About Us

Who We Are

Thomas Pocklington Trust strives for equality of blind and partially sighted people in every aspect of society. We are a charitable organisation with a dedicated staff – over half of us are blind or partially sighted – and over 200 volunteers who have lived experience of sight loss. Our mission is to support blind and partially sighted people to bring about equity and inclusion in every aspect of society.

What We Do

Our work is focused on championing the needs and aspirations of blind and partially sighted people, fully recognising the depth and complexity of the challenges faced. We address these challenges not only within our local communities across the country through direct action by members of our Sight Loss Councils, but also at the heart of our national government and policy structures.  We are a leader in providing direct grants that target systemic change and improvements for blind and partially sighted people.

Our mission is to support blind and partially sighted people to bring about equity and inclusion in society and their own lives. We achieve this by focusing on significant life milestones for blind and partially sighted people, including ensuring that they are able to thrive in education, fostering positive employment opportunities and promoting overall health and wellbeing, with timely health interventions when needed.

In addition to addressing equality in life opportunities, our strategy is designed to support blind and partially sighted people at every stage of their journey through the education system, further training or employment and their chosen careers.

  • How we do it

    We aim to:

    • Provide information, resources and advice guidance to students in or entering education, and the professionals/parents/carers that support them. Reduce unemployment rates among blind and partially sighted people of working age, encouraging more employers to create accessible workplaces and generating employment opportunities for blind and partially sighted people
    • Ensure unrestricted access to all healthcare services for blind and partially sighted people, thereby removing barriers that limit their overall health, fitness and wellbeing
    • Campaign against injustices faced by blind and partially sighted people while actively promoting the creation of more inclusive, accessible and equitable communities and society at large. Find out more about our campaigns

    We support blind and partially sighted people to lead the lives they want to by:

    • Providing information, advice, guidance and resources to students in or entering secondary school, college or university, along with their families, carers and the professionals who support them
    • Supporting people looking to start, restart or progress their careers
    • Encouraging engagement and volunteering, continually expanding our network of Sight Loss Councils across the UK.

To achieve these objectives, we work in partnership with blind and partially sighted people, experts and our dedicated supporters to implement campaigns, activities and services that increase independence and improve lives.

Together we are changing mindsets and advocating for better services, equitable access and improved accessibility.

Our Vision and Values

We support blind and partially sighted people of all ages to live the life they want to lead. Read more on our vision, values and strategic priorities here.

Find out more about 'Our Vision and Values'

Our People

At TPT, we rely on people with enthusiasm and expertise to ensure that we deliver on our commitment to blind and partially sighted people. Our staff, volunteers, senior management team and board of trustees all make a vital contribution to our work.

Find out more about 'Our People'

Our History

Thomas Pocklington, a jeweller-turned-property developer, bequeathed his considerable fortune to found this charity. Six decades after it was established much has changed. Read all about it.

Find out more about 'Our History'

Sight Loss Councils

Sight Loss Councils (SLCs), funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, are regional groups led by blind and partially sighted people. Together, they work with organisations to ensure what they do is accessible and inclusive. They do this using the power of their lived experience.

Find out more about 'Sight Loss Councils'
Back to top