Phillip's story

Phillip, from Norfolk, was born with Nystagmus, leaving him with tunnel vision. He also has a hearing impairment and thought he was unemployable until he was supported by Action.

"Living with sight loss means that I have to have everything organised. When I’m doing things like crossing the road I have to be extra careful. It’s difficult but I try not to let it get to me."

Philip had not worked for three years and became increasingly frustrated. He had been to a number of Training Providers but had been unsuccessful in finding work.

Last year, whilst searching for employment, Philip contacted Action for Blind People. It was here he met Fran, the East Anglia Action Team’s Employment Coordinator.

"When I met Phillip he admitted that he lacked confidence and this was a big concern for him. He was really keen to work and was even taking a course to improve his IT skills and confidence."

The Workstep scheme is a Jobcentre Plus programme designed to help people with disabilities find sustainable work, Fran helped Phillip to get onto the scheme and as a result he gained a volunteering position at his local supermarket. After a couple of months Phillip was offered a permanent position.

Fran now visits Phillip and his employer every six weeks “Phillip was so nervous at first but he has really settled in his new job. I get such great feedback from his manager all the time”.

Phillip too recognises a change in his outlook "When I first contacted Action I thought I was unemployable but now I’m in paid employment. It’s given me so much confidence. I wanted to prove that I could do a job and I’ve done that.

"I give Action top marks. It’s difficult enough to get a job when you’re visually impaired. All that extra support and help makes a big, big difference."