Thomas Pocklington Trust

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

Discover Your Next Opportunity with the Get Set Progress Role Rundown Webinar Following our recent Let’s Talk Jobs webin...
11/06/2026

Discover Your Next Opportunity with the Get Set Progress Role Rundown Webinar

Following our recent Let’s Talk Jobs webinar, where we covered the Get Set Progress (GSP) application process, we’re hosting a dedicated follow-up session led by the internship team to take a closer look at the opportunities available within the 2026/27 programme.

If you’re considering applying, this webinar will provide more detailed information about the roles on offer, where they are based, and the different opportunities available across the UK. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and hear directly from the team supporting the programme.

The webinar takes place just after applications open on 23 June, making it a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of the roles before submitting your application.

During the session, you’ll learn more about:
• The different internship roles available

• Locations across the UK

• What to expect from the programme

• Helpful application tips and guidance

• Answers to your questions from the internship team

When: Wednesday 24 June, 13:00–14:30
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams

Secure your place here:
https://pocklington.tfaforms.net/5069021?event=701Pz000013czjV&tfa_168=6

Any questions? Get in touch:
[email protected]



Image description: Text reads: “Get Set Progress Internship. Let’s create a more diverse and accessible workforce, together!Sign up for our webinar, Wednesday 24 June, 13:00-14:30. The TPT logo is on the top left. On the top right is an image of a Smiling woman with braided hair wearing a black blazer, seated in a bright office environment.

What do feature articles and memoirs have to do with employment? Quite a lot, as it turns out. Join Sarah Cobb on Wednes...
10/06/2026

What do feature articles and memoirs have to do with employment? Quite a lot, as it turns out.

Join Sarah Cobb on Wednesday 24 June, from 6–8pm, for a relaxed and interactive workshop exploring how feature writing and memoir can help you tell compelling stories, reflect on personal experiences and develop skills that can be applied in the workplace.

As part of the Cobbling Words Together series, Sarah will guide you through practical writing techniques and creative exercises, showing how these forms of writing can support communication, confidence and employability.

Whether you’re an experienced writer or simply curious to try something new, you’ll be very welcome.

The workshop will take place on Microsoft Teams.

Register your place here: https://tinyurl.com/8w5cvvrs



Image description: Text reads: “Cobbling
Words Together with Sarah, Creative writing for blind and partially sighted people, 24 June, 6- 8pm
Register now”. An image of Sarah is towards the bottom right, Sarah has shoulder-length brown hair, is wearing a burgundy t-shirt and is smiling happily. The TPT logo is in the top right. Across from this, the words: “Build skills for work and creativity” are in a box.

We all lose things from time to time. But when you’re blind or partially sighted, finding something that’s right in fron...
09/06/2026

We all lose things from time to time. But when you’re blind or partially sighted, finding something that’s right in front of you can take far longer than it should.

That’s why we’re hosting Tech Friday: Finding Things onFriday 12 June 2026, a practical session focused on tools that can help you locate everyday items more independently.

We’ll explore a range of solutions, from sound-based key finders to mobile apps and tracking devices. You’ll also have the chance to chat one-to-one with our technology experts after the session, so bring along any questions you have.

The session will be held in person at the Pocklington Hub, London WC1N 3AR, and sighted guide support from Russell Square Underground station to the venue will be provided on request.

Reserve your place here:�https://tinyurl.com/ppcp6pyd

AssistiveTech

Image description: Text reads: “Tech Friday is back
Finding Things: Explore tools to help you locate lost items independently. Friday 12 June 2026, 11am-1pm, The TPT Hub. Book your place”. The TPT logo is on the bottom left. Towards the right is images of item-finding technology, including a whistle-responsive key finder attached to keys, a smartphone displaying the Orrion object-finding app, and an Apple AirTag attached to a bag.

Do you remember what’s happening today at 2pm? It’s time for our special edition ‘Let’s Talk Jobs’ webinar, where our Em...
08/06/2026

Do you remember what’s happening today at 2pm?

It’s time for our special edition ‘Let’s Talk Jobs’ webinar, where our Employment team will be joined by the Internships team to discuss everything you need to know about the Get Set Progress internships for blind and partially sighted people.

With applications opening later this month, this webinar is a great opportunity to hear first-hand about the programme, the support available, the benefits of taking part, and what to expect from the application process.

