Thomas Pocklington Trust

Thomas Pocklington Trust Thomas Pocklington Trust strives for equality of blind and partially sighted people in every aspect of society.

On 22 July, our Education, Employment & Partnerships teams visited ’s Accessibility Discovery Centre in London for a han...
01/08/2025

On 22 July, our Education, Employment & Partnerships teams visited ’s Accessibility Discovery Centre in London for a hands-on workshop exploring Chromebook accessibility features.

Led by Hans Zimmermann and Christopher Patnoe, the session gave our teams the opportunity to test out Chromebook’s built-in accessibility tools by carrying out everyday tasks through the lens of blind and partially sighted students and professionals.

From Select-to-Speak and screen readers to voice-activated AI image creation (including one very memorable kebab shop sign), participants explored a wide range of tools that support independent navigation and saw first-hand how Chromebooks are being developed with inclusion at their core.

This workshop is part of a growing partnership between Thomas Pocklington Trust and Google, built on a shared commitment to inclusion. Reflecting on this collaboration, Christopher Patnoe, Google’s Lead for EMEA Accessibility and Disability Innovation, shared:

“We continue to be impressed with the depth of experience and passion that TPT brings to the table and are impressed with the services they provide.”

A huge thank you to Christopher, Hans, and the entire Google Accessibility team for such a thoughtful and inspiring day. And a big shoutout to our brilliant colleagues who took part: Jen Sweeney, Alex Henderson, Kate O’Hagan, Sydney May, Jonathan Ward, Graham Page, and Jo Wheeler.

Sessions like this deepen our understanding of how to better support blind and partially sighted students and professionals, something that sits right at the heart of our mission at Thomas Pocklington Trust.



Image description:
Image 1: Hans Zimmermann presenting to a group in an office setting. They are all sitting around a table watching the large screen at the end of the room while Hans is presenting, standing at a lectern.
Image 2: A group selfie taking by Hans Zimmermann along side TPT staff.

31/07/2025

Jamie, our 2024/25 intern, shares what he loves most about being part of the GSP internship. Could you be next sharing your GSP experience?

We’ve still got a great selection of paid internships open for 2025/26. If you're blind or partially sighted, this is your chance, but act fast, as deadlines are coming up.

Take a look at the available roles:

Activities Coordinator Intern at Wilberforce trust. Location: Hybrid. Closes: Friday 8th August.

Administration Assistant Intern at General Optical Council. Location: Hybrid /London. Closes: Wednesday 6th August

Business Development Assistant Intern at Middlesex Association for the Blind. Location: Stanmore, London. Closes: Sunday 3rd August

Business Development Coordinator at Senclude. Location: Witney, Oxfordshire. Closes: Today, Thursday 31st July.

Digital Marketing Intern at Amber Mountain Marketing. Location: Berkeley House, London Colney, St Albans, AL2 1BG. Closes: Sunday 31st August

Employment Website Administrator Intern at Blind Ambition. Location: Remote. Closes: Friday 15th August

Fundraising Officer at 4 Sight Vision Support. Location: Hybrid/Shoreham by Sea. Closes: Monday 18th August

Service Management Analyst Intern at Tialis Essential IT Manage Ltd. Location: Greenhithe Dartford. Closes: Friday 1st August

Software Development Intern at Bristol Braille Technology CIC. Location: Bristol. Closes: Tuesday 5th August

Thinker In Residence at Extant. Location: Hybrid /London SW9 8GL. Closes: Wednesday 10 September

Find out more and apply here:https://f.mtr.cool/bzneqbpmct

Video Description: Jamie, stands outside the Queen Elizabeth the second Centre in London stating his favourite part of the internship to the camera. He has ginger hair and beard with black glasses. Jamie wears a light blue shirt, a white t-shirt underand black jeans.

Video transcript: I'd say it's definitely meeting other visually impaired people of the same age because that's very rare, you very rarely meet people on their 20's with a visual impairment and it's just really nice to connect with people in the same position

Come on, it’s time to land that new job. And this comprehensive guide to filling out an application form is just what yo...
30/07/2025

Come on, it’s time to land that new job. And this comprehensive guide to filling out an application form is just what you need.

It’s full of straightforward, practical tips to help you write stronger answers and feel more confident when applying for roles. Honestly, it’s so insightful, it almost had me applying for a job just for the fun of it.

