Thomas Pocklington Trust

21/08/2026

In case you missed it, we’re excited to announce that starting this Monday, our Education Information, Advice and Guidance Service is expanding to support blind and partially sighted children entering primary school.

If you’re a parent, carer or professional supporting a child who is preparing for primary school or is already there, our Education Advisers are on hand to answer your questions and provide support.

You can contact the service via our Education webpage at https://tinyurl.com/3zhppu2w, or email [email protected].

Here’s what some of the families we’ve supported have told us:
“Without support parents can feel like no one is listening to their concerns. It is like we are banging our heads against a brick wall. In supporting us, you listened to us. Thank you.”

“We truly cannot express enough how grateful we are for all the support you’ve given us throughout this process. Your advice, guidance, and encouragement have made such a difference, and I genuinely believe that we wouldn’t have reached this point without your help. Thank you so much for being there for us. It really means the world, and we’re just delighted with how things have turned out.”

Image description: A yellow graphic with bold navy text reads: “Find out more about our Education Advice Service. Email: [email protected].” The Thomas Pocklington Trust and Guide Dogs logos are displayed at the bottom.

20/08/2026

Now that you’ve got your GCSE results, you might be wondering what to do next. If you're thinking about college, sixth form or an apprenticeship, there’s no need to figure it all out on your own.

That’s where we come in. Our Education Advice Service is here to guide you through your options and make sure you get the support you require as a blind or partially sighted student.

Follow the link below to explore your post-16 choices and find out how we can help:

https://f.mtr.cool/miwcjozrum

Image Description: two students hugging and celebrating exam results. The text reads: ‘Education Advice. Blind or partially sighted and unsure what your GCSE results mean for your future? Our Education Advice Service is here to help you figure it out. Get in touch today.’" TPT logo in the top left.

19/08/2026

Who says photography belongs to only those who can see?

This World Photography Day, we’re celebrating blind and partially sighted people behind the camera, while highlighting how we can all make the photographs we share more accessible for everyone to enjoy.

From calling the shots to experimenting with smartphones, assistive technology, adapted equipment and different techniques, blind and partially sighted people are finding their own ways to take photographs, develop their skills and get creative.

And photography doesn’t stop at taking the picture. We can also enjoy and engage with photography created by others, especially when images are shared accessibly.

That’s something we can all help with.

When you post a photo online, adding alt text gives people using screen readers a description of what’s in the image. It can help bring the photograph to life by explaining the important people, actions, setting and context.

On Facebook, select your photo when uploading or editing it, choose Edit and then select Alt Text. Keep it concise, with one to three sentences focusing on the details that matter most.

We’ve added alt text to the photographs in this post, too.

So whether you’re behind the camera, in front of it or enjoying the finished photograph, there should be a place for everyone in photography.

Happy World Photography Day!

Image descriptions (Alt Text):

Image 1: David Parfitt, SLC Coordinator for North West England, stands with a backpack on his back, on sand dunes at Formby Beach. He holds up a smartphone to take a photo of the sea. Grassy dunes line the right side of the image.

Image 2: Merseyside SLC members, Naomi and James, during the Through Our Eyes project. They stand outside a Southport seafront restaurant, with Naomi taking a photo on a smartphone. James stands next to her, looking on, and holds a long cane.

Image 3: Nicki Guy, Communications Officer for Sight Loss Councils is photographed on a cobbled street in France, holding a camera up and taking a photo.

18/08/2026

A positive step forward for accessibility.

The extension of free bus travel for disabled people in England to 24 hours a day recognises a simple truth: disability doesn't operate on a timetable.

Greater freedom to travel means easier access to work, healthcare, education, and social opportunities, helping people live more independently and stay connected to their communities.

We welcome measures that remove barriers and support greater inclusion for all, as we continue our work to make bus travel accessible for blind and partially sighted people across the country.

Find out more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjwx5vx21y2o

The change, which has been welcomed by campaign groups, will come into effect in England from April.

18/08/2026

There are currently three internship opportunities available for blind and partially sighted people, but the application deadlines are fast approaching.

If you’re looking to gain valuable work experience, get your foot on the career ladder or return to work after sight loss, don’t miss your chance to apply.

Sight Support Intern at Seescape - Fife

📍 Fife, Scotland. Closes 20 August

Apply now: https://tinyurl.com/4p9etune

Marketing Executive at Liberty Specialty Markets

📍 London. Closes 28 August

Gain valuable marketing experience in a corporate environment. This role is hybrid, with most of the work taking place in the office.

Apply now: https://www.pocklington.org.uk/about-us/workattpt/

Customer Support Intern at Mavis Technologies

📍 Northampton/remote. Closes 28 August

Develop your customer support skills through a remote internship.

