Wilberforce Trust

12/06/2026

Last weekend Club Wilber were so excited to return back to Yorkshire Sculpture Park for another amazing day.

As with last year, we were so fortunate to be given exclusive use of their Hidden Forest, which the team had carefully considered what additions could be made to make the crafts and experiences even more sensory and tactile than a forest area already is. There were even crafting stations with braille letter tiles to mark make with, alongside natural items found within the forest.

The fantastic education and art practitioners we spent the day with ran two tours, taking in three of their sculptures with engaging talks, and tactile, inclusive play and stories around them.

While we arrived into (not) the best of British Summer, the day brightened up and actually the rain didn't matter with the cover of trees. The whole day brought art, history and nature to life for our families. While also giving people the chance to spend time together and catch up, sharing stories and experiences, which is a huge part of Club Wilber.

11/06/2026

Today is International Day of Play and the perfect time to share the next video from Club Wilber’s Megan.

With the weather we’ve had recently Megan wanted to shine a spotlight on rainy day play…



(VD- Megan is a young white woman with curly blonde hair. In the first part of the video she is sat in a lounge with a den made from sofa cushions with lots of toys round her. In the second part she is stood on a lawn in the rain holding an orange umbrella.)

11/06/2026

Weston's Cafe will be closed next Thursday, 18th June, for a private function.

The cafe will re-open as usual the following day, Friday 19th June, at 10am.

If you would like to discuss hiring our cafe space and function room then get in touch with our friendly reception and facilities team on 01904 760037 or [email protected]

10/06/2026

Our team are amazing, with many people going that extra mile for each other, and for those we support.

Whether it's arranging a takeaway for a treat for our tenants, giving time to help a colleague with some training their stuck on, offering a lift to a colleague or shuffling round their week to make sure they can help at an event; these things all make a huge difference to someone's day. They also align with our values.

One of our team, Andrea, recently starting volunteering to run our new, tenant quiz night. Something that's been wanted by our tenants for a long time. Thank you Andrea, for going that extra mile.

09/06/2026

Thank you to York Rotary, UK who donated £500 for our children and young people's group, Club Wilber.

We are very grateful to them and particularly as their application process was simple to use and their decision was very quick. This money enables us to continue with our brilliant activities and events for these families, giving opportunities for fun and new experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

Thank you!

08/06/2026

City of York Council are asking for views on play spaces in York from young people with disabilities and additional needs, or parents of young people, to shape the next steps of inclusive and accessible play areas-

🌳 We want your views to shape accessible and inclusive play areas in York

We’re investing up to £925,000 in parks and green spaces across York - improving play equipment, access and facilities to create spaces that are fun, welcoming and inclusive for everyone

Now we want to hear from you

If you’re a disabled child or young person or their parent or carer, take our Accessible and Inclusive Play Areas Survey and tell us what matters most.

Take part before 30 June 2026 via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CYC-AccessibleInclusivePlay

Your feedback will help us:
✔ Improve accessibility
✔ Design inclusive play equipment
✔ Create spaces where children of all abilities can play together
✔ Remove barriers to visiting local parks

You can also join us at:

Chesney Fields, Foxwood Lane
Wednesday 17 June | 3–5pm

We’re working with communities to create parks that bring people together and support healthier lives - and your voice is a vital part of that.

Need a paper copy or if you need the consultation in an alternative format such as braille or large print call 01904 551550 or email [email protected] or pop into your local library or Explore Centre and West Offices for a copy too.

Together, we can create play spaces where every child can play, belong and thrive

07/06/2026

Our volunteers are a diverse bunch; all ages, different races, lots of experience. But one thing is all the same; they all care.

Our volunteer roles are all varied too. You can do a bit of everything, or just stick to one thing and group you really like.

As we reach the end of Volunteers Week, if you'd like to chat about becoming a volunteer with us, then get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator, Emily, on 01904 760037 or [email protected]

06/06/2026

This week we attended Sight Village in Leeds, once again held at . This event, organised by Queen Alexandra College brings together multiple organisations in an accessible and friendly information fair. There was the latest technology on offer to try, support groups, nationwide organisations like Guide Dogs UK and sports and activities for children and adults.

For us, its a way to connect with members of the public, and other professionals, to advertise what we do but also to expand our knowledge and invite collaboration.

Thank you to everyone who came over to talk to us, and thank you to the organisers for another great event.

05/06/2026

NEXT FREE SESSION 16TH JUNE!

We are in the fortunate position to be able to offer funded places for our well-regarded Sensory Impairment Awareness training. 2 million people in the UK live with some form of visual impairment and up to 12 million with hearing impairment. This half day, in person training is designed to raise awareness of sensory impairment and give you the tools you need to effectively support people with sensory impairments

Together, we’ll explore the main eye conditions which cause visual impairment and the subsequent impact. You will have an opportunity to use visual impairment simulation glasses, learn the correct method of guiding and experience what it is like to guide and be guided. We will also look at the causes of hearing impairment, alternative methods of communication and complete an exercise in lip reading.

The training is enjoyable and interactive and receives consistently positive feedback from attendees across a wide range of businesses. It is delivered by a skilled and experienced trainer who is a qualified Vision Rehabilitation Specialist with over 20 years of experience in her field.

Operations Manager (Vangarde Shopping Park) and sensory impairment trainee Carl Bailey said:

“The training gave me a real insight into how difficult it can be operating with very little or no sight. I think this is an amazing initiative and it’s very gratifying to be able to offer our customers this important service.”

Book your place now to avoid disappointment as places are limited! The dates available are: 19th May, 16th June and 30th June 2026. 09:30-13:30 * 4 hours

This event is in person at the Wilberforce Trust, Wilberforce House, The Grove, York, YO24 1AN. Call 01904 2002292 or email [email protected]

04/06/2026

Lots of faces of the Wilberforce Trust got together to make a video to say a big THANK YOU to our amazing volunteers for Volunteers Week…