If you’re considering applying, this is your chance to get your questions answered and find out how the programme could help you take the next step in your career.

Register now to join us on 8 June at 2pm: https://tinyurl.com/w5u4zwkn



Image description: Live Webinar event. Text reads: “’Let’s Talk Jobs’ Spotlight on GSP Internship, Join our internships and Employment teams, live webinar, 8th June 2-3pm, Sign up now”, with a right pointing arrow. An image of Muhammed, a past GSP intern, is on the top right. The TPT logo is on the top left.

The Sight Loss Councils Conference 2026 has come to a close 👏Over the past two days, volunteers from across the UK have ...
07/06/2026

The Sight Loss Councils Conference 2026 has come to a close 👏

Over the past two days, volunteers from across the UK have come together to share insight, build connections, and explore how lived experience can drive meaningful change.

The weekend included a powerful keynote from Dr Amit Patel, alongside a range of workshops and partner-led sessions covering transport, healthcare, technology, arts and culture.

During his speech, he told volunteers:

"You care about making things better and you care about the next person coming through the door and that matters."

We were also pleased to hear from Toby Addison (Blindtobes), who shared his personal journey and reflected on the importance of confidence, representation and using your voice to challenge perceptions.

He said:

"We need to keep educating people, breaking down prejudices, and normalising blind people in society. There’s still a long way to go to fully integrate blind people into society. I still have conversations with people who don’t know what to do with me."

Rachel Wilkinson, Head of Engagement at Thomas Pocklington Trust, closed the conference by highlighting the impact volunteers are having in shaping more accessible services and communities.

Our thanks also go to the partners and stakeholders who continue to work alongside Sight Loss Councils to help turn insight into action.

At Thomas Pocklington Trust, we are proud to support volunteers and partnerships that are driving real, lasting change.

We’ll be sharing a full write-up in the coming weeks.



Image description:

Image one: Close up photo of Toby Addison during this keynote speech during the closing session of the 2026 SLC Conference. He is stood in front of a TPT banner, speaking into a microphone. He is wearing a stone coloured jacket.

Image two: SLC delegates sit around round tables in a conference room, facing forwards during the closing session at the 2026 SLC Conference.

Image three: A SLC delegate seated during Blind Tobes' keynote speech. She holds a microphone in her hand and asks Toby a question during the Q&A session. Other attendees are seated at round tables in the background, with several people visible listening to the discussion.

As Volunteers’ Week comes to a close, we want to give a special thank you to our incredible Young Voices volunteers. Thr...
07/06/2026

As Volunteers’ Week comes to a close, we want to give a special thank you to our incredible Young Voices volunteers.

Through the Young Voices programme, blind and partially sighted young people are building confidence, developing new skills and connecting with others who share similar experiences. By sharing their lived experiences, they are helping to shape conversations, challenge perceptions and create positive change across the sight loss community.

“Being part of Young Voices has helped me meet people like me while building my confidence and communication skills.”�– Phoebe

Along the way, our volunteers also gain valuable leadership experience, represent the voices of disabled young people and help ensure that those voices are heard where it matters most.

We’re so proud of everything our Young Voices volunteers achieve, and we’re grateful for the energy, insight and passion they bring to our community.

Find out more about Student Voices and Young Voices and discover how young people are making a difference:https://www.pocklington.org.uk/education/engage-with-us/student-voices-young-voices/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

If you’re a blind or partially sighted student interested in volunteering with us, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at [email protected].



Image description: Graphic from Thomas Pocklington Trust for Volunteers’ Week with large quote text reading “Being part of Young Voices has helped me meet people like me while building my confidence and communication skills.” Attribution reads Phoebe, Young Voices Volunteer. Design includes TPT logo top left and Volunteers’ Week icon top right. Bottom right features a cropped portrait of Phoebe with long hair wearing glasses and a bright top.

Fantastic to celebrate the winners of the 2026 Rodney Powell Volunteering Awards this evening 🏆These awards recognise th...
06/06/2026

Fantastic to celebrate the winners of the 2026 Rodney Powell Volunteering Awards this evening 🏆

These awards recognise the incredible contribution of volunteers across Sight Loss Councils, Young Voices and Student Voices.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners - and thank you to our sponsors for supporting the awards.

