Thomas Pocklington Trust

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

Something exciting is brewing for next week, and here’s the scoop. We’re dropping a new episode of Through Our Eyes, a p...
22/11/2025

Something exciting is brewing for next week, and here’s the scoop.

We’re dropping a new episode of Through Our Eyes, a podcast created by blind and partially sighted students, for blind and partially sighted students.

In this episode, Aleks, Faith and Khadija dive into an essential question for anyone planning their next academic step: how are you deciding which course or university is right for you?

You can catch the full conversation when it’s released next week on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other major platforms.

Stay tuned, and consider this your early heads-up.

Oh, and by the way, you can catch the previous episode here: https://f.mtr.cool/rvykwcxaoq

Image description: White background post using the main Pocklington blue colours. Pocklington logo positioned top left. Underneath this in small text reads "Through Our Eyes Podcast" in an outline box. Underneath, title reads: "New episode out next week". Smaller text below reads: "A podcast made by and for blind and partially sighted students. Stay tuned!". "Listen on our website and all major streaming platforms". Four rectangle badges with the texts: "listen on" and the logos of Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube. On the right is a mobile phone icon with a podcast app open showing the artwork for the 'Through Our Eyes' podcast.

Five years ago tomorrow, the Government promised to sort out pavement parking.Five years later, we’re still waiting.So y...
21/11/2025

Five years ago tomorrow, the Government promised to sort out pavement parking.
Five years later, we’re still waiting.

So yesterday, we marked the occasion in the most British way possible.
A “birthday party” outside Government offices.
Cake. Candles. And a giant card. Everything except the progress everyone was promised. Because while the candles were a joke, the issue isn’t.

Cars parked on pavements force blind and partially sighted people off the kerb and into danger. And 82% of people with sight loss say pavement parking stops them making safe journeys. It shouldn’t take half a decade or a birthday cake to get action.

We’re asking the Government to publish the consultation results, commit to national legislation and fund a proper awareness campaign.

And if you’re someone who drives, Bhavini has a message for you, one that every vehicle owner needs to hear:

“Parking on pavements forces people like me, who are blind or partially sighted, into the road and into danger. Please think twice before you park on the pavement, block a crossing or leave your car spilling out of a driveway. What might feel like convenience to you, can be a life-threatening obstacle for someone who is blind or partially sighted.”

If you agree that no one should have to keep repeating this for another five years, take action today by writing to your MP: https://f.mtr.cool/lvmjjaivoh



Image descriptions:
Image 1 - Andy Law, Policy and Campaigns Manager at TPT, Martha Foulds, Policy and Campaigns Coordinator at TPT, Paul Hsu, North London SLC, Bhavini Makwana, Policy and Campaigns Manager at TPT, Liam O'Carroll, Interim Engagement Manager for London Sight Loss Councils', and Shalini O'Kane, SW London SLC member, are standing indoors in the Department for Transport with a card addressed to Heidi Alexander and Lilian Greenwood. They are handing it to a member of the department.

Image 2 - The group of campaigners are stood outside Westminster holding cupcakes and candles, and a 5th birthday card.

Image 3 - The group of campaigners are standing on grass outside the Houses of Parliament, holding white canes and a large birthday card that reads ‘5 long years of waiting’ with the TPT logo.

Our Hub’s got a real buzz about it today, but we’re not complaining. It’s Day 2 of our three-day residential course for ...
20/11/2025

Our Hub’s got a real buzz about it today, but we’re not complaining. It’s Day 2 of our three-day residential course for blind and partially sighted candidates, and the energy in the room is just super brilliant.

This is actually the second residential we’ve hosted this year, and our Employment Team has done an incredible job shaping it into something genuinely empowering.

Participants are settling in, swapping stories and getting stuck into sessions on assistive tech, job searching, interview tips and building confidence at work. It’s practical, it’s honest, and it’s all about giving people the tools they need to take their next steps.

We know unemployment hits our community harder than most, and that’s why this space matters. It’s a chance to learn, to ask the questions you don’t always get to ask, and to realise you’re not doing any of this on your own.

As Day 2 gets underway, we’re really encouraged by the determination we’re seeing. Tomorrow might be the final day of the programme, but for the participants, it’s just the start of something bigger. And we’re proud to be part of that journey with them.



Image descriptions:
Image 1 - Three course participants are seated at a table in an office, discussing and working on laptops, with large windows showing trees outside.

Image 2 - Four course participants are seated around a large conference table in an office, working on laptops and notebooks, with large windows showing greenery outside.

Image 3 - Four course participants are seated around a large conference table in an office, working on laptops and notebooks, with large windows overlooking a green outdoor area.

Image 4 - Five course participants are seated at two joined tables in a meeting room, working on laptops and keyboards with cables and mugs on the table. Large windows in the background show an outdoor urban setting with brick buildings.

