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.
Activities
The Centre hosts a range of activities such as art and sewing 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.
Arts and crafts
We run three art classes in partnership with South Thames College every Tuesday afternoon. Students work on their own projects according to their individual preferences, and can choose from working with the following materials:
- clay
- papier mache
- sculpting in stone or plaster
- drawing
- painting with water colour or acrylics.
We have a kiln where you can fire your completed pottery pieces and we can arrange for extra lighting and CCTVs to assist you as required.
We also arrange trips to museums and exhibitions where you can experience 'touch tours'.
There is a sewing and dressmaking course on Friday from 10.30am to 12.30pm which is run by volunteers. Here you are again encouraged to do work in the area which interests you most - our members complete items such as dresses, baby clothes, curtains, pillows and much more.
Sports and physical activities
Every 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. This form of exercise is suitable for all, and there are no fitness levels required - it is gentle, chair-based exercise to help you improve your sense of wellbeing. The coaching is provided by the Wandsworth Sports and Leisure Department.
We run regular tennis sessions for people with sight loss in partnership with the Metropolitan Sports and Leisure Tennis Association. The sessions take place every Friday evening from 6.00 - 8.00 pm with the help of professional tennis coaches using adapted equipment and rules. The sessions take place at the National Tennis Centre based at Southfields Community School in Roehampton. To participate you will need to become a member of the Metropolitan Sports and Leisure Tennis Association at a cost of £2.50.
We are now running salsa classes on Friday afternoon between 2.00 and 3.00 pm. These are open to all levels of age and ability so why not have a go at excercising in a new fun way!
Computer courses and IT suite
We run drop-in IT sessions on Monday afternoon from 2.00 to 4.00pm where you will have help from a volunteer. Come and check your emails, search for jobs, do your course work, shop online, or listen to music. Our six computers use text-to-speech software JAWS and Super Nova. A scanner with Kurzweil software and a Braille printer are also available.
You can come and join an IT class on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm which is run by an IT tutor. On Tuesday evening between 6.30 and 8.00 pm, we run an web design course where you can use Dreamweaver to build your own website.
Lifelong learning
Are you looking for a new career? An award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector covers the basics of teaching in continuing and adult education - including how to plan sessions, motivate learners and use a variety of assessment methods.
It's a first step towards official practitioner status - a full licence to teach in the lifelong learning sector.
Our Resource Centre in Balham, in conjunction with South Thames College, can offer you the opportunity to study for this qualification in a 13 week course. You will need basic literacy and IT skills in order to embark on this course of study.
Over 50s social group
We run a weekly social group for older people on Thursday from 2pm till 4pm. Free transport is available for residents of the Borough of Wandsworth.
Support and information
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 to help you find out what equipment would be right for you.
A Macular Disease self-help group meets every three months at the Centre to share information (such as latest medical developments) and advice. The meetings take place on Monday between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm. There is also information on macular disease available in CD format at the Centre .
One to one sessions are on offer where people can learn how to use their peripheral vision - called 'eccentric viewing'. Please contact the office to book an appointment if you are interested.
Useful information for people with sight loss is available in large print, Braille and audio cassette.
Home reading service
A home visiting and reading service is offered for 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, browsing the Internet, escorting or just the pleasure of a chat. If you would like to get out and about more, our home visitors can accompany you on theatre trips, walks, and shopping expeditions.
Wandsworth Talking News
The Talking News is issued every two weeks and is made up from articles containing news on local issues including information from the Wandsworth Guardian, Wandsworth Council's monthly Brightside magazine, information on services, activities and events related to sight loss and articles of general interest.
The recordings are put onto USB sticks (small devices which easily fit into your pocket or bag) which is then inserted into a 'boom box'. The boom box is similar in looks to a radio, but with only four buttons so it's easy to operate.
The service is free, so contact us if you would like to receive Wandsworth Talking News, and find out more about the technology we are using to deliver it.
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.
