Thomas Pocklington Trust

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

Final call for volunteers. Applications close in just three days.We’re still looking for Sighted Guide Volunteers to sup...
24/04/2026

Final call for volunteers. Applications close in just three days.

We’re still looking for Sighted Guide Volunteers to support blind and partially sighted delegates at the Sight Loss Councils Conference in Leeds, taking place from 5–7 June. With over 100 delegates expected from across the UK, your support will help people move around the venue with confidence and fully engage with everything the conference has to offer.

Sighted guides are key to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. You could be guiding someone between sessions, helping them find facilities or offering reassurance in a busy space. Every interaction helps shape a positive experience.

No previous experience is required. Full training will be provided so you feel confident and prepared.

The deadline to apply is 27 April. To register your interest, please email volunteering@pocklington.org.uk.

Find out more about the role and what to expect:

https://www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk/news/sighted-guide-2026/



Image description: Three volunteer sighted guides stand together at a Sight Loss Council conference, waiting for members to arrive. They are wearing yellow tabards and lanyards, standing in a line, looking to their right, and appear happy.

A message from our Get Set Progress interns to employers ahead of our webinar on 29 April.Did you know that only one in ...
23/04/2026

A message from our Get Set Progress interns to employers ahead of our webinar on 29 April.

Did you know that only one in four blind and partially sighted people are in paid employment? We believe this needs to change, and we want to show you how you can be part of that change.

On 29 April, from 12:00 to 13:30, we will be teaming up with RNIB’s Visibly Better Employer programme to share our first-hand experiences of the internship and how it works in practice, along with the benefits for organisations and the impact it can have on building a more inclusive workforce.

The Get Set Progress internship programme by Thomas Pocklington Trust has supported over 150 interns across the UK, including within organisations such as Channel 4, the NHS, Transport for All and the General Optical Council.

If you are an employer interested in creating meaningful opportunities and accessing talented individuals, this is a great chance to learn more and ask questions directly.

Register your place here:
https://pocklington.tfaforms.net/5069021?event=701Pz00000xdmhD&tfa_168=8

For more information or to arrange a conversation, please email internships@pocklington.org.uk or call 07973 867518.



Image description: “Get Set Progress internship” is highlighted. Text reads: “Let’s create a more diverse and accessible workforce, together! Sign up for our webinar. 29 April, 12:00pm - 13:30pm”. The TPT logo is on the top left. An image of a woman smiling is on the top right, she is dressed professionally and has braided hair.

Live from the Education Transitions Conference 2026 at the BMA in London, hosted by Thomas Pocklington Trust and Guide D...
22/04/2026

Live from the Education Transitions Conference 2026 at the BMA in London, hosted by Thomas Pocklington Trust and Guide Dogs UK. Today is all about exploring how blind and partially sighted young people navigate key stages in education and prepare for adult life.

We’re currently hearing from our Students and Parents Panel, chaired by Blind Tobs, with honest reflections and practical challenges for professionals on how support can improve.

Here’s a snapshot from the discussion, with more insights to come later.



Image descriptions:
Image 1: Toby Addison, AKA Blind Tobs, sits at a panel table indoors, positioned behind a microphone. A clear water bottle and glasses sit on the table, alongside name cards indicative of other panel members.

Image 2: Ramneek, TPT’s Student Volunteer and trustee, sits at the panel desk, speaking into a microphone. A second microphone is visible on the desk, and dark wooden panels and blue lighting are seen in the background.

Image 3: Ahmed sits at the panel table, wearing a dark hooded jacket. He’s facing forwards, listening as others (out of shot) speak during the Students and Parents Panel.

Image 4: The panel speakers sitting behind a long wooden desk, each with a microphone and name card in front of them. From left to right: Toby Addison, Chair, Ahmed, Joseyana, Ramneek, and Lucy Merrit, Education Policy Manager at TPT.

Image 5: George Plumridge, Education Transitions Coordinator, stands at a wooden lectern on stage at the Transitions Conference. A large projected slide behind him reads: “What is STEP?” with the Thomas Pocklington Trust logo in the top right corner. The slide lists bullet points explaining the STEP programme for blind and partially sighted students.