Tom, could you start by introducing yourself to our readers and telling us a bit about the AAA Campaign? I’m Tom, a lead...
19/11/2025

Tom, could you start by introducing yourself to our readers and telling us a bit about the AAA Campaign?

I’m Tom, a leader and advocate: Student Executive for SEND, T-Level Ambassador, founder of the EDI SU Hubs & Voices of SEND Networks, and a multi-award-winning SEND Champion.

As a visually impaired T-Level student, I know how much difference small changes can make. Simple adjustments like enlarged text, iPads and dual monitors have transformed my learning experience. These moments inspired me to champion inclusion across colleges.

That’s why the Access and Assistance for All (AAA) campaign exists: to make colleges more inclusive through accessible materials, assistive tech and improved staff awareness.

Colleges can sign the pledges, access resources and join a growing movement for equity in education.

Get in touch at EducationPolicy@pocklington.org.uk to sign up.

You can read more of my student story here: https://f.mtr.cool/fffjrbsenx



Image description: Tom is standing indoors in a bright, modern building. He has short curly dark hair, a trimmed beard, and is wearing glasses. He’s dressed casually in a light denim button-up shirt over a white T-shirt, along with blue jeans. A colorful lanyard hangs around his neck. He is smiling directly at the camera. Behind him, the background features vibrant, leaf-shaped art decorations.

Good news travels by bus!Thomas Pocklington Trust has been shortlisted for a UK BUS AWARDS   in the Partnerships for Exc...
17/11/2025

Good news travels by bus!

Thomas Pocklington Trust has been shortlisted for a UK BUS AWARDS in the Partnerships for Excellence category for our Bus Driver Vision Awareness Training, developed in collaboration with Confederation of Passenger Transport , Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency , Bus Users UK UK and Brighton & Hove Buses

This partnership is helping bus drivers across the UK better understand the experiences of blind and partially sighted passengers, making every journey safer, more inclusive and more confident for everyone.

A huge thank you to everyone who’s helped bring this work to life. Congratulations to all the nominees, together we’re driving real change in accessible transport! Fingers crossed for the 25th!

Image Description: Heading - We’re Finalists for the UK Bus Awards 2025! Main Text – TPT and our partners are shortlisted in the Partnership for Excellence category, recognised for our Vision Awareness Training for Buss Drivers. Fingers crossed for 25 November! TPT and Sight Loss Councils logo are placed at the top of the text and a cartoon of clapping hands are positioned at the bottom framing the UK Bus Awards Finalist 2025 logo.

Our Tech Friday sessions are all about exploring how assistive technology can make life easier and more independent, and...
12/11/2025

Our Tech Friday sessions are all about exploring how assistive technology can make life easier and more independent, and the next one is shaping up to be our most exciting yet.

If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time to join us for Tech Friday 2.0 on 14 November, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.

We’ll be joined by the We Walk team, who’ll be demonstrating their innovative Smart Cane, designed to make independent travel even safer and easier for blind and partially sighted people. You’ll see how it uses AI and GPS navigation to detect obstacles and provide real-time information about your surroundings.

It’s a hands-on session, so you’ll get to try the cane for yourself, chat with others, and explore new assistive technologies, including a chance to test out the Meta glasses if you missed them last time.

Light refreshments will be provided, and our team will be available for one-to-one consultations after the main event. Guidance from Russell Square Underground Station will also be available.

When: Friday 14 November, 11am – 1pm
Where: Pocklington Hub, 3 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AR

Spaces are limited, so book your place now via the link below:
https://f.mtr.cool/tppbkxaoof

Or call us on 0208 995 0880 to register.
Come along and experience the future of mobility for yourself.

Image description: Heading reads: “Have you registered for Tech Friday 2.0”. Below, smaller text reads: “Join us for an exciting, hands-on demo of the WeWALK 2 Smart Cane and discover its GPS and AI features, Friday 14th November, 11am, TPT London Hub, Register now”. Above the heading are the words “Tech Friday 2.0”. The left features a mans body, dressed in a professional suit, holding a cane with both hands. The bottom right features the TPT logo with the WeWALK logo beside.

Join our Access and Assistance for All (AAA) youth champions in the latest episode of the AmplifyFE podcast. Come and li...
11/11/2025

Join our Access and Assistance for All (AAA) youth champions in the latest episode of the AmplifyFE podcast. Come and listen to Charlotte, Tim, Zehra and Tom explain what the campaign is all about and share their own experiences of using assistive tech to improve their access to education.

You can listen the episode by following the link below: https://f.mtr.cool/yebkboiodd

If you’d like to find out more about the AAA campaign, click on the links below. Alternatively, you can email educationpolicy@pocklington.org.uk to find out more.

