Thomas Pocklington Trust

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.

23/03/2026

Monday reminder for the week ahead.

Local elections are happening across England on Thursday 7 May. If you’re blind or partially sighted, this is your chance to be heard.

The decisions made by local councils shape daily life, including transport, street design and the support services many people rely on. Voting gives you a say in those decisions.

Key deadlines to keep in mind

• Register to vote by Monday 20 April�www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
• Apply for a postal vote or postal proxy vote by 5pm Tuesday 21 April�www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
• Apply for a proxy vote by 5pm Tuesday 28 April�www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote
• Apply for free voter ID by 5pm Tuesday 28 April�www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

If you choose to vote by post, your ballot will require a signature check. If this is not something you can do reliably, your local electoral services team can support you with alternative arrangements.

You have options when it comes to voting. You can go to a polling station, vote by post or nominate someone you trust to vote for you.

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 unsure what support will be available, it’s worth checking with your council ahead of time.

7 May is your chance to make your voice heard.

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

21/03/2026

20/03/2026

Happy Friday. The end of the week is a good time to pause and think about what independence really looks like in everyday life.

For young people with vision impairment, independence is not just about doing things on your own. It is about confidence, dignity and having real choices.

Khansa, one of our Student Voices volunteers, shares her perspective in a powerful article on our CFVI Champions pages. She explores Independent Living skills, Area 6 of the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI), and why these skills matter so much.

As Khansa puts it, the small, everyday things build something much bigger. “Independence touches on dignity, choice and empowerment.”

Drawing on her own experiences, she reflects on how learning these skills early can shape a more confident and independent future.

If you are looking for a thoughtful Friday read, this is well worth your time.

Read Khansa’s article here: https://tinyurl.com/sw75xtfj

We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

You can also explore more articles and content by young people on our CFVI Champions page: https://tinyurl.com/sw75xtfj



Image description: Text reads: “CFVI: What does independence mean for young people with vision impairment? Find out in Khansa’s article” with a right pointing arrow. The TPT logo is on the top right. A headshot of Khansa is on the top left, she is smiling and sitting outdoors.

19/03/2026

Last Friday, 13 March, we brought together our Get Set Progress interns from across the UK at the TPT Hub for a day of learning, collaboration and connection.

The day began with a session delivered by Lindsey Marriott and Ethos Farms, where interns explored their personality types in a way that was both insightful and genuinely enjoyable. It sparked honest conversations about individual strengths, potential challenges, and how these show up in the workplace.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to something we all experience but don’t always get right: meetings. Interns worked together to explore what makes a meeting meaningful, and how to confidently engage with colleagues and stakeholders.

Our Get Set Progress internship is a nine-month paid programme designed to support blind and partially sighted people in taking their next step into employment. Days like this are a key part of that journey.

We are now inviting expressions of interest for our 2026/27 internship programme. Employers can host an intern with funding and full recruitment support provided, alongside accessibility training where needed.

👉 Submit your expression of interest here:https://tinyurl.com/693svrb9



Image descriptions:

Image 1: Get Set Progress interns and staff stand together in a bright room at the TPT Hub, several holding white canes and one with a guide dog, smiling for a group photo.

Image 2: A speaker stands at the front of the room speaking to a seated group of interns, with participants listening attentively in a well-lit room.

Image 3: Interns sit in small groups, talking and sharing ideas during a collaborative session, with large windows letting in natural light.

18/03/2026

Thomas Pocklington Trust has announced the appointment of three new trustees, strengthening its board with a wealth of experience across talent development, psychology and artificial intelligence.

Jamie Ward, Head of Talent and Learning at Channel 4, brings decades of expertise in helping people thrive at work. With a career spanning the BBC and major global organisations, plus a PhD in organisational behaviour, Jamie is also a passionate advocate for the VI community following his own sight loss three years ago.

Sarah Miloudi, a former City regulator turned coaching psychologist, joins the board with deep insight into careers, financial wellbeing and behavioural coaching. A former journalist and award-winning investment commentator, she brings a sharp analytical eye and a commitment to empowering others.

Ramneek Ahluwalia, an AI researcher at UCL, adds cutting-edge technical expertise. As a visually impaired student and dedicated volunteer within the Trust’s community, she has championed policy change in Parliament and gained international recognition for her work, including winning Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow Competition and serving as a ‘Together for Tomorrow’ Ambassador at Paris 2024.

Mervyn Williamson, Chair of Trustees, said ‘We are thrilled to welcome three new Trustees whose combined knowledge will add to our lived experience led approach in tackling key issues of blind and partially sighted people and to the strengths of an impressive Board at Thomas Pocklington Trust.’

Image Description: Text reads ‘Welcome Trustees’ accompanied by head shots of three new trustees and a short bio underneath their respective photos. A close up of Ramneek Ahluwalia, AI Researcher at UCL, Jamie Ward, Head of Talent and Learning at Channel 4 and Sarah Miloudi, City regulator turned coaching psychologist.

18/03/2026

A big part of the university experience is socialising. If you’ve been invited out somewhere to meet friends but are worried about getting there, this page with our top recommended GPS navigation apps is the one for you.

You might be surprised just how far you’ll get with these apps at your disposal. So check them out and let’s know what you think.

Have a look here: https://www.pocklington.org.uk/education/tech/navigation-apps/



Image description: Promotional graphic with the TPT logo. Text reads: “Blind or partially sighted? Find out how you can get around with tech. Check out our navigation page for our top app picks.” On the right is an illustration of a pale-skinned, red-haired person in green clothing holding a smartphone and wearing a backpack, set against a faint grey map background.

