
New funding and development opportunities aligned with ICB, ICS and local authority priorities
Development of new, fundable service models
Stronger stakeholder relationships
Growth of regional health and social care leaders.