Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, visited MySight York, where they are offering a new service supporting people with sight loss who want to take the next steps towards employment and met with Dom Tooze, the Employment Advisor.
MySight York already offer a range of activities including Talking Space counselling service and befriending for people living in York Central but the new Employment Advice services, funded by the Thomas Pocklington Trust, is open to anyone with sight loss in Yorkshire and the Humber. It offers a variety of services which are tailored towards the needs of the person in question, including CV advice, interview practice, support sessions, and action plans.
Its services are free for local people who are blind or partially sighted, and are delivered by Zoom, telephone or in person.
Rachael Maskell MP says:
“Everybody faces huge challenges looking for work but for people with sight loss there are additional barriers that need to be overcome. It was great to meet Dom and the Team at MySight York and hear about the work they are doing, helping people with sight loss, navigate the system, from support with job finding, formulating CVs and practising interviews. The support is tailored to their individual needs. Above all, the project gives people the confidence to be able to apply for jobs.
“People with a visual impairment are less likely to be in work, with just 27% employed, a third of the general population. This means that they are more likely to experience economic and social deprivation and the economy is missing out on their skills and talents.
“Navigating processes can be a barrier to getting meaningful employment, particularly for those with sight problems and Mysight York not only recognises this but helps break down those barriers allowing people to reach their full potential.”
Dom Tooze, MySight York Employment Adviser says:
“At MySight York we’re passionate about empowering and equipping people to live well with sight loss. For many, living well includes employment. We’re excited to be delivering this service, in partnership with Thomas Pocklington Trust, so that more people with sight loss in the region can move towards this.”