What could poetry possibly have to do with employment? More than you might think. Join Sarah Cobb on Wednesday 29 April,...
22/04/2026

What could poetry possibly have to do with employment? More than you might think.

Join Sarah Cobb on Wednesday 29 April, 6–7pm for a relaxed, interactive workshop exploring how creative writing can connect with the world of work. This session was postponed earlier in the month due to technical issues, and is now back and ready to go.

As part of the Cobbling Words Together series, Sarah will guide you through approachable poetry techniques, helping you build a small collection of your own. There’s also an optional employment-themed prompt if you’d like a starting point.

Whether you enjoy poetry or usually avoid it, this is a chance to try something different in a supportive space.

Secure your place here: https://tinyurl.com/45j3y5bw



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. 29 April, 6-7pm, 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

If you’re supporting a blind or partially sighted child through school or college, knowing what help is out there can ma...
21/04/2026

If you’re supporting a blind or partially sighted child through school or college, knowing what help is out there can make all the difference.

As part of our one-year partnership with Guide Dogs UK , we’re delighted to launch our brand new co-created resources to support parents and carers. Covering everything from primary through to sixth form and college, these resources are here to help you navigate support with confidence.

To find out more and read the guides, visit:https://tinyurl.com/2uwznmpc



Image description: Yellow background with dark blue text. Text reads “Celebrating one year of partnership. Supporting learners with a vision impairment”. The guide dogs logo and TPT logo are on the bottom.

We’re now accepting applications for our next Working Well With Sight Loss residential, running from 17–19 June 2026. Th...
20/04/2026

We’re now accepting applications for our next Working Well With Sight Loss residential, running from 17–19 June 2026.

This free course is designed for blind and partially sighted people who have employment as a goal this year and are ready to take practical steps towards it. Previous participants tell us they leave feeling more confident, better prepared and clearer about their next move, with some already in work.

Over three days in London, you’ll build practical skills in assistive technology, job searching and interview techniques in a supportive setting, while connecting with others on a similar journey.

The residential will take place at the Pocklington Hub in central London, with accommodation provided at the President Hotel, just a three-minute walk away. Travel, accommodation and meals are all fully covered, so all we ask for is your presence and commitment.

As part of your application, you’ll be asked to submit a short statement (around 300 words) explaining how the course will support your goals.

Spaces are limited and applications close at midnight on 4 May, so we strongly encourage you to apply early.

Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/4v6dm5v7



Image description: Text reads: “WORKING WELL WITH SIGHT LOSS RESIDENTIAL COURSE. Boost your employment prospects. June 17 - 19 2026. Pocklington Hub, London. Applications now open”. The TPT logo is on the top left. An image of two women sat at a desk is on the right.

It’s Friday, and you’ve got just today and Monday left to register to vote. Local elections take place across England on...
17/04/2026

It’s Friday, and you’ve got just today and Monday left to register to vote.

Local elections take place across England on Thursday 7 May. If you’re blind or partially sighted, this is your chance to be heard, but time is running out.

You now have today (Friday) and Monday to register to vote before the deadline on Monday 20 April.

Register now:�www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Other important deadlines coming up fast:

• Postal or postal proxy vote: 5pm Tuesday 21 April�www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote

• Proxy vote: 5pm Tuesday 28 April�www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote

• Free voter ID: 5pm Tuesday 28 April�www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

You have options when it comes to voting. You can vote in person, by post or ask someone you trust to vote on your behalf.

Polling stations should offer accessible support, including tactile voting devices, magnifiers and accessible candidate information. You can also be accompanied by someone over 18.

If you’re voting by post and signing is difficult, your local electoral services team can help arrange an alternative.

Local decisions affect everyday life, from transport to support services. Make sure your voice is part of them.



Image description: Text reads: “Blind and partially sighted voices belong in local decisions. Register. Prepare. Vote on 7 May.” The TPT logo is on the bottom left and there is a black X towards the top right.

We’re inviting employers to join an upcoming webinar to discover how they can get involved in the Get Set Progress inter...
16/04/2026

We’re inviting employers to join an upcoming webinar to discover how they can get involved in the Get Set Progress internship programme.

