All our services are open and welcoming to people of any age. If you are of working age, you may have particular goals, concerns or interests – whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with sight loss for many years.

This page outlines some of the ways we can support you. Your best first step is to get in touch and speak with your local Community Sight Loss Advisor, who can help you navigate the options and tailor support to your needs.

We offer:

• Information, advice and guidance
• Support to access local services
• Technology and digital skills support
• Guidance on finances and benefits
• Employment and volunteering opportunities
• Peer support and social connection

Information, Advice and Guidance

Our one-to-one advice service is available to all adults living with sight loss. Whether you’re adjusting to recent changes or looking to revisit areas of your life that could be made easier, we’re here to help.

Together, we’ll look at your priorities – whether that’s managing more confidently at home, exploring ways to stay active and connected, or maintaining or returning to work. We can help you explore practical tools and tips to cook safely, adapt lighting or magnification for hobbies, and connect with sports, theatre or social activities in your area.

Digital Skills Support

Technology can open up independence and the options are always evolving. Whether you’re just starting to explore accessible tech, or already use a screen reader or magnifier, we can support you to get the most out of your devices.

Our advisors can guide you through built-in accessibility features on smartphones, tablets and computers, introduce you to voice control tools, or help you try out specialist equipment. We can support beginners and improvers alike, and we’ll work with you at your pace.

Finances and Benefits

Sight loss can affect your finances in many ways. You may need to explore financial help with transport, equipment or housing – or you might want to understand what support is available when working or looking for work.

We don’t provide grants ourselves, but we can explain what benefits or entitlements may apply and help you make sense of the application process. If needed, we can also refer you to specialist services or local sources of financial support.

Employment and Volunteering

Whether you’re in work, returning to work, or considering a change, we can support you. We can talk through your options, help you access support like Access to Work, and explore workplace adaptations – from screen readers to requesting reasonable adjustments from your employer.

Employment and volunteering can offer purpose, structure and community. We offer volunteering roles across the region and encourage blind and partially sighted people to apply for any position of interest. Whether you want to build new skills, share your experiences, or meet others, we’ll support you every step of the way.

We also welcome applications to our paid roles – nearly a third of our staff have lived experience of sight loss, including many in service roles.

Peer Support and Social Connection

You’re welcome at any of our social groups, a relaxed and friendly way to meet others and stay connected. Most of our in-person groups take place during weekdays, so they may be more suitable for those not in employment.

If evenings work better for you, we also run virtual hubs tailored for working-age adults, where you can chat, share experiences and ask questions. Our groups are friendly and informal. They are hosted by volunteers living with sight loss and are open to anyone affected by sight loss.

Find out when the next social group is taking place on our Events listing webpage

Eye Can exhibitions

Our Eye Can exhibitions take place twice a year across the regions we cover and are open to everyone. They’re a great way to explore the latest technology, services and support for people living with sight loss. You can meet organisations, try out equipment, and speak with our Sight Loss Advisors – all in one place. Find out more on our Eye Can webpage

What do we mean by “working age”?

We use this term flexibly, as people make their own decisions about when they are ready to start work after education, and when they are ready to retire. It’s less about a number and more about where you are in life. You might be in full-time work, looking for a new direction, balancing sight loss with childcare or caring responsibilities, or taking time to focus on your wellbeing.

Our services are based around individual support, helping you reach your goals and we’re here to support you in living your life in a way that suits you.