Ama: Feeling unsure to being reassured

Ama’s a service user that Josh, our Enablement Officer for Salford and Trafford, supported with a range of queries.

Ama’s registered Sight Impaired and works for the NHS. She wanted to know what registration entailed, and what she could access as a result. Josh arranged a face-to-face appointment with her to go through what she may be eligible for.

Ama was initially sceptical about accessing services. She is currently on a worker’s visa, and has no recourse to public funds. As a result, she was unsure about asking for support, just in case it would impact on her visa and being able to continue living and working in the UK. Josh reassured her that she could apply for some support that wasn’t means tested. Some support you only need your CVI to apply for, and it doesn’t impact on visa applications.

During a face-to-face appointment at Pendleton Gateway in Salford, Josh talked through different support options.

Transport

Ama regularly uses public transport, to get to and from work and to socialise. However, she was finding it difficult to manage the cost, due to her low income and having no recourse to public funds.

Josh informed her about the Disabled Person’s Travel Pass which you can use just your CVI to apply for. After Josh reassured her that having this pass would not affect her right to work or her visa application, she was really interested in applying. Josh supported her to fill out the application during the appointment.

She has now received her pass, so she can now more independently get out and about while saving money.

Access To Work

Ama works for the NHS full-time. Her employer is aware of her sight impairment registration, and has made adjustments for her.

During the appointment, Josh told her about Access To Work. Henshaws doesn’t support people directly with Access To Work, but can refer people onto organisations that can. Josh referred Ama to both the RNIB and Thomas Pocklington Trust, to provide her with information.

Socialising

When she isn’t working, Ama enjoys seeing her friends. She now wants to be able to do more with them now she has improved travel options.

Josh informed her about the CEA Card for obtaining a free ticket when visiting the cinema with another person, as well as the Nimbus Disability Access Card which offers benefits including free and discounted tickets for days out. Josh supported her to apply for the CEA Card, and she now has this.

Thanking Henshaws

Ama’s very grateful for the help and support Josh has given her. She said that if it weren’t for Henshaws getting in touch and explaining what she was eligible to apply for, she wouldn’t have gone for any of the concessions she applied for during her appointment.