Inclusivesociety

With the elections for Scotland’s local authorities happening on May 5, it is important to emphasise the vital role councils play in helping blind and partially sighted people to live as independently and inclusively as possible.

People with a visual impairment are

more likely to depend on services from their local council, for information that’s readily available in alternative formats, public transport that’s accessible, streets and thoroughfares that allow people to walk safely and without obstacles, education that allows every child to reach their full potential, and employment that’s informed by a better understanding of what those with sight loss can do.

Around 178,000 people are currently living with a significant degree of sight loss in Scotland, of whom over 4000 are children and young people.

Our ageing population and the increase in sight-threatening conditions such as diabetes means this number will, inevitably, grow.

Let’s make one positive legacy of the upheaval we’ve all been through a resolve to make sure we re-emerge as a society in which no one is left at the margins. Our local authorities are absolutely key to this. James Adams, Director, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Scotland,

That’s why we’re asking local council candidates to commit to actions to help deliver good mental health for all.

These include making sure that every council department considers public mental health when making decisions, providing community groups with funding to provide support that people need, ensuring we all have access to quality green spaces and also that children and young people have access to a variety of sport and leisure activities free of charge.

On May 5 make sure you vote for the candidates that you trust will work hard to build a Wellbeing Community for all. Keith Rae, Mental Health Foundation, McLellan Works, Edinburgh