European Social Fund in England

Commission visits Action for Blind People

Whilst in the South East region recently Wendy Violentano, Head of European Social Fund Division, from Sheffield and Adrian Neale, European Commission Desk Officer for the South East from Brussels took the opportunity to visit a local ESF project working with blind and partially sighted people.

Jane Rumens from Action for Blind People provides job search support to Winnie,
a participant who has since found employment.

A recent survey has showed that nine out of ten employers would not consider employing a blind person. The ‘Seeing the Potential’ project visited by Wendy and Adrian addresses this issue. Managed by the third sector organisation, Action for Blind People, the project trains and helps people to find jobs. Action for Blind People is part of the RNIB, which is the UK's leading charity offering information, advice and practical support to over two million people with sight loss.

During a motivational session at Reading University, Wendy and Adrian met current participants undertaking job search support and a number who had successfully completed the course. Participants spoke about their experiences and were very supportive of Emma Griffith, their employment officer who had been tenacious in securing job opportunities for the group.

A key feature of the project is the way training has been specifically tailored to help blind people, recognising their special needs and offering a more flexible entry than other training schemes. So far 140 people have gone through the project in the last 18 months and they have a 35% progression into employment, including three in Reading. One participant spoke of his experience in gaining work at Tesco in Henley and there was also a particularly moving account of how one blind person had obtained a job with the Oxfordshire County Council planning department.

Adrian found both the individuals and trainers to be very enthusiastic and engaged in the training process. He felt that the one to one working with employers was also a key element to help address the pre-conceived ideas of employers over engaging people who are visually impaired.

Wendy said “I was particularly struck by the level of commitment shown by the project staff. The stories related to us were incredibly inspiring and the difference the project has made to the lives of participants came through loud and clear. It is an excellent example of how ESF, delivered by specialist providers, is having a real impact.”