Our Employment team knows their stuff. They’ve supported loads of people with applications and have also sat on the other side, shortlisting candidates. They understand exactly what makes an application stand out, and they’ve packed that insight into this handy guide.

Take a look at it here: https://f.mtr.cool/qiwcnvyubc



Image description: A white graphic with an image of a woman smiling and shaking hands with another person in a professional setting. Bold blue text reads: "Job Applications: love them or loathe them. Our employment teams got a guide to help make the process worthwhile..." smaller texts below reads "Take a look!". The TPT logo is on the top right.

Big news! Our new free, online vision impairment training for non-specialist staff launches today, 29 July. As an educat...
29/07/2025

Big news! Our new free, online vision impairment training for non-specialist staff launches today, 29 July.

As an education professional, you may not often encounter children and young people with vision impairment. But if you did, would you feel confident in providing the right support? And how can you make your teaching as accessible and inclusive as possible?

That’s why we’re excited to launch our new training course: Vision Impairment: Starting the Conversation.

This course is:

Completely Free

Online

Self-paced and can be completed in a way that suits you, in one go, or in blocks over a three-month period

At Thomas Pocklington Trust, we support a wide range of professionals to help them provide excellent support to blind and partially sighted students. Our team brings the knowledge, skills and lived experience to deliver high-quality training that equips you to provide the best, inclusive support.

Through interactive quizzes and real-life case studies, you'll learn about common types of vision impairment, ways to create enabling environments and real, tangible ways of improving your engagement with blind and partially sighted students.

Sign up now and start the conversation:https://f.mtr.cool/sgbgdlvhxu



Image description: New online course titled "Vision Impairment: starting the conversation" Additional text reads: “A free, online course to help non-specialist staff support blind and partially sighted young people. Sign up now.” On the right is a photo of an adult supporting a young girl using tactile resources at a table. The top left features the TPT logo with "Just Launched" below.

What’s your go-to VI sport? I’ve tried tandem cycling, and absolutely loved it… until the padded shorts weren’t enough t...
28/07/2025

What’s your go-to VI sport?

I’ve tried tandem cycling, and absolutely loved it… until the padded shorts weren’t enough to save me from the inevitable discomfort. Still, totally worth it.

Baseball is another favourite. There’s something so energising about smacking the ball and sprinting round the bases. It gives me that “proper sporty” feeling.

I also enjoy the fielding part: standing ready, arms and legs out, waiting for the ball to roll your way, then launching it back to base like a hero. (Blindfolded, of course.)

But if I had to choose just one? It’d be goalball, hands down. I only wish I remembered to wear the cricket box more often… the hits can be brutal!

Now it’s over to you. What sport do you enjoy, either recreationally or professionally, and why? Share in the comments. You might just inspire someone to try something new.



Image description: An illustration of an individual wearing an eye mask, mid-action while blocking a red ball in a blind sport. The text reads: "What is your go-to blind sport? Just for fun or on a professional pitch; we want to hear it!" The Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) logo is positioned in the top left corner.

We have some amazing roles due to close this coming Monday, so act quickly to avoid disappointment! Are you or someone...
25/07/2025

We have some amazing roles due to close this coming Monday, so act quickly to avoid disappointment!

Are you or someone you may know interested in gaining an insight into the IT industry, all the while working for a company that really puts people first? Tialis Essential IT is seeking a Service Management Analyst Intern to join their team!

Interested in shaping content that one of the UK's largest broadcasters is producing, and understanding the evolution of linear TV? Or seeking to gain an insight into the fast-paced world of TV and Ad Sales? Channel 4 is seeking to fill two fantastic roles:
Leeds: Audiences and Insights Intern
London: Commercial Intern

All three of these roles are due to close on Monday the 28th of July, so apply today by visiting our website: https://f.mtr.cool/diikyjftht

Image description: The logo for the Get Set Progress internship programme features the phrase "Get Set" in dark blue, followed by the word "Progress" in light green, creating a contrast that emphasises forward movement and growth. Beneath this, the words "internship programme" appear in smaller dark blue text.

Big news for accessibility in health and social care. From 30 June, NHS England introduced a new Self-Assessment Framewo...
25/07/2025

Big news for accessibility in health and social care.

