Ayesha Casely-Hayford | Voice Artist blog

“Thomas Pocklington Trust offers people who are blind or have sight loss the support they require to lead an independent life, based on their individual requirements”.

Where do I start with never taking for granted the privilege of health? We don’t know how blessed and fortunate we are until we become ill. To read a book. To read it and hear the voices in my head and to create the images using my own imagination. Getting involved with the Thomas Pocklington Trust has reminded me that I take the pleasure of reading for granted.

A new mission has been born in my heart. For those unable to read because of their health, I want to help bring to life what is written on the page. I want to offer and share my imagination, interpretation and creativity.

I few weeks ago I had my Thomas Pocklington Trust induction. This followed an interview process and getting a DBS check (I’m clean). In the interview and at the induction, we discussed morals and integrity. How to care for vulnerable people in the community. To recognise boundaries when working in a carer/client relationship. We experienced, by using simulative goggles, different sight impairment conditions  –  the effects of cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration on our sight. We learnt how to escort someone who is sight impaired  – to give them confidence in us and also to not compromise their independence. I will be based at the Thomas Pocklington Trust centre in Balham for my work. Anyone registered as sight impaired, if they can travel to the Thomas Pocklington Trust centre, is welcome. They run social excursions and hold regular activities from IT support to art classes at the Thomas Pocklington Trust centre.

Thomas Pocklington Trust has given me a great education via my induction. I’m looking forward to now giving back as a Talking News Reader. Every week, readers upload recordings of local news that has been selected by the Talking News Reader co-ordinator, Micky Gwilliam. The Thomas Pocklington Trust users can download the weekly news and listen at their pleasure. We go again each week. The approach is to be informative, relaxed and friendly. Excited to get started. Happy to be involved in providing this brilliant service. Let’s read!

Ayesha Casely-Hayford | Voice Artist blog

Thomas Pocklington Trust