Support for working age adults
Sight loss can affect people at any stage of life, and your priorities and support needs may change over time. If you’re of working age, you may be thinking about employment, relationships, independence, meeting other people or simply finding ways to make everyday life easier.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been blind or partially sighted for many years, we’re here to help you find the support that’s right for you.
Information, advice and guidance
Our Community Sight Loss Advisors offer one-to-one support based around what’s important to you.
That might mean finding practical ways to make everyday tasks easier, exploring equipment or technology, understanding benefits and entitlements, or finding activities and services in your local area. We can also help you access more specialist support where needed.
Our Digital Skills Support can help you make the most of everyday technology, from accessibility features on smartphones, tablets and computers to screen readers, magnification and voice control. Whether you’re a beginner or already using accessible technology, we can work with you at your pace.
If you’re not sure where to start, get in touch with us and arrange to speak with your local Community Sight Loss Advisor. They can talk through your priorities and help you explore the options available.
Find out more about our information and advice service
Local and Online Meet-ups
Our meet-ups are evening get-togethers for working-age blind and partially sighted adults who would like to connect with others, share experiences and explore topics that matter to them. The evening timing makes them easier to attend around work and other daytime commitments.
Local gatherings are relaxed and social, giving you a chance to meet other people in your area. Online sessions are monthly themed conversations exploring everything from AI and travel to work, fitness and everyday life with sight loss, with guest contributors joining some sessions.
You can take part as much or as little as you like – join the conversation, ask questions or simply listen.
You’re also very welcome to attend any of our existing daytime social groups, which are open to blind and partially sighted people of all ages.
Find Local and Online Meet-ups
Employment support
Whether you’re worried about staying in your current job, looking for work or thinking about a change of career, support is available.
If changes to your sight are making work difficult, talk to us before making any decisions about leaving your job. There may be support available to help you stay in work, and your Community Sight Loss Advisor can help you explore your options and access specialist advice.
If you’re looking for work or considering a career change, we work in partnership with Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) and its free Works For Me programme, which provides specialist employment support for blind and partially sighted people.
Speak to your Community Sight Loss Advisor to find out more. They can discuss your circumstances with you and help you access the right support.
Find out more about employment support
Other ways we can support you
Our wider services and resources are also available to working-age adults. Our Eye Can exhibitions bring services, organisations and equipment together in one place, while our newsletters, magazines and Knowledge Hub can help you keep up with events, opportunities and useful information. We also offer an audio library, and if you’re a parent or carer of a child with sight loss, our Parents Virtual Hub offers a chance to connect with other families and share experiences.
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 work, looking for a new direction, balancing sight loss with childcare or caring responsibilities, or taking time to focus on your wellbeing.
Whatever your circumstances, our support starts with you and what you want to achieve.