Hello from Your New Communications Assistant Intern

Hi everyone — I’m Cait, and I’m thrilled to be joining the team at LOOK UK as the Communications Assistant Intern through the TPT ‘Get Set Progress’ internship programme!

When I first learned about LOOK’s mission — to support visually impaired young people to thrive — something clicked. I’ve always believed that everyone deserves not just support, but to be heard, seen (in every sense), and empowered. So stepping into this role feels like more than a job: it feels like an opportunity to contribute to something meaningful, alongside an amazing community.

LOOK has been a huge source of support for me for many years. I first became involved as a mentee, where I was matched with an amazing mentor who helped shape the way I advocate for myself and taught me that it’s okay to stand up for accessibility and inclusivity — it’s not an inconvenience to ask for the same access that sighted peers often take for granted. I’ve since gone on to volunteer as a mentor myself, supporting other young people living with sight loss and celebrating VI wins that may seem small from the outside, but are incredibly significant within the sight loss community.

Being a mentor has not only allowed me to give back to the VI community but has also opened up amazing networking opportunities, such as LOOKfest 2025. This was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had — a space where people with visual impairments could connect, where everything was accessible, and where having sight loss was simply the norm. Being surrounded by inspiring children and young people, learning about fellow mentors and their journeys, and looking up to staff members who show that living with sight loss doesn’t have to stop you from doing a job you love.

Following my graduation, I wasn’t sure where to turn when looking for a job; however, when I saw that LOOK and Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) were teaming up to provide a communications assistant internship, I knew it was the perfect fit for me, having the opportunity to be creative whilst also striving to make positive change and representation in the community. LOOK is a charity that I am immensely passionate about, so the opportunity to work for them and to help support their mission is such a privilege!

Why this matters to me

Growing up with progressive sight loss, I developed a deep appreciation for communication and media representation: the way stories shape how we see ourselves and how others see us. As an active LOOK mentor, I’ve seen first-hand the impact representation and hearing lived experience can have on young people, how words can create connection — and how silence or misunderstanding can leave people feeling isolated.

At LOOK, I’ll be working to amplify voices that often go unnoticed, to help tell stories of resilience and growth. Because for young people with sight loss, it’s not just about coping: it’s about thriving, creating identity, building community. As part of my role, I want to share the positive stories of people living with sight loss in a sighted world that often feels silencing for us.

What I hope to bring

In this role, I’m here to support our communications team — whether it’s sharing our mentoring stories, highlighting events, supporting campaigns, or simply capturing the small snapshots of everyday life living with sight loss that speak volumes.

What I’m looking forward to

I’m excited to get to meet many of you — mentees, mentors, families, volunteers, and staff. I’m especially looking forward to hearing your stories: what you love, what you find challenging, what makes you proud. I hope together we’ll build a communications space that connects and empowers our community.

A message to the community

If you’re a young person with a visual impairment reading this, you’re not defined by your sight loss. You are defined by your thoughts, your passions, your voice. At LOOK, we believe in you, your story, and your potential.

Here’s to a new chapter at LOOK — I’m honoured to be part of it. Let’s connect, collaborate, and make visible the strength, creativity and resilience in our community.

I can’t wait to hear from you and tell your story to our community!

Cait