2:21pm Tuesday 17th August 2010
AN employment service for blind people has been launched in the North-East after a charity was given a £400,000 cash injection.
Action for Blind People is expanding to offer people help getting work, starting a business or support when deteriorating eyesight means they can no longer do a job.
The grant from the Big Lottery fund also enables the organisation to employ a specialist advisor.
Jean Coates, a former midwife from Bishop Auckland, was one of the first to benefit.
She said: "I had to make the painful decision of accepting I needed to retire.
"This was a very difficult and traumatic time, leaving a job I loved and fearing for my financial future.
"Action for Blind People's employment co-ordinators made such a difference, giving advice and working with my employer so that retirement was a smooth transition.
"They also liaised with social services to ensure I received Disability Living allowance, removing a huge financial worry.
"Before I contacted the charity, I didn't know they provided such dedicated and specialist services for people with sight loss.
"They changed my life and I'm delighted to tell my success story as part of the launch of their expanded services throughout the North East."
A spokesman for the charity said: "When looking for employment, blind and partially sighted people face significant barriers and in fact 66 per cent of blind and partially sighted people of working age are unemployed.
"This project will aim to give people the skills and confidence they require to find and retain employment, or as in Jean's case, adjust to changing circumstances due to sight loss."
For more information contact the charity, based in Middlesbrough, on 01642-233439 or email: Middlesbrough@actionforblindpeople.org.uk or visit the website www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk
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