Thomas Pocklington Trust

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

Curious about how creativity can support your journey into work? Our April Cobbling Words Together session takes place o...
08/04/2026

Curious about how creativity can support your journey into work?

Our April Cobbling Words Together session takes place on 15 April, 3–4pm, led by Sarah, our Employment Development Intern and creative writing graduate.

This time, we’ll be exploring poetry as a way to express yourself and build confidence. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to writing or already enjoy it, you’re welcome to take part.

Sign up now: https://tinyurl.com/4w39sxjx



Image description: The words “Build skills for work and creativity” are highlighted on the top left. Further text reads: “Cobbling Words Together with Sarah. Creative writing for blind and partially sighted people. Wednesday 15 April, 3 - 4pm, Register now!” With a right pointing arrow. An image of Sarah is on the bottom right, she is smiling at the camera, wearing a red t-shirt and has shoulder-length brown hair. The TPT logo is on the top right.

Happy first anniversary to our Education Advice Service partnership with Guide Dogs UK! Together, we’ve supported 497 ch...
07/04/2026

Happy first anniversary to our Education Advice Service partnership with Guide Dogs UK!

Together, we’ve supported 497 children and young people, and the parents, carers and professionals who support them. It’s a milestone that reflects what can happen when organisations combine their strengths to deliver something greater than the sum of its parts.

By working in partnership, we’ve been able to extend our reach, share specialist knowledge and provide more joined-up support for those navigating education with a vision impairment. As one professional working with these students put it:

“I am deeply grateful for the service you have offered me so far and I have plenty of ideas to develop my skills to work with them going forward.”

We know there’s still more to do, but this first year has shown the real value of collaboration. We’re excited to continue growing this partnership and increasing our impact in the year ahead.

Learn more about the service:https://www.pocklington.org.uk/education/



Image description: A carousel of five slides highlighting the impact of the partnership over the past year. Each slide has a yellow background with dark blue text.

Slide 1: Yellow background with dark blue text. Text reads: “Celebrating one year of partnership. Supporting learners with a vision impairment.” The Guide Dogs logo and Thomas Pocklington Trust logo are shown side by side. A right-pointing arrow indicates the next slide.

Slide 2: Yellow background with dark blue text. Text reads: “497 people supported in one year. 49% increase on the previous year.” A right-pointing arrow indicates the next slide.

Slide 3: Yellow background with dark blue text. Text reads: “Who we’ve supported. 169 students. 209 parents and carers. 119 professionals.” A right-pointing arrow indicates the next slide.

Slide 4: Yellow background with dark blue text. Text is a quote from a learner and it reads: “Thank you for your knowledge. It’s really made a difference in my confidence thinking about returning to university.” A right-pointing arrow indicates the next slide.

Slide 5: Yellow background with dark blue text. Text reads: “Find out more about our Education Advice Service. Email EducationAdvice@pocklington.org.uk”

Sometimes the simplest actions have the biggest impact. Cutting back overgrown hedges can make streets safer and more ac...
04/04/2026

Sometimes the simplest actions have the biggest impact. Cutting back overgrown hedges can make streets safer and more accessible for blind and partially sighted people.

Nikki, SLC member for South West London who is registered as severely sight impaired, shares why she supports our campaign:

“I urge everyone to get involved. Without safe and accessible streets, I can't access the world independently. Overgrown bushes can be frightening and dangerous, forcing me onto the road and risking injury. It’s disorientating and painful to be hit by overgrown vegetation.

“Everyone should be able to pop to the local shop freely and independently. Something as simple as cutting back hedges can be life-changing for us.”

Help make our streets safer for everyone. Show your support for Sight Loss Councils and Thomas Pocklington Trust's by sharing this post!

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3A1JXwm



Image description: SLC member Nikki, is wearing a pink hoodie and is using a white cane to navigate the pavement which is partly obstructed by overgrown branches.