From 30 June, NHS England introduced a new Self-Assessment Framework for the Accessible Information Standard (AIS). This means NHS and social care providers must now regularly review and publish how they meet people’s communication needs, making services more accessible to blind and partially sighted people.

We’re pleased to see this important step forward. It has the potential to significantly improve how blind and partially sighted people access vital health and care services.

Visit our page to read more about the new framework and what it means for our blind and partially sighted community:https://f.mtr.cool/fhhmqgocdk



Image description: Self assessment information. Text reads: “Accessible information isn’t a favour. It’s a standard.” Below, it says: “You shouldn’t have to chase test results or miss appointments because of inaccessible letters. The NHS self-assessment framework is here to help change that.” The Thomas Pocklington Trust logo is at the top.

Aleks, one of our fantastic Student Voices volunteers, has written an honest, humorous blog for our CFVI Champions web p...
24/07/2025

Aleks, one of our fantastic Student Voices volunteers, has written an honest, humorous blog for our CFVI Champions web pages about the importance of area 9 of the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI); Health: Social, Emotional, Mental and Physical Wellbeing.

When he first lost his sight at the age of 17, living in Lithuania with little support, he despaired and dropped out of school.

“My dreams of higher education and a successful career were crushed,” Aleks reflected. It wasn’t until family in the UK suggested he finish his studies here that he began to be hopeful again.

Read how the support he finally received transformed his life and confidence, and how he learned to change the way he felt about his vision impairment and future.

Read his article here: https://f.mtr.cool/lckpkszffb

We’d love to hear your thoughts, Please share them in the comments below. You can also visit the link in the comments to explore more articles and content by young people on our CFVI Champions page.



Image description: CFVI Champions graphic with Text reads "Aleks brings laughs and the truth. A brilliantly funny, brutally honest read. Check it out.” The image includes Aleks smiling outdoors in graduation attire, holding an umbrella. The TPT logo is positioned on the top left.

that there are plenty of exciting roles open for talented blind and partially sighted candidates to apply? Whether y...
23/07/2025

that there are plenty of exciting roles open for talented blind and partially sighted candidates to apply? Whether you’re seeking to gain that first rung on the career ladder or returning to work after experiencing sight loss, the Get Set Progress has roles to suit any candidate’s aspirations.

Some roles close sooner than others, so apply today to avoid disappointment:

Service Support Intern at Sight Concern Bedfordshire, closing 23/07
Audiences and Insights Intern at Channel 4, Closing 28/07
Commercial Intern at Channel 4, Closing 28/07
Service Management Analyst Intern at Tialis Essential IT, Closing 28/07
Communications Intern at Merton Vision, Closing 28/07
Communication Assistant at LOOK UK, Closing 30/07
Business Development Coordinator at Senclude, Closing 31/07

To find out more and apply, please visit our website for further information: https://f.mtr.cool/jhzrrxxrjt

Image description: Graphic shows the TPT logo in the top left and the Get Set Progress logo in the bottom left. In the top right, a blind or partially sighted woman can be seen wearing a brown blazer smiling at the camera in an office. Text reads 'Vacancies, Get set Progress internships are now live, if you're blind and partially sighted, apply today'.

Just a quick one from our Employment Team: If you're applying for a job, remember your cover letter really matters. In f...
22/07/2025

Just a quick one from our Employment Team:

If you're applying for a job, remember your cover letter really matters. In fact, it might be the most important part of your application. It's your first chance to tell your story and highlight what you bring to the table.

We’ve had a few applications recently with little or no content in the cover letter. That’s a red flag for many hiring managers, and some won’t even glance at the CV if the cover letter doesn’t draw them in.

To help you out, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to writing a brilliant cover letter. It covers everything from the opening greeting to the final proofread.

Find the guide here: https://f.mtr.cool/udxrqeelph



Image description: Cover letter support image featuring a smiling man and woman reviewing documents together at a desk. The text reads: "Struggling with your cover letter? Don’t worry, our Employment Team’s got a simple guide to help you write one that stands out." The Thomas Pocklington Trust logo is displayed at the top left.

Oops, I can’t believe I almost forgot to tell you what our team got up to at Sight Village Birmingham. On 7 and 8 July, ...
21/07/2025

Oops, I can’t believe I almost forgot to tell you what our team got up to at Sight Village Birmingham.