Apply now: https://tinyurl.com/3797waea

Don’t wait until the deadline. Check out the roles and apply today.

Image description: Title reads: “Get Set Progress Internship.” Smaller text below reads: “Paid internship opportunities across the UK for blind and partially sighted people. Apply now.” with a right pointing arrow. The Get Set Progress logo appears at the top left, with the Thomas Pocklington Trust logo at the bottom left. On the right is an image of Aleks. He is sitting on a chair, wearing a brown patterned shirt and is smiling.

17/08/2026

5,000 followers! 🎉

Before we close for the day, we wanted to take a moment to say a very big thank you.

To everyone who has followed us, liked, commented on or shared our posts, thank you for being part of our community. Your support helps us reach more people, raise awareness and make a difference for blind and partially sighted people.

We’re delighted to have reached 5,000 followers, and we’re so glad to have you with us.

Here’s to the next 5,000!

Image description: Graphic with a dark blue background and a white rectangle in the center. Inside the rectangle, large teal text reads ‘5k’ with smaller dark blue text above reading ‘Thank You’, and below reading ‘Followers’. At the bottom, the TPT logo appears at the centre.

17/08/2026

We are pleased to announce that, from today, Monday 17 August, Thomas Pocklington Trust is expanding its Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Service as part of our ongoing partnership with Guide Dogs UK .

The service will now support blind and partially sighted children entering primary school, meaning we can reach more children at the start of their education and continue supporting them all the way through to university.

Since the partnership launched in April 2025, we have supported more than 650 children and young people, as well as their parents, carers and the professionals who support them.

As the service continues to grow, we look forward to supporting even more blind and partially sighted children to thrive in their education.

To contact the service, visit our Education webpage at https://tinyurl.com/3zhppu2w, or email the Advice team at
[email protected]



Image description: Three schoolgirls sit together happily on a bench in a school playground. A cane can be seen next to one of the girls. The Thomas Pocklington Trust and Guide Dogs logos appear above the headline: “Latest News”. Text below this reads “Thomas Pocklington Trust and Guide Dogs Expand Student Support Services to Include Children Entering Primary School.”

14/08/2026

Sight Support Internship in Fife: applications close 20 August

Are you blind or partially sighted and based in Scotland? This could be a fantastic opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in a supportive and inclusive charity environment.

Seescape - Fife is offering a Sight Support Internship in Fife as part of the Get Set Progress Programme, delivered in partnership with Thomas Pocklington Trust and RNIB.

The internship offers the chance to develop new skills, build confidence and gain valuable experience within the sight loss sector.

Applications close on 20 August 2026, so there are only a few days left to apply.

Find out more and apply: https://tinyurl.com/4p9etune

Based in Scotland? Please share this opportunity with blind and partially sighted people in your local networks who may be interested.



Image description: Seescape logo in blue and orange, with the text “SEESCAPE” and the tagline “Visual Impairment Support Across Fife.”

13/08/2026

Happy A Level Results Day!

If you’re a blind or partially sighted student receiving your A level results today, congratulations on reaching this milestone. Whatever your results look like, remember that you’re not alone when it comes to figuring out what comes next.

Our Education Advice Service is here to support you with your next steps, whether you’ve secured your first-choice university place, need advice about accessing support, or didn’t get the results you were hoping for.

Find out how our Education Advice Service can support you: https://f.mtr.cool/lqqckzycys

Image description: Image featuring three smiling students talking in a hallway. One student is holding papers and wearing sunglasses. Text reads: ‘Education Advice. Happy A Level Results Day! Blind or partially sighted? Get in touch with our Education Advice Service for support with your next steps. Speak to us today.’ The TPT logo is in the top left.

13/08/2026

For most people, an overgrown hedge is easy to walk around.

For a blind or partially sighted person, it can mean being scratched in the face, losing confidence to travel independently, or even stepping into the road to get past.

No one should have to risk their safety simply because a pavement isn’t clear.

This summer, we’re highlighting our campaign and the importance of keeping pavements clear and accessible for everyone. Overgrown trees, hedges and shrubs can make journeys difficult and unsafe, particularly for blind and partially sighted people. If you spot vegetation creating a hazard, report it to your local council.

A small action can make a life-changing difference, helping blind and partially sighted people travel safely, confidently and independently.

Find out more and get involved:
https://tinyurl.com/dpaf38nh

Image description: Kelly, SLC Engagement Manager for the North West, stands on a pavement beside a black metal fence with tree branches hanging over the side, she is using her red cane in one hand while reaching up with the other to touch low-hanging branches. Kelly is wearing a red patterned dress, white trainers and a smartwatch.