Happy Easter from all of us at Thomas Pocklington Trust!Wishing a joyful and restful Easter to all our amazing colleague...
02/04/2026

Happy Easter from all of us at Thomas Pocklington Trust!

Wishing a joyful and restful Easter to all our amazing colleagues, clients and partners who are celebrating this weekend.

We hope you enjoy the long weekend and take some time to relax and recharge!

Please note: Our office will be closed over the Easter break and will reopen on Tuesday 7 April.

Have a lovely Easter!



Image description: Graphic with colourful oval shapes resembling Easter eggs arranged around the edges. In the centre, bold text reads ‘Happy Easter’. Below it: ‘From Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss Councils’. At the bottom are the logos for Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss Councils.

Our April Let’s Talk Jobs webinar is a special edition you won’t want to miss. Wondering why? The TPT communications tea...
02/04/2026

Our April Let’s Talk Jobs webinar is a special edition you won’t want to miss. Wondering why?

The TPT communications team will be joining our employment team to unpack what recruiters really mean when they ask for “strong communication skills” on an application, and how you can show this clearly as a job seeker.

It’s something many candidates feel unsure about, so we’ll be breaking it all down and answering your questions live.

Join us on Monday 13 April, 2–3pm. If you’re blind or partially sighted and looking to move closer to your employment goals this year, this session is for you.

Book your place using the link below.

https://tinyurl.com/mwcb9kz

If you need any support registering or have questions, please contactemployment@pocklington.org.uk.

See you on Monday 13 April!



Image description: Text reads: “Let’s Talk Jobs!
What do recruiters really mean when they say: ‘strong communication skills’? Our employment and comms teams break it down. 13 April, 2 - 3pm, Sign up now!” Above this, the words “Live Webinar” are highlighted. The TPT logo is on the top left. Towards the top right is a close up of two individuals shaking hands.

As we step into April, we’re pausing to reflect on three impactful days in March when 12 blind and partially sighted job...
01/04/2026

As we step into April, we’re pausing to reflect on three impactful days in March when 12 blind and partially sighted jobseekers came together at the Pocklington Hub for our third residential course.

The course took place from 18–20 March and was delivered by our Employment team. Over those three days, participants engaged in intensive sessions on assistive technology, job searching, interviews and developing professional confidence.

A huge thank you to Graham Page, Mathew Horspool and Patrick Hennessey for delivering the tech training, as well as Amardeep and the Works for Me team for leading the job search sessions. We’re also grateful to volunteers from the Page Group, who supported mock interviews and have offered continued guidance to participants.

Beyond the training, the impact was personal. For some, it was a first step towards independence; for others, a chance to connect, share experiences and build confidence. Each participant left with clear SMART targets and practical tools to support their next steps.

This course sits at the heart of our mission to reduce unemployment among blind and partially sighted people in the UK. While 12 people is a small fraction of the estimated 62,000 currently out of work, it’s a meaningful step, and our third cohort is proof we’re moving in the right direction.

Our next residential course will run from 17–19 June, with applications opening soon. We’re proud of all the March participants and wish them every success as they take the next steps on their journey into employment.



Image descriptions:

Image 1: Two people sitting at a desk in a meeting room. They both wear sunglasses and are typing on laptops, while tech trainer Patrick stands behind them observing.

Image 2: Patrick leading a tech session in a meeting room. Patrick and three others sit around a desk in a meeting room. Three of them are using laptops while Patrick sits at the top of the table. Two individuals wear sunglasses and cables as well as mobile phones are spread across the table.

Image 3: Five people seated around a table in a small meeting room. Matthew sits at the top of the table leading the conversation. Three individual are attentively using laptops, while the others engage in conversation.

Image 4: Jonathan stands in the centre of a large meeting room speaking to a group seated around a U-shaped table with drinks, notebooks, and laptops on it.