See the original post for the full list of winners and celebrations from the evening 👇

Tonight, we are proud to host the Rodney Powell Volunteering Awards as part of the Sight Loss Councils Conference.Taking...
06/06/2026

Tonight, we are proud to host the Rodney Powell Volunteering Awards as part of the Sight Loss Councils Conference.

Taking place during Volunteers’ Week, the awards recognise the outstanding contributions of volunteers across Sight Loss Councils, Young Voices and Student Voices.

Named in honour of Rodney Powell, who served as a trustee for 37 years and received an MBE for his services to blind and partially sighted people, the awards continue his legacy of championing inclusion and opportunity.

A huge thank you to this year’s sponsors for supporting the awards:

First Bus
Russell-Cooke Solicitors
The Go-Ahead Group
Guide Dogs UK
Arriva North West

Congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted for an award, we look forward to celebrating our nominees and winners this evening.



Image description: SLC volunteers mingle in the hotel lobby ahead of this evening's Rodney Powell Awards. People are gathered, talking.

We’re in Leeds this weekend for the annual Sight Loss Councils Conference👋This weekend brings together over 115 voluntee...
06/06/2026

We’re in Leeds this weekend for the annual Sight Loss Councils Conference👋

This weekend brings together over 115 volunteers from across the UK to connect, share ideas and help shape change.

The conference was officially opened last night by Thomas Pocklington Trust CEO Charles Colquhoun, who welcomed volunteers and recognised the incredible impact they have every day.

Today’s programme has been opened by Emma Hughes, Director of Services, who reflected on the meaningful, lasting change volunteers have helped to create over the past year - from improving transport accessibility to shaping healthcare and culture. She also recognised that this progress would not be possible without their continued commitment, which is driving real change for blind and partially sighted people.

With this year’s theme, ‘Small Changes, Big Impact’, we’re looking forward to a weekend of shared learning, collaboration and celebration

Follow Sight Loss Councils for more updates from the weekend.



Image description:

Image one: Photo of Charles Colquhoun, CEO of Thomas Pocklington Trust, holding a microphone during opening night. Round tables of SLC volunteers are seated in the background.

Image two: Emma Hughes, Director of Services, stands behind a lectern during the morning session of the SLC Conference.

Image three: Yahya Pandor, Engagement Manager for South West England, sits at a table with SLC volunteers, listening to Dr Patel's speech.

Image four: Wide angle photo of Dr Amit Patel addressing SLC Conference delegates during his key note speech. His guide dog, Kika, stands in front of him.

The countdown is almost over. Tomorrow, we come together at the Sight Loss Councils Conference to celebrate the voluntee...
05/06/2026

The countdown is almost over.

Tomorrow, we come together at the Sight Loss Councils Conference to celebrate the volunteers whose passion, dedication and lived experience are helping to create positive change across the Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss Councils network.

Ahead of the ceremony, we’re proud to reveal the shortlisted nominees for Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering – Student Voices, kindly sponsored by Guide Dogs.

Congratulations to:

• Faith McBridge-Harrow

• Khansa Maria

• Maymunah Bashir

• Zehra Yunel

Each nominee has made an outstanding contribution, using their voice and experience to support others and help shape a more inclusive future.

Find out more about why they’ve been shortlisted and view the full shortlist here: https://www.pocklington.org.uk/news/rodney-powell-awards-2026-shortlist/

Who will take home the award? We’ll reveal the winners tomorrow at the 2026 Rodney Powell Awards 2026!



Image descriptions:

Image 1: Graphic banner with a dark blue gradient background featuring soft, translucent circular shapes and scattered gold dots. On the left, a gold‑outlined rounded rectangle displays “2026.” Large white and gold text reads “Rodney Powell Awards,” with “Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering – Student Voices” shown prominently below in white. Decorative curved gold lines sweep across the right side, with a subtle glowing effect near the lower right corner, creating a polished, celebratory feel.

Image 2: Faith, Student Voices member, sits at a wooden desk with a microphone on a stand.

Image 3: Khansa, Student Voices member, looks to her side. She wears a light hijab and beige coat and sits outdoors. Green foliage softly blurs in the background.

Image 4: Image shows Zehra, Student Voices member, smiling at the camera. Her hair is pulled back in a ponytail, she is wearing a white jumper, and sunglasses.

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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