Wilberforce Trust

20/10/2026

We are experiencing some problems with our website today so please bear with us and keep checking back.

If you would like any further information on anything pleas efeel free to call our friendly reception team on 01904 760037, who will direct you to the right department.

20/10/2026

Our next Tinnitus Support Group meeting is tomorrow afternoon, here at Wilberforce House.

The session is free to attend and is open to anyone living with tinnitus, and you dont need to have a formal diagnosis. Its friendly and welcoming and a great opportunity to share experiences.

Tomorrow, Wednesday 21st October, 2-4pm.
Wilberforce House, The Grove, York, YO24 1AN
For more information, email [email protected]

19/10/2026

Why not get out of the rain this week and visit Weston's Cafe for a homemade chocolate brownie, and something warm to drink...?

Open Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm (2pm on a Friday)

Weston's Cafe
Wilberforce House, The Grove
York
YO24 1AN
01904 760037

17/10/2026

There are a few places you can catch our outreach stand before October ends. Our Outreach Coordinator, Anne, is on hand at these sessions to provide information and advice and to signpost to other organisations that may be able to help.

19th October- Traveller's Trust, 20 Falsgrave Crescent, York @ 10.30-12.30
22nd October- York Hospital with Healthwatch York @ 10.30-2.30
27th October- Creative Cafe at St Thomas' Church, The Groves @ 10.00-12.00
30th October- St Clement's Church Community Connection, Scarcroft Road @ 10.00-12.30

16/10/2026

The RNIB are carrying out research around the experiences of blind and partially sighted people when accessing healthcare information.

This survey ends next week so please fill it in if it applie, and help them gather as much vital information as possible-

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

15/10/2026

Today is White Cane Safety Day in the US, but we thought its the perfect time to give you a bit of information on long canes (as we call them here in the UK) as there's more to learning how to use a one than you might think:

-Long cane training is an involved process and can include learning techniques on how to hold the cane in different situations, how to locate objects, landmarks, clues, how to detect surface changes, how to navigate routes and much more.

-To help maximise safety and independence long canes should only be used by people who have received training from a specialist qualified professional, such as a Vision Rehabilitation Specialist.

-It is not advisable to self purchase a long cane, there are many replicas on the market and they may not meet all needs, such as correct length, style, cane tip and durability.

For further information on long cane training contact the Yorsensory Team
01904 202292
[email protected]
Text- 07580 750 346
Relay- (18001) 01904 202292

13/10/2026

Once a month you'll find the kitchen at Wilberforce House a hive of activity, with a group of young people all learning essential cooking, and life skills, at Cookery School.

Hosted by Club Wilber, in partnership with , the cookery school gives children and young people with a visual impairment the opportunity to develop cooking skills, learn about nutrition and build independence in the kitchen. These practical experiences are invaluable, helping young people develop skills they will use throughout their lives.

Its also a brilliant session to volunteer at, and we're very fortunate to have some long-standing and dedicated volunteers who adore working with the children and seeing them thrive in the kitchen.

12/10/2026

We cant believe its been almost a year since we last introduced some of our YorSensory team and the people that lots of our clients chat to on the phone, and meet face to face...

Our Vision Rehabilitation Specialists (previously Rehabilitation Officers Visual Impairment; ROVI.), also known as VRS's, are trained and qualified to work with people with any degree of visual impairment and they can carry out assessments to discuss and identify difficulties in order to keep you independent at home or in the community.

Martin Heppell is our Senior Vision Rehabilitation Specialist and Cathy Woodward is our Vision Rehabilitation Specialist. They work with adults in the city supporting them with orientation and mobility, amongst other things. They also work with children and young people alongside the City of York Council Specialist Teaching Team.

Martin and Cathy (left of the photo) are pictured here with Sensory Awareness Training Officer, Julie Day, who is also a qualified Vision Rehabilitation Specialist.

10/10/2026

On we wanted to shine a spotlight on the Mental Health at Work Commitment, of which we signed up. We believe that good mental health matters; not just on the days when the big stuff happens, but on the ordinary days in the workplace too.

The Mental Health at Work Commitment framework is there to help employers create environments where mental wellbeing is supported, understood, and prioritised. By signing the Commitment, we’re pledging to:

-Prioritise mental health in the workplace
-Promote an open culture around mental health
-Ensure organisational culture drives positive mental health outcomes
-Increase confidence and capabilities
-Provide mental health tools and support
-Increase transparency and accountability

These tie into some of our Values too; Compassion, Empathy, Healthy, Joyful...

Good mental health is everyone’s business. Whether you're a team member or a manager-we all play a role in building a positive workplace where people can thrive.

08/10/2026

Today is World Sight Day, where organisations across the globe come together to be a “collective and powerful voice that becomes difficult to ignore” when it comes to everything regarding sight. This year, the day also comes before the first Global Summit For Eye Health.

The themes around the day vary, all with the common hashtage of . Today we wanted to highlight children's eye health and how we, as parents, carers and professionals, can help care for them.

Children, and teenagers in education, can get free eye tests and its important to make them a part of children’s regular healthcare routine from age three to four years old, before they start school. Keeping an eye on things helps to identify vision and eye health problems early. This handy infograph gives 10 things we can all keep an eye on whether at home or in a nursery, group or school setting.

Eyecare practitioners are also being encouraged to refresh their knowledge, skills and confidence in paediatric eyecare, ready to support you with advice about your child's eyes.