On 29 April, from 12:00–13:30, our Get Set Progress interns will be teaming up with RNIB’s Visibly Better Employer programme to share first-hand insights into the internship experience. This session will explore how the programme works, the benefits for organisations, and the positive impact it can have on building a more inclusive workforce.

If you’re an employer interested in creating meaningful opportunities and accessing talented individuals, this is a great chance to learn more and ask questions directly.

Please feel free to share this with your networks or any employers who might be interested.

Register your place here: https://tinyurl.com/ycytj6uc



Image description: “Get Set Progress internship” is highlighted. Text reads: “Let’s create a more diverse and accessible workforce, together!
Sign up for our webinar. 29 April, 12:00pm - 13:30pm”. The TPT logo is on the top left. An image of a woman smiling is on the top right, she is dressed professionally and has braided hair.

Last week, we took our new cohort of Young Voices and Young Leaders away for three days on a residential. It was a great...
15/04/2026

Last week, we took our new cohort of Young Voices and Young Leaders away for three days on a residential. It was a great opportunity for the team to meet in person, get to know each other and form strong friendships.

During the residential, the group took part in some challenging activities, including rock climbing, abseiling and ziplining. The team showed great encouragement for each other throughout. Even when some were nervous about taking part, it was great to see everyone pushing themselves out of their comfort zones.

Alongside the fun, they also got down to some serious business. The group started to shape their campaign focus for the coming months, while also developing their campaigning skills through a ‘Write to your MP’ session.

Across the three days, students developed transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, resilience and problem solving, to name a few. They also made sure to enjoy plenty of snacks, toast marshmallows and share top tips and hacks for living with a vision impairment.

We are incredibly proud of everyone who attended and look forward to updating you on all they achieve this year.

� �

Image descriptions:

Image 1: Group of Young Voices and staff sat round campfire

Image 2: One YV climbs up a large rock. There are ropes in the foreground of the picture

Image 3: Group picture at the top of the zipline. Everyone is in helmets and harnesses. There is blue sky behind.

Image 4: Group complete seesaw challenges where they have to balance their weight evenly. They are stood in a line in the middle tilted to the right.

Curious about how creativity can support your journey into work? Our April Cobbling Words Together session takes place t...
14/04/2026

Curious about how creativity can support your journey into work?

Our April Cobbling Words Together session takes place tomorrow 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

We’re just a few days away from our next Tech Friday at the TPT Hub on Friday 17 April, and there’s still time to book y...
13/04/2026

We’re just a few days away from our next Tech Friday at the TPT Hub on Friday 17 April, and there’s still time to book your place.

This relaxed, hands-on session will focus on smart speakers and how they can make everyday life a bit easier. From playing music and radio to setting reminders and controlling your home, we’ll show how voice technology can support greater independence for blind and partially sighted people.

You’ll also have the chance to get hands-on with the newly launched Alexa Plus, and see how its improved features make it even easier to ask questions and get helpful, more natural responses.

There will be plenty of opportunities to try things out for yourself, ask questions and get tailored advice during our one-to-one support session.

Session times:

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

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

It’s a friendly, informal environment with light refreshments provided, and a great chance to chat and share experiences.

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

Nearest tube: Russell Square (sighted guide support available on request)

If you haven’t booked yet, now’s the time to register for Tech Friday and join us: https://tinyurl.com/6yrw28hc

Or give us a ring on 0208 995 0880

See you on Friday!



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.

Happening today at 2pm: our Let’s Talk Jobs webinar, with last-minute places still available.Join the TPT communications...
13/04/2026

Happening today at 2pm: our Let’s Talk Jobs webinar, with last-minute places still available.

Join the TPT communications and employment teams as they unpack a question that often causes confusion for job seekers: what do employers actually mean by “strong communication skills”?

We’ll guide you through how to understand this expectation and show it effectively in your applications. There will also be time for live questions.

If you’re blind or partially sighted and working towards employment, we’d strongly encourage you to join us.

You can still sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/mwcb9kz

For support with registering or any queries, contact employment@pocklington.org.uk.
’sTalkJobs

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.

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.