Blatchington Court Trust

Blatchington Court Trust BCT supports, informs & empowers young people with sight loss under the age of 30, & their families, throughout Sussex.

Our services are life changing and we are proud to work with our incredible young people & their families to make positive change.

04/01/2026

Earlier we posted Connor demonstrating the Perkins Brailler. Here you can hear and see Summer reading the descriptions that Connor created!

They were used as part of our Art Group exhibition just before Christmas. Connor's Braille descriptions meant Summer, and other visitors, could appreciate each of the artworks, and know who the artist was.

Perkins School for the Blind

04/01/2026

It's World Braille Day!

Today we’re celebrating Braille: a vital tool that supports literacy, independence and confidence for blind and partially sighted people around the world.

At Blatchington Court Trust, we see first-hand how Braille can open doors to education, employment and everyday life. From learning new skills to accessing information independently, Braille continues to change lives.

This video of BCT team member Connor explaining how a Perkins Brailler machine works highlights just one example of why Braille still matters in a digital world. Thank you to everyone who champions accessible formats and inclusive learning, today and every day.

Perkins School for the Blind

RNIB, in partnership with VICTAR, has produced guides about navigating the transition from school to either university, ...
02/01/2026

RNIB, in partnership with VICTAR, has produced guides about navigating the transition from school to either university, college or work for young people who are blind or partially sighted.

Entitled "Your future, your choice: bridging the gap", the guide outlines the support and services available to assist young people through their journey from school, through further and higher education, and into employment. Find the guideshere: https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/education-and-learning/making-the-transition-from-school/transition-guide-bridging-the-gap/

✨Happy new year! As we step into 2026, we’re reflecting on a busy and transformative year for Blatchington Court Trust i...
31/12/2025

✨Happy new year!

As we step into 2026, we’re reflecting on a busy and transformative year for Blatchington Court Trust including launching our new website and delivering our new five-year strategy focused on empowerment, inclusion and being fit for the future.

Thank you to the children, young people, trustees, families, partners and supporters who’ve been part of our journey. Your trust and involvement mean everything to us.

We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to reaching even more people across Sussex in the year to come! Wishing you a healthy and happy 2026!

The Sussex Sharks visually impaired squad has been established for over 20 years and plays in the Blind Cricket England ...
28/12/2025

The Sussex Sharks visually impaired squad has been established for over 20 years and plays in the Blind Cricket England & Wales National League and Cup competitions against other visually impaired county teams from across the country.

Training takes place at The 1st Central County Ground
Eaton Road, Hove, BN3 3AN from 4-6pm on the following dates:

3rd Jan
17th Jan
31st Jan
14th Jan
28th Feb
14th Mar
28th Mar (tbc)

They are actively looking to recruit new players for the VI Sharks. If you are interested in trying out for the squad, please contact Team Manager, Stephen Andrews by email at stephenrandrews11@gmail.com or phone 07715981769.

The BCT office will be closed from Christmas Day until Monday 5th January. The team will endeavour to return any calls /...
24/12/2025

The BCT office will be closed from Christmas Day until Monday 5th January. The team will endeavour to return any calls / emails as soon as possible on their return.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

We’re delighted to share that BCT has been awarded RNIB’s Visibly Better Employer accreditation, recognising our commitm...
22/12/2025

We’re delighted to share that BCT has been awarded RNIB’s Visibly Better Employer accreditation, recognising our commitment to creating a workplace that is inclusive, accessible and supportive of people with sight loss.

This accreditation reflects the positive steps BCT has taken to ensure blind and partially sighted people can thrive as employees, volunteers and leaders. From inclusive recruitment practices and accessible communications to supportive workplace adjustments, the Visibly Better Employer standard highlights organisations that are actively removing barriers and championing equality.

As a charity that supports children and young people with sight loss, this accreditation is especially meaningful. It demonstrates that our values are not only embedded in the services we provide, but also in how we work as an organisation.

We’re proud to be part of a growing network of employers leading the way in disability inclusion and will continue to build on this work, ensuring BCT remains a welcoming, empowering place for everyone.

