Supporting Chloe: The power of one face-to-face meeting

At Henshaws, we’re committed to empowering people with sight loss to lead fulfilling lives and pursue their goals with confidence. In June 2024, Josh, our Enablement Officer for Salford and Trafford, supported Chloe, who is in her 20s. Josh supported Chloe on a range of topics at one face-to-face appointment.

Introducing Chloe

Chloe lost her sight after waking up from a coma back in 2021, so set out to rebuild her life again. She initially had contact with Nina, who was the Enablement Officer for Salford and Trafford at that time. She completed one of Nina’s Living Well With Sight Loss courses. Nina also referred her to our counselling service.

During her counselling sessions, Chloe asked for information regarding volunteering, peer support and local social groups. Our counsellor Joanna referred her to Josh, who is now the Enablement Officer for Salford and Trafford, who could provide this support. Josh provided the support through a face-to-face appointment at Pendleton Gateway in Salford, a venue we regularly use when providing support to our Salford-based service users.

During the appointment, Josh gave her information about volunteering and local groups. She then took the opportunity to ask for even more information, including about employment, and going to the cinema. Josh was able to answer her questions in one face-to-face meeting.

Employment

Chloe wanted advice about employment. Josh spoke to her about Access To Work, which provides funding to support disabled people in the workplace. He also explained to her the Thomas Pocklington Trust’s Works For Me service, which he referred her to there and then.

Chloe is interested in a career in early years, so Josh gave her information about college courses and apprenticeships. Chloe was very grateful for all of this.

Leisure

Chloe wanted information about accessing leisure activities, including days out and trips to the cinema. Chloe felt jealous of her friends going to the cinema and on days out. She felt unable to join them as she felt she’d be a ‘liability’ to them.

There are various documents you can apply for in order to make it easier to access such activities. They can even help you save money in the process.

Josh introduced Chloe to the Nimbus Disability Access Card. This communicates your access needs to a large range of venues. It can also act as proof of eligibility for booking accessible tickets. Josh also introduced Chloe to the CEA Card. This enables you to book a free ticket for a companion when visiting the cinema.

Josh is registered sight impaired himself, and has his own Access Card and CEA Card. He showed Chloe first-hand what these cards are.

Knowing that she can sit in an accessible section with dedicated staff ensuring she has a good and comfortable time, she was keen to press ahead to apply for the Access Card. Josh completed the application with her and submitted it during the appointment. He also did the same for the CEA Card.

She was so pleased, saying she is looking forward to having some days out over the summer and saving a bit of money too. Bonus, right?

Want to find out more about the CEA Card and Access Card, and many more fantastic concessions and benefits you may be eligible for if you have a visual impairment? Check out our comprehensive resource packed with information about many benefits and concessions that can make your life easier and save you money.

Writing and signing

Chloe is currently liaising with the council to live in her own place, so needs to sign and print her name on documents. Josh showed her the writing and signature guides from RNIB, and arranged for a catalogue to be sent to her so she can find out about what other products RNIB offer.

Free official photo ID

As a result of her sight loss, the DVLA asked Chloe to return her provisional driving licence. As a result, she wanted a form of official photo ID that she could keep in her purse, as she didn’t want to be carrying her passport round with her all the time.

Chloe’s appointment with Josh was not long before the upcoming 2024 General Election, so the staff at Pendleton Gateway were helping people to get free ID, as you need a form of photo ID to be able to vote. Chloe took up this opportunity to speak to the staff there. They helped her sort out free photo ID in the form of a National Citizen Card.

A meeting that made a difference

In one morning and one meeting, Chloe applied for an Access Card, CEA Card and official Government ID. She’s also found out more about accessing employment, and about products from RNIB that can help with everyday tasks including writing and signing.

This is a great example of how a face-to-face meeting comes into its own. Josh was able to work alongside Chloe to provide the personalised support that she requested. Chloe was able to take concrete steps to greater independence and access to opportunities.