Building a society where blind and partially sighted people can participate fully
There are more than two million blind and partially sighted people in the UK. That number is predicted to rise further as the population ages and due to other health and lifestyle factors.
Yet only 27% of blind and partially sighted people of working age are in employment. More than a third report negative attitudes from the public in relation to their sight loss and 31% of people are rarely or never optimistic about the future*.
This has to change.
What does Thomas Pocklington Trust do?
Thomas Pocklington Trust tackles the under-representation of blind and partially sighted people in the workplace and mainstream society
The Trust’s strategy places emphasis on education, employment and engagement to support blind and partially sighted people of all ages to live the life they want to lead.
Addressing the inequalities of blind and partially sighted people starts at school. Ensuring children with vision impairment have everything they need to thrive in education sets our future generation on the best path to achieve their potential.
Thomas Pocklington Trust is committed to working with partners and developing and implementing activities and services to increase independence and improve lives. These include:
- Enabling opportunities for blind and partially sighted people in and entering education.
- Creating opportunities for blind and partially sighted people seeking employment.
- Facilitating the voice and encouraging self-determination of blind and partially sighted people.
- Acting as an advocate and positive change agent for blind and partially sighted people.
- Being an effective partner and grant funder based on our knowledge of the sector.
Thomas Pocklington Trust’s services
- Their student support service provides information, advice and a support network for students aged 11+.
- They support people wanting to start, restart or progress their careers.
- They encourage engagement and volunteering and will continue to extend our network of Sight Loss Councils across the UK.
- They support families of children with vision impairment and professionals within the education service.
- They provide advice and promote the adoption of accessible technology.
- And they work with a wide range of partners and fund a broad range of projects to improve outcomes for blind and partially sighted people in their priority areas across the UK.
About Thomas Pocklington Trust
Thomas Pocklington was a jeweller-turned-property developer who, after a period of temporary sight loss, bequeathed his considerable fortune to found the charity. Originally called The Gift of Thomas Pocklington, Thomas Pocklington Trust was established in 1958.
Find out more about the work of Thomas Pocklington Trust
Facebook: @thomaspocklingtontrust
Twitter: @TPTgeneral
LinkedIn: @pocklington-trust
Instagram: @thomas_pocklington_trust