17/03/2026

There’s no way I’m the only blind person battling an irregular sleeping pattern.

Some days are manageable, but other times, like this past week, I’ve found myself wide awake through the night and struggling to stay alert during the day.

For many visually impaired people, especially those of us with no light perception, a consistent sleep routine can be incredibly difficult to maintain.

This is often due to Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, a condition that disrupts the body’s internal clock and makes it harder to distinguish between night and day.

Without natural light cues, people with no light perception may experience disrupted circadian rhythms, leading to poor sleep, daytime fatigue and challenges in daily life.

Common approaches to managing Non-24 include light therapy, timed melatonin and maintaining strict sleep hygiene routines.

If this resonates with you or someone you support, I’d really value hearing your experiences. How have you managed the impact of Non-24?



Image description: Text reads: “Have you heard of Non-24 Sleep-Wake Disorder? If you’re living with it, share your experiences in the comments”. The TPT logo is above this. On the bottom centre, there is an image of a male holding his head and pinching his nose, he has short brown hair and is wearing a red t-shirt.

16/03/2026

Happy Monday. Quick question…

Have you listened to Episode 4 of our student-led podcast Through Our Eyes yet?

This episode dives into the university application process from a visually impaired student’s perspective. Khansa and Zehra share what applying through UCAS was really like, from accessibility questions to interview adjustments and using JAWS with the system.

It’s an honest, practical conversation for anyone thinking about university or supporting someone who is.

If you missed it last week, now’s the perfect time to catch up.

Listen here:�https://tinyurl.com/3xf77ys4



Image description: Text reads: “Your guide to smashing the university application process. Out now! A podcast made by and for blind and partially sighted students.Listen on our website and all major streaming platforms.” Above this, “Through Our Eyes - Episode 4” is highlighted. Social media icons are towards the bottom beside the podcast on a mobile phone. The TPT logo is on the top left.

13/03/2026

If you’re aged 18 to 25 and blind or partially sighted, here’s a brilliant opportunity to get out on the water this summer.

The Visually Impaired Sailing Association of Great Britain (VISA-GB) is hosting a sailing trip from 30 August to 2 September 2026, starting and finishing at Southampton Town Quay.

Over the course of the voyage, you will sail between ports along the south coast of England and the Isle of Wight, with the chance to take a swim in Osborn Bay. You can get involved in the day-to-day running of the yacht if you wish, or simply enjoy the experience. The trip will also stop at local ports, giving you time to explore on shore as well as enjoy sailing during the day.

The trip costs £25, thanks to a generous grant from the Powell Family Foundation. This includes your food and drink on board, but not your travel to and from the marina or any food and drink on shore.

There are just three places remaining, and the booking deadline is 27 March.

To find out more or reserve a place, contact Dee Jones at Membership@Visa-gb.org.uk.



Image description: Text reads: “Ready for an adventure? If you’re blind or partially sighted and aged 18-25, VISA-GB’s trip is for you. Date: 30th August - 2nd September. Register by 27 March”. The top left features the TPT logo and the top right features the VISA-GB logo. On the bottom right is a white and red sailing boat.

12/03/2026

Ok… let’s talk about the silent thief: glaucoma.

It creeps up quietly and steals your sight without much warning. I know that because it happened to me.

When I was seven, my vision started to blur. I didn’t think much of it at first. But one day in class I realised I couldn’t see the board clearly from the middle row.

My head teacher picked up on it quickly and contacted my parents. That simple moment kicked off years of visits to eye clinics.

Eventually the diagnosis came. Glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve, often caused by increased pressure in the eye.

Looking back, the real problem was not just the diagnosis. It was that we didn’t fully understand how serious glaucoma could be or how important regular eye tests were in protecting the sight I still had.

By the time that reality sank in for us, I had already lost the sight in my right eye. The strange thing is I didn’t even know. I only realised one day when I covered my left eye and discovered I couldn’t see anything with the right.

Today, I’m the Communications Officer at TPT, and sharing stories like this is part of why I do what I do. Because glaucoma does not have to steal sight if it’s caught early.

As we mark World Glaucoma Day 2026, consider this your reminder to book that eye test. Regular eye exams can detect glaucoma early and help prevent avoidable sight loss.

You can also learn more about looking after your eye health by visiting our Eye Care Support Pathway page:https://tinyurl.com/4vv9m94n



Image description: Title reads: “World Glaucoma Day”. Below this reads: “Don’t ignore your eye health. Visit our eye care support pathway for support and information”. The TPT logo is on the top right. On the top left is an image of a woman sitting at an eye examination machine during an eye test, she is looking forward with her chin resting on the support as a bright light shines into her eye.

11/03/2026

Looking to boost your employment prospects through creativity?

Sarah from our Employment team is back today 11 March, 6–7pm with Cobbling Words Together.

This session will guide you through crafting an audio drama using a job interview prompt, giving you creative tools to boost your confidence and employability.

Secure your spot: https://tinyurl.com/mw7b7xm8

Image description: Title reads: “Cobbling Words Together with Sarah”. Above the title, “Build skills for work and creativity” is highlighted. Below the title reads: “Creative writing for blind and partially sighted people. Wednesday 11 March. 6- 7pm. Register now! with a right pointing arrow. The TPT logo is on the top right. On the bottom right is an image of Sarah smiling. She has short brown hair and is wearing a red t-shirt.