Thomas Pocklington Trust and Guide Dogs Expands Student Support Services to Include Younger Age Group

Date posted: 12th February 2025

Sight loss charities, Guide Dogs and Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) are working together to deliver, advice and guidance to blind and partially sighted students, their families and carers and any professionals that support them.

The two charities have partnered to expand TPT’s Student Support Service, to include children from the age of seven years. The service will support blind and partially sighted children and young people, and adults studying in primary, secondary, further and higher education.

The partnership will start on 1 April 2025 with Thomas Pocklington Trust delivering the service. Guide Dogs is investing in the service, by providing experienced staff. The new partnership aims to optimise the resources within each organisation, harness the knowledge and expertise within the existing teams and streamline referral pathways for service users.

Andrew Lennox, CEO of Guide Dogs, commented:

“By working together as two leading vision impairment charities, we can pool our resources and reach more people. It’s a great example of collaboration within the sector, and we’re excited to see the impact on education services for children and young people with sight loss, and their families – and also for adults who want to jump back into education and add to their skills. I hope this initiative will pave the way for further innovation and collaboration across the VI sector.”

Charles Colquhoun, CEO of TPT, added:

“This collaboration aims to improve educational outcomes for young people with vision impairment and their families. By combining the strengths and expertise of both organisations, the partnership will offer a comprehensive range of education support services, including advice, guidance, and signposting at key life transition points. These new services will add 7- to 11-year-olds to TPT’s existing provision for students 11 years and above – promoting lifelong learning and helping them navigate educational, health, and social structures.”

TPT’s Student Support Service can be contacted at studentsupport@pocklington.org.uk or by phone on 0203 757 8040. The Student Support Service is open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm with the phone line available Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10am – 5pm. Outside of these phone line hours, you will be asked to leave your name, number and a short message and a member of the team will return your call.

For more information on Guide Dogs’ information service, contact their Guideline on 0800 781 1444 or visit https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support/information-and-advice/education-support/