Information about the resource centre
An information CD and large print copy of the activities and services of the Pockington Resource Centre Balham is now available.
Please contact us if you would like to receive a copy.
The Centre hosts a range of activities such as art , sewing and talking microwave cookery classes . We also organise one-off events throughout the year, such as talks, trips, taster activities, and open days. We are continually developing our range of activities and we would welcome any new suggestions you might have.
For further information on forthcoming events at Balham Resource Centre, and other Pocklington centres, please see our events calendar.
For more information please contact the resource centre on 020 8675 4246.
Health and fitness
Every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon from 3.00 to 4.00 pm we run chair-based Tai Chi sessions at the Balham Resource Centre. Why not come along and have a go? You will improve your mobility, balance and breathing, it will help tone your muscles in a gentle way, and help you relax and stay fit. The course is free.
Every Monday from 11.30 am to 1.00 pm we have a Talking Microwave cookery class. You will learn how to prepare and cook healthy, delicious food using the talking microwave oven. Please phone to book a place. The course is free.
New swimming lessons at Linden Lodge school will be organised in Spring and Summer 2010, so if you are interested, please phone the resource centre for more information.
Come and check your emails, search for jobs, do your course work, shop online, or listen to music at the Centre. Our six computers use text-to-speech software JAWS and Super Nova. A scanner with Kurzweil software and a Braille printer are also available.We also have Dreamweaver for those who want to build their own website.
IT courses and support by our friendly volunteers are also provided at the Centre.
We run a weekly social group for older people on Thursday from 2pm till 4pm (transport available).
A range of low vision aids is available to try out at the Centre. You can use our CCTV magnifiers to browse through catalogues. There is a low vision clinic once a month, where you can meet an optometrist and a rehabilitation officer to help you find out what equipment would be right for you.
A Macular Disease self-help group meets regularly at the Centre to share information (such as latest medical developments) and advice.
Useful information for people with sight loss is available in large print, Braille and audio cassette.
A home visiting and reading service is offered for house-bound people with sight loss living in Wandsworth. Regular visits from trained volunteers can help to relieve isolation. We also provide practical help to promote independence, such as reading, escorting or just the pleasure of a chat.
Every two weeks we send out a tape or CD made up from articles containing news on local issues including information from Wandsworth Council, information on services, activities and events related to sight loss and articles of general interest.
The service is free, so contact us if you would like to receive Wandsworth Talking News, and let us know if you wish to receive it on audio cassette or CD.
Volunteer opportunities
We are recruiting people to act as home visitors and readers, Talking News readers and editors, computer support, escorts for outings and sporting activities. We also have opportunities for blind and partially sighted volunteers.
Agreed travel costs and expenses are reimbursed. All volunteers are given vision awareness training and receive ongoing support from Centre staff.
For further information on our volunteer opportunities, and to apply online, please visit the Volunteer at Pocklington pages.
If you are interested in a paid position with Thomas Pocklington Trust, please visit the Work at Pocklington pages.
Pocklington Resource Centre is situated between Balham and Clapham South Underground stations. The area is well served by local public transport.
To find out more about Balham Resource Centre, or to arrange a visit, please contact us at the address below:
Balham Resource Centre
Thomas Pocklington Trust
1c Yukon Road
Balham
SW12 9PZ
Tel: 020 8675 4246
Fax: 020 8675 6677
Email: brc@pocklington-trust.org.uk
To find out the latest news from Balham Resource Centre, or any of our centres, please visit our news section.