Useful links
Access and Assistance for All | Make Things Accessible
AAA Student Stories | Make Things Accessible
Access and Assistance for All | Make Things Accessible
Thomas Pocklington Trust
Access and Assistance for All: A Pledge Every FE College Should Make - Thomas Pocklington Trust

Image description: Red podcast graphic with an illustration of reporters holding microphones labelled “ ” towards a speaker. Text reads: “Access and Assistance for All (AAA) Youth Champions” and “Shouting loud about inspirational digital practice in FE communities.” A Spotify button and AmplifyFE Community Space Podcast logo appear below.

There's still time to register for today's Let's Talk Jobs Webinar.Are you looking after your wellbeing whilst job hunti...
10/11/2025

There's still time to register for today's Let's Talk Jobs Webinar.

Are you looking after your wellbeing whilst job hunting? It can be easy to focus on applications, interviews and deadlines and forget to take care of yourself in the process.

Join us today where Dr Beverley Duguid, our Research & Insights Manager, writer, poet and mindfulness teacher, will share practical ways to stay grounded, confident and resilient while job hunting.

Drawing on her own experiences of sight loss, Beverley will explore how mindfulness can help you manage stress, build resilience and approach your job search with clarity.

When: Today at 2pm

Sign up via the link in the comments.

Image description: Text reads: "Remember to join us at 2 pm for Let's Talk Jobs!" Join Dr Beverley Duguid to learn how to remain resilient when job hunting. Sign up now" The words "Live Webinar" are above the heading. The top left features the TPT logo. The top right is a close up image of a person using a handheld magnifier to read text on some paper.

It is   2025This week, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible trustees at Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) who help ...
06/11/2025

It is 2025

This week, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible trustees at Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) who help steer our cause with dedication, insight and heart.

We are proud to have 9 brilliant trustees who bring a wealth of experience and passion to ensure TPT punches above its weight — always aligned with our values and focused on empowering blind and partially sighted people.

A huge thank you to:
• Mervyn Williamson
• Graham Findlay
• Robert Holl
• Raj Mehta
• Helen Mitchell
• Peter Richardson
• Louise Robertshaw
• Matt Wadsworth
• Adam Youatt

Your commitment makes a real difference. Thank you for your hard work — together, we are championing lived experience and driving positive change to .

Alt Text: Graphic shows pictures of all nine of our trustees on a dark blue background. At the top it says ‘Trustees week’ and at the bottom the text reads ‘Thank you to our trustees for making a difference at TPT!’

Don’t miss out! In just a few days, our Education Team at Thomas Pocklington Trust will be joining forces with VIEW (Vis...
05/11/2025

Don’t miss out!

In just a few days, our Education Team at Thomas Pocklington Trust will be joining forces with VIEW (Vision Impairment Education Workforce) for the VIEW Autumn Tech Update: How AI can support blind and partially sighted learners.

It’s happening this Monday, 10 November, from 4pm to 5:30pm online via Teams.

We’ll be exploring how Artificial Intelligence can make a real difference in the classroom: from helping blind and partially sighted students learn more independently, to giving education professionals new tools to make their work easier.

Expect clear, practical examples and plenty of ideas you can take away and use straight away.

If you’re a teacher, parent, or student, this is your last chance to grab a spot!

Register now before it’s too late: Registration link

Image description: Title reads: "Final call to register for the VIEW Autumn Tech Update!". Smaller text below reads: "Join the TPT Education team to learn how Al Can Support Blind and Partially Sighted Learners, Monday 10th November, 4pm - 5:30pm, sign up now, with a right pointing arrow. Below, reads "represented by:" with the TPT and View logo underneath. Above the title, the words "Live Webinar" are in a red box. The bottom right features a female studying at a desk.

Are you looking after your wellbeing whilst job hunting? It can be easy to focus on applications, interviews and deadlin...
03/11/2025

Are you looking after your wellbeing whilst job hunting? It can be easy to focus on applications, interviews and deadlines and forget to take care of yourself in the process.

Join us for our upcoming webinar where Dr Beverley Duguid, our Research & Insights Manager, writer, poet and mindfulness teacher, will share practical ways to stay grounded, confident and resilient while job hunting.

Drawing on her own experiences of sight loss, Beverley will explore how mindfulness can help you manage stress, build resilience and approach your job search with clarity.

When: 2pm, Monday 10 November

Sign up via the link in the comments.

Image description: Text reads: "Let's Talk Jobs! Spotlight on Resilience. Join Dr Beverley Duguid to learn how to make time for yourself and remain resilient when job hunting. 10 November, 2 pm. Register Online" The words "Live Webinar" are above the heading. The bottom left features the TPT logo. To the right is a close up image of a person using a handheld magnifier to read text on some paper.

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Thomas Pocklington Trust posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

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.