Thomas Pocklington Trust

19/06/2026

Have you ever read an article or memoir and thought, “I’d love to be able to write like that”?

Next Wednesday is your chance to explore exactly that.

As part of the Cobbling Words Together series, our Employment Development Intern, Sarah Cobb, will be hosting a relaxed online workshop where you’ll experiment with feature writing and memoir, learn practical techniques and discover how creative writing can help you reflect on your experiences, communicate more effectively and build skills that are valued in the workplace.

It’s a welcoming session designed for writers and non-writers alike, so whether you’re looking to develop new skills, boost your confidence or simply enjoy an evening of creativity, you’re very welcome to join us.

Wednesday 24 June | 6–8pm�Microsoft Teams

Register here:�https://tinyurl.com/8w5cvvrs

We look forward to seeing you there.



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.

18/06/2026

Everyone deserves a positive and accessible experience when attending breast screening appointments.

That's why we're proud to have partnered with the National Breast Imaging Academy to create a new e-learning module that helps healthcare professionals better support blind and partially sighted people throughout the screening process.

Drawing on the lived experiences of Thomas Pocklington Trust staff, the training highlights the barriers people can face, from inaccessible information to navigating unfamiliar environments, and offers practical ways to provide more inclusive, person-centred care.

Our colleagues who contributed to the project shared why it matters:

"This learning module should help ensure blind and partially sighted women get the best screening experience possible." – Cathy Low

"I'm very proud to be involved in a project that will make a big difference to women." – Beverly Duguid

"It was a pleasure to share my experience to help improve screening services for women in the future." – Maria Moorhouse

We hope the training will help improve access to breast screening services across the UK and serve as a model for improving accessibility throughout healthcare.

Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/mr3kjn77



Image 1 (Beverly Duguid)
Purple speech-bubble style graphic with a quote: “I’m very proud to be involved in a project that will make a big difference to women.” Below is a small circular headshot and the name “Beverly Duguid, Research & Insights Manager.” Thomas Pocklington Trust logo at the bottom.

Image 2 (Cathy Low)
Purple speech-bubble style graphic with a quote: “This learning module should result in blind and partially sighted women getting the best screening experience possible.” Below is a circular headshot and the name “Cathy Low, Director of Partnerships.” Thomas Pocklington Trust logo at the bottom.

Image 3 (Maria Moorhouse)
Purple speech-bubble style graphic with a quote: “It was a pleasure to share my experience to help improve screening services for women in future.” Below is a circular headshot and the name “Maria Moorhouse, Employment Coordinator.” Thomas Pocklington Trust logo at the bottom.

Image 4 (Essex Sight Loss Council)
Blind and partially sighted attendees at Essex Sight Loss Council’s (SLC) breast cancer screening awareness event are stood alongside Amy Askew, Engagement Manager for Thomas Pocklington Trust, Angela and Lauren from Lady McAdden, and Lucy from Southend in Sight. They are stood facing the camera, smiling. Essex SLC ran a breast screening awareness event for blind and partially sighted people on 5 March with NHS Mid and South Essex, funded by a Healthwatch Essex.

17/06/2026

🏆 We're delighted to celebrate this fantastic achievement.

Our Bus Driver Vision Awareness Training has won Bus Initiative of the Year at the CIHT Awards 2026.

Shaped by lived experience, this award-winning training demonstrates the power of collaboration, co-production and putting accessibility at the heart of transport.

Read the full post from Sight Loss Councils below 👇

🏆 We won!

We're thrilled to share that our Bus Driver Vision Awareness Training has won Bus Initiative of the Year at the CIHT Awards 2026.

Collecting the award on behalf of Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss Councils (SLC), Dave Smith, Engagement Manager, said:

"I'm incredibly proud to have accepted the Bus Initiative of the Year Award. It's fantastic to see this training recognised by transport professionals from across the sector and to demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations work together to make transport more accessible."

Shaped by the lived experience and commitment of SLC volunteers, the training helps bus and coach drivers better support blind and partially sighted passengers. Endorsed by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), it has become a powerful example of what can be achieved when accessibility is built into everyday practice.