On 7 and 8 July, Sydney, Chloe, Oli and Andrea from our education team, along with Ayoola from internships, travelled to Birmingham to represent us at the UK’s biggest sight loss exhibition. And they didn’t just show up, they made a real impact.

Across the two days, the team spoke to dozens of students, professionals and fellow charities, spreading the word about our services and making brilliant new connections. They even picked up some fresh insights themselves, especially around the latest tech developments in the sector.

A real highlight was Sydney’s thought-provoking seminar, hosted on both days, exploring how AI is transforming learning for blind and partially sighted students. With live demos of Notebook LM, Gemini, ChatGPT and Aira Explorer, Sydney showed just how much these tools are already helping learners thrive. The sessions sparked plenty of questions, about the potential, the pitfalls and the ethics of AI in education.

The team returned full of ideas, buzzing with energy and excited for what’s ahead. A big thank you to everyone who stopped by our table or joined Sydney’s sessions, it was a fantastic couple of days full of connection, collaboration and inspiration.

We’re already counting down to the next Sight Village happening on September 16th in Blackpool. Hope to see you there!

(P.S. They were so busy chatting and soaking it all in that they didn’t get many photos, but here are a few we managed to snag!)



Image descriptions:
Picture 1 - Picture shows Sydney and Chloe smiling at the camera with a TPT education service banner in the background.

Picture 2 - Picture shows Ayoola using a large tablet at the event. A TPT education banner is seen in the background.

Right, let’s bust these 3 lies you’ve probably heard about blind and partially sighted people.1. “Blind people can feel ...
18/07/2025

Right, let’s bust these 3 lies you’ve probably heard about blind and partially sighted people.

1. “Blind people can feel colours.”
Unfortunately, we do not have superpowers. Colour has no texture, so let’s not get carried away.

2. “They aren’t blind if they are not bumping into furniture.”
Oh, come on now! Just because we are not walking into things does not mean we are not blind. Especially in our own homes, which we navigate like pros. In fact, we are probably better at avoiding obstacles than our guests.
3. “They’re not fit to work.”

That is so not true! Blind and partially sighted people are absolutely ready to work. We just need employers who are open-minded and excited to see what we can do. That is why our teams at TPT are dedicated to creating opportunities through internships and job support.

What other myths have you heard? Let’s hear them!

Image descriptions:
Image 1: White background image with text reading "let's debunk these 3 myths you may have heard about blind or partially sighted people....". TPT logo is on top left and a "X" icon on the top right.

Image 2: Image of a blind women feeling an iPhone with the TPT logo above. The text reads: Myth: we can 'feel colours'.

Image 3: A blue background with white texts that reads: Debunked: We can't "feel" colours, but we engage with the world in rich and creative ways through sound, texture, and personal experience. A white "X" icon is visible above the text and the TPT logo is on the top centre.

Image 4: image of a blind women locating her way through an office with a cane. Text reads: Myth: we're not blind if we're not bumping into things". The TPT logo is at the top centre.

Image 5: A blue background with white text reading: Debunked: Blindness isn't one size fits all. Many of us have some vision, and we use tools, techniques and experience to navigate our environments confidently. A white "X" icon can be visable above the text and the TPT logo is at the top centre.

Image 6: Image of a women standing confidently in an office setting. Text reads: Myth: we're not fit to work. TPT logo is at top centre.

Image 7: A blue background image with white text that reads: Debunked: Blind and partially sighted people succeed every day in a wide range of jobs when workplaces are inclusive and accessible, we're more than ready!. A white "X" icon is above the text with the TPT logo in the top centre.

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Pocklington Hub, 3 Queen Square
London
WC1N3AR

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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Our Story

Thomas Pocklington Trust is a national charity dedicated to enabling and empowering blind and partially sighted people of all ages to live the life they want to lead. We are committed to increasing awareness and understanding of their needs and aspirations and to working with partners to develop and implement services which meet these needs and improve lives. This includes:

• Acting as an advocate and positive change agent for blind and partially sighted people.

• Creating opportunities for blind and partially sighted people seeking employment.

• Enabling opportunities and supporting blind and partially sighted people whilst in and entering education.