Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) and the Centre for Resolution are extending their professional coaching service for blind and partially sighted people. 

The service, which is free-of-charge, was launched in November specifically for blind and partially sighted people who are facing redundancy or who have recently been made redundant. 

Martin Sigsworth, Senior Employment Manager at TPT, said:

“We made the decision to extend the programme due to the worsening impact on the job market that the continued lockdown measures have brought. 

“The feedback from blind and partially sighted people who have received coaching following redundancy has been very positive.  We are building more resources into the programme to extend this to more people.”

Matthew who was working in the charity sector, said:

“I was unexpectedly made redundant as a result of the worsening economic climate.  I heard about the programme and used the sessions to refocus my goals and change direction in my career.  I would definitely recommend anyone who may be in this position to look into using the coaching service.”

Delivered by the Centre for Resolution, professional coaches help people who have been made redundant work through what steps they need to take to secure their next role.

Ryan Compton, Director of the Centre for Resolution, said:

“As a visually impaired person myself, I know the challenges blind and partially sighted people face both securing employment and progressing in their careers. 

“TPT is funding the service so it is free for blind and partially sighted people who need it.  Our coaches help people to identify career goals, develop a strategy with action steps to reach those goals, and provide accountability to achieve them.”

Citizens Advice research revealed disabled people are at least twice as likely to face redundancy with increased competition for fewer roles.

Martin added:

“We know that assistive technology allows blind and partially sighted people to perform roles in the workplace as well as their fully sighted colleagues but many employers are still oblivious to this. The new coaching service aims to try to level the playing field, to give people confidence and help them to find direction.”

More information is available on the TPT website: www.pocklington-trust.org.uk/employment/professional-coaching