There’s more to your smart speaker and AI assistant than meets the eye, and we’re here to prove it.Join us on 17 April a...
31/03/2026

There’s more to your smart speaker and AI assistant than meets the eye, and we’re here to prove it.

Join us on 17 April at the TPT Hub for Tech Friday, where you’ll get hands-on and uncover features you may not even know exist. These everyday tools can do far more than play music or answer questions, they can genuinely make life easier for blind and partially sighted people.

You’ll have the chance to try things out yourself, ask questions and learn practical ways to get more out of your tech.

What’s on:

11:00am – 12:30pm: Interactive group session

12:30pm – 1:30pm: Personalised one-to-one support

Bring your questions, whether it’s about voice assistants, smart tech or anything else you’re curious about.

It’s all set in a relaxed, welcoming space with refreshments and the chance to chat with others.

Where: Pocklington Hub, 3 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AR

Nearest tube: Russell Square (meet and greet available)

Places are limited, book yours now: https://tinyurl.com/6yrw28hc

Or call us on: 0208 995 0880



Image description: A promotional graphic for Tech Friday. Text reads: “Tech Friday is back. See how smart speakers & AI can simplify everyday life for blind and partially sighted people. 17 April. 11am. The TPT Hub. Book your place →.” Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) logo, with photos of smart speakers on a table.

A new week is underway, and it’s a good time to pick up something that can make a real difference in the classroom.If yo...
30/03/2026

A new week is underway, and it’s a good time to pick up something that can make a real difference in the classroom.

If you’re an education professional, how confident would you feel supporting a learner with vision impairment?

Our free online course, Starting the Conversation, is still available and ready to fit around your schedule. It’s designed to build understanding and give you practical ways to support blind and partially sighted learners.

It’s self-paced, easy to follow and grounded in real-world guidance. More than 100 professionals have already signed up, with one describing it as “an essential resource for all staff working in any capacity with any individual who is visually impaired.”

If you’ve been meaning to take a look, this could be the week to start.

Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/mrx33jhs

Please do share with colleagues who might find it useful.



Image description: Text reads: “Vision Impairment: Starting the Conversation. A free, online course to help non-specialist staff support blind and partially sighted young people- Sign up now”. With a right pointing arrow. The TPT logo is on the top left. On the bottom left is a woman sitting beside a young girl at a table, guiding her hands as they work with a pink sheet of paper in a classroom setting.

Are you a blind or partially sighted student aged 17 or over and living in the UK? We are recruiting passionate and enth...
28/03/2026

Are you a blind or partially sighted student aged 17 or over and living in the UK? We are recruiting passionate and enthusiastic new voices to join our incredible Student Voices group.

Student Voices is all about real experiences, real conversations and real impact. As part of the group, you can share your ideas, influence the work of Thomas Pocklington Trust and get involved in projects and campaigns that genuinely matter to you.

It is a great opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills and connect with other students who understand your journey.

If you would like to find out more or request an application pack, email volunteering@pocklington.org.uk



Image description: Text reads: “Be Part of
Student Voices. Students aged 17+ who are blind or partially sighted can join our team at TPT”. The TPT logo is above this. Along the bottom is a row of illustrated green hands reaching upwards.

We closed out the Conference in Birmingham yesterday, and it has been a genuinely eye opening experience for so many b...
27/03/2026

We closed out the Conference in Birmingham yesterday, and it has been a genuinely eye opening experience for so many blind and partially sighted delegates. Two days of honest conversations, shared experiences and meaningful connections that will stay with us well beyond the event.

One of the highlights from day two was the “Influence and resilience: Elevating your Leadership Potential” workshop. A lot of us recognised imposter syndrome as a real barrier. Feeling grateful just to have a job can sometimes make aiming higher feel out of reach. But we learnt that even the most experienced leaders feel it too. The key is not letting it shut doors on us, but learning how to face it and keep moving forward anyway.

Big thanks to all the speakers, as well as the organisers and every single attendee who contributed so openly. You created a space where people felt seen, heard and encouraged to step up.