Find out more about RNIB's Visibly Better Employer accreditation here: https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/equality-and-employment/employers/visibly-better-employer-quality-standard/

Back in November 2023, West Sussex Parent Carer Forum ran a survey about EHCPs and annual reviews and an incredible 543 ...
21/12/2025

Back in November 2023, West Sussex Parent Carer Forum ran a survey about EHCPs and annual reviews and an incredible 543 parent carers shared their experiences with them. Your honesty made a huge difference.

They took those results to West Sussex County Council, including presenting them to the Children & Young People’s Scrutiny Committee, to show the real impact long wait times and ongoing issues were having on families.

Now, two years on, they’re asking the same questions again because they need to show what’s changed - for better or worse - and make sure your experiences continue to shape the conversations happening at county level.

If you can spare a few minutes, your voice will genuinely help push for improvements where they’re needed most.
Complete WSPCF's survey on your experiences:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=vLNOM-38Uky3cMU_3g-NZh1BX2PMLL9Djm93TwQJVEZUQ09RNU9NTEZaRDdYSE0xNDMyTlJHOTRBRi4u&route=shorturl

As we reach the end of a busy and transformative year, I’d like to share some of the progress and changes that have shap...
19/12/2025

As we reach the end of a busy and transformative year, I’d like to share some of the progress and changes that have shaped our work at Blatchington Court Trust in 2025, our 30th anniversary year.

⭐Our New Strategy

This year we developed a five‑year strategy built around five priorities:
Empowering through education advocacy
Using digital opportunities to increase impact
Supporting aspiration and belonging
Providing parent carer support
Building a fit‑for‑future organisation

We’re excited to bring this strategy to life with the dedication of our team:

Sophie – Service Manager
Paul – Technical Services Manager
Joanne – Education Advocacy Officer
Fiona – Family Support Co‑ordinator
Connor – Young People’s Advocacy and Engagement Officer
Mira – Data and Admin Officer
Gemma – Administrator
Tony – Finance Officer

More details about the strategy will be shared in the new year but, in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need support.

⭐Events and Services

A massive thank you to everyone who has joined our events or accessed our services this year; it has been a privilege to welcome and serve you. In 2026, we’ll be expanding our events and asking for your input on what matters most to you. We look forward to hearing from you!

⭐Behind the Scenes

Database system: We introduced a new system to better manage client information. Thank you for your patience as we update our records.

Website: A refreshed website will launch in the new year, offering more information and a more modern look.

⭐Community Fundraising

We are deeply grateful to the Sussex Summer Darts League, Joshua Ansell, an anonymous donor (each raising over £1,000), and the Jazz Jamboree Orchestra (raising £350). Your generosity has gone directly into supporting our services.

⭐Looking Ahead

On behalf of the entire team, thank you for your trust and support throughout the year. We look forward to continuing to see you in the year ahead, where our aim is to reach more people across Sussex.

As the festive season begins, we hope you find time to rest and enjoy the company of those who matter most.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Bernie, and everyone at Blatchington Court Trust.

We recently took delivery of a new A3 printer/scanner for the office which our suppliers - Copier King - very kindly don...
18/12/2025

We recently took delivery of a new A3 printer/scanner for the office which our suppliers - Copier King - very kindly donated to us. It has taken pride of place in the office, and even has its own festive guard at the moment!

Thank you Copier King for this donation; gifts like this mean the world to charities like ours. If you're in need of a photocopier or printer for your organisation, we can recommend Emma and the team at Copier King: https://www.copierking.co.uk

We started the week sharing our Secret Santa gifts, ahead of our Christmas meal on Monday. It's fair to say there were s...
17/12/2025

We started the week sharing our Secret Santa gifts, ahead of our Christmas meal on Monday. It's fair to say there were some pretty spot-on presents given including some fancy tea, a beautiful woolly hat, posh biscuits, a rubber duck (!) and a book voucher.

What would you hope for in your Secret Santa swap?!

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6a Hove Park Villas
Brighton
BN36

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