Blind people are to lose their homes after a charity confirmed the closure of a facility in Roehampton.

Wandsworth Times:

Pocklington Court, home to 48 blind and partially sighted tenants on Wandsworth’s border with Richmond, will be closing after a "review and assessment" by the charity that runs it, the Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT).

The charity has decided the services it offers do not fit the needs of the tenants and so they will be rehoused.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4, resident Lynsey Weaver said: "I felt the deal here was that I needed some support, it was quite a low level of support, but as I had no where else to live and my sight was degenerating, I would increase my support as I lived here.

"It was a basis to keep up my life in London. I have never been told anything about security of tenure, there have been rumours but nothing was confirmed until February."

Ms Weaver praised her support worker in the home, saying she was there for any question she had or to help with forms.

She said: "This finally feels like a home of mine and I feel like I’m settling in somewhere and I have been asked to leave."

The residents claim they were asked to fill in forms before Christmas about their level of need and were told it was part of a "10-year plan" for the charity’s work.

The charity said the 10-year plan reflected the whole charity and not just Pocklington Court.

A spokesman for the charity said: "Following an extensive review of services at Pocklington Court we have decided to no longer offer supported housing.

"This decision comes after a comprehensive assessment of the needs of tenants, which found the majority either did not require the specialist assisted living services provided at Pocklington Court, or whose needs go beyond what is currently delivered.

"This decision is based on our duty to meet the long-term needs of the individuals we support. As a charity, we have a responsibility to maximise the impact of our limited resources, for the benefit of the whole of the visually impaired community.

"Our priority is always the wellbeing of the people we support. We are committed to working closely with tenants and all the relevant authorities, to make sure each service user finds suitable accommodation that meets their individual needs.

"No long-term decisions will be made about the building until all tenants have been rehoused."

In a case study on the TPT charity’s website, a resident called Nick said: "I was over the moon when I found out about Pocklington Court. I wanted to live independently but with the option to have support if I needed it, and being able to live with my dog was also important, and this was no problem. Coming to live at Pocklington Court is the best decision I have ever made."

 


 

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There are 64 flats in total at Pocklington Court, all fitted with alarm systems so that tenants are able to receive support at any time of day or night. The charity provides on site maintenance.

Are you affected by the closure of Pocklington Court? Email the newsdesk at rebecca.taylor@london.newsquest.co.uk