A strong message to take away. No one is born a leader, and sight loss should never define our limits. If anything, it can strengthen the resilience and perspective we bring to leadership in our own spaces.

Here’s to carrying that confidence forward and continuing to reimagine what leadership can look like for all of us.



IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Delegates sitting on round tables in a bright conference room listening to Nick on a podium at the front of the room. Nick is holding a microphone and is bearing a black baseball cap, black shirt and jeans.

Let’s start with an honest question. Why might an employer hesitate to recruit a blind or partially sighted candidate? I...
25/03/2026

Let’s start with an honest question.

Why might an employer hesitate to recruit a blind or partially sighted candidate?

In many cases, it’s because they imagine it will involve lots of complicated adjustments. Or they may have what researchers call ocularcentric bias – the assumption that most jobs depend heavily on sight.

And that’s understandable. If you haven’t worked with a blind or partially sighted colleague before, it’s easy to assume the barriers are bigger than they really are.

That’s exactly where our Get Set Progress Internship comes in.

Now in its 11th year, the programme has helped employers across the UK host over 130 blind and partially sighted interns. It has proven to be a genuinely valuable experience for both sides. Interns gain real workplace experience and the chance to contribute their skills, while employers discover talented individuals and learn how small changes can make their workplace more inclusive.

We also make the process as simple as possible. Employers receive funding support, recruitment support and accessibility training where needed.

All we ask from employers is openness and a meaningful role for an intern.

Expressions of interest for the 2026/27 Get Set Progress Internship are now open. The internship is a 9-month paid programme, and our Internships team will support you throughout.

If you’re an employer interested in getting involved, we’d love to hear from you.

Submit your expression of interest here:https://tinyurl.com/693svrb9 or contact our internships team at internships@pocklington.org.uk



Image description: Text reads: “Get Set Progress Internship. Let’s be honest. As an employer, what might hold you back from hiring a blind or partially sighted candidate? Join our internship programme and discover the support available to help you host a visually impaired intern and build a more inclusive workplace. Sign up now” with a right pointing arrow. Towards the top is an image of two men with red hair and glasses standing indoors, smiling during a conversation. The man in the foreground wears a beige checkered blazer and white shirt, while the man in the background wears a black sweater.

24/03/2026

Isn’t it interesting how a simple action like cutting overgrown hedges back can mean the difference between a good day and a bad day for a blind or partially sighted person?

campaign is back and we’re launching earlier this year to encourage our friends, families and neighbours to start considering the impact overgrown hedges and bushes have on a blind or partially sighted person’s ability to navigate independently, just in time before things really start getting out of control.

With an anticipated longer growing seasons each year, it’s more important than ever to stay proactive. By taking a few minutes to trim back hedges and bushes, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who rely on clear pathways to move around safely.

Here’s a short video demonstrating what it feels like as a blind or partially sighted person when a hedge has not been cut back.

Video Description: A split screen video. The top half is shot as a point of view perspective from the blind or partially sighted person walking with a white cane, on a footpath, on a sunny summer’s day. He encounters branches, twigs and various other form of overgrown foliage as he navigates along the path. The bottom half is the same video but shot by someone following the man. Here we see a white man wearing a blue T-shirt and denim shorts, holding his white cane. Both videos are synced to show the same movement and encounters wit overgrown hedges but from different perspectives.

Video Transcript: Imagine that your journey involved walking through a hedge, like in the video. Blind and partially sighted people rely on clear paths to navigate the streets safely. We follow the building line to walk in a straight line and find our way using landmarks and not get disorientated. Overgrown vegetation is dangerous and can cause injuries.
Help us to keep safe. Hashtag cut it back. Learn more at www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk/cutitback. Sight Loss Councils and Thomas Pocklington Trust logos.

Address

Pocklington Hub, 3 Queen Square
London
WC1N3AR

Opening Hours

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.