And the impact continues to grow. Through our partnership with Guide Dogs UK, we're working to expand the reach of these resources and help make bus travel more accessible across the UK..

Huge thanks to Confederation of Passenger Transport, Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, Brighton & Hove Buses, Bus Users UK, and to all our incredible SLC volunteers, staff, and partners who helped make this achievement possible.

Thank you to Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) for recognising this work, and congratulations to all the other shortlisted nominees and winners.

We're proud to be among so many organisations working to make transport more accessible and inclusive.



Image description: Dave Smith, Engagement Manager for South East England, stands on stage after receiving the Bus Initiative of the Year Award. Wearing a black tuxedo and holding his long cane, Dave smiles alongside a presenter in a green dress as they pose for a photograph with the award. Both are facing the camera and smiling.

16/06/2026

If you're a blind or partially sighted job seeker, here are five things to keep in mind this week:

1. The 2026/27 Get Set Progress Internship Programme for blind and partially sighted people opens next week, with dozens of opportunities available across the UK.

2. If you're looking to take your first step onto the career ladder or return to work following sight loss, make a note of 23 June, when applications will go live on our website: https://tinyurl.com/2e3fv9x7

3. There are office-based, hybrid and remote opportunities available across the UK, giving you flexibility in the type of role you apply for.

4. To help you explore the available opportunities and decide which roles might be right for you, our Internship Team is hosting a Role Rundown Webinar on 24 June from 1pm to 2.30pm. You can register here: https://pocklington.tfaforms.net/5069021?event=701Pz000013czjV&tfa_168=6

And finally,

5. Ahead of applications opening next week, our Employment Team is here to help. Whether you need support with your CV, cover letter or interview preparation, get in touch at [email protected].

Wherever you are on your employment journey, we wish you a positive week ahead. Take care, and remember that support is available if you need it.



Image description: Graphic with Thomas Pocklington Trust logo and Get Set Progress internship programme branding. Large quote reads, “The Get Set Progress internship programme helped me build my confidence and gave me a good shot at the professional life.” Attribution to Bilaal Ali, former Junior Accountant Intern at Nicholson & Co Accountancy. Lower section shows a portrait of Bilaal, a young South Asian, bespectacled man, with short black hair and dark stubble. He is smartly dressed in a white shirt and dark blue open blazer.

15/06/2026

Better Transport Week starts today and we’re celebrating how accessible, reliable and inclusive transport connects people and places.

For blind and partially sighted people, a confident, supportive bus or coach driver can make all the difference to a journey, from feeling recognised at the stop, to getting clear communication and practical support on board.

That’s why we have teamed up with Guide Dogs UK to make available award-winning Vision Impairment Awareness Training for bus and coach drivers: See and Stop, Speak and Support.

Developed with lived experience and in collaboration with Sight Loss Councils, Confederation of Passenger Transport, Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, Brighton & Hove Buses and Bus Users UK, the resources meet DVSA standards for Driver CPC training and give drivers practical tools to identify, assist and support passengers with sight loss.

The free materials include training videos narrated by Paralympic gold medallist Lora Fachie OBE, step-by-step guides, top tips, a 90-minute presentation and a new depot screen resource.

Better transport is about more than getting from A to B, it’s about helping everyone travel with confidence, dignity and independence.

If your organisation operates bus or coach services, now is a great time to explore the resources and help make every journey more accessible. Take a look at what's available here: https://ow.ly/31mf50ZbIhB

See and Stop, Speak and Support.

Image Description:
Woman seated in the driver's seat of a bus, holding the steering wheel, while a man in a jacket points and instructs her inside the vehicle cabin.

Campaign for Better Transport

12/06/2026

As we head into the weekend, Tom is leaving MPs and ministers with something to think about.

In this video, he reflects on his own journey through education as a vision impaired student and highlights the vital role QTVIs play in helping children with vision impairment succeed. He also explains why SEND reforms must not overlook this specialist support.

Watch the full video below.

Tom, a T Level Digital Support Services student with retinitis pigm...

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.

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.

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.