SOMERSET Sight and Action for Blind People are launching an employment advice and support service for people with sight loss who want to get work or retain their existing job.

The first session is in Somerset Sight’s office in Staplegrove Road, Taunton, next Wednesday.

It will offer personalised support, from an expert employment coordinator, designed to boost confidence and increase the chances of gaining meaningful work.

Jenna Vivian, from Action for Blind People’s employment team, said: “We’re delighted to be extending this service into Somerset.

“We’ve seen in other areas of the country how this one-to-one personal approach makes such a difference in helping people to adjust to sight loss, putting them on the road to gaining or retaining meaningful jobs.”

Visually impaired Mike Church, from Taunton, who has already attended similar employment sessions, said: “I have found the support to be really helpful in exploring my business idea to set up a fruit and veg shop.

“I would recommend anyone with sight loss, who is considering taking steps to move into work, to access this support from Action for Blind People and Somerset Sight.”

The type of employment support covered on these pre-booked sessions includes specialist advice and practical approaches on disability disclosure; CV writing; cover letters; application and interview techniques; skills and career identification tools; advice on practical support available in work; job searching; self-employment; and advice around retaining current work.

Anyone with sight loss, who thinks they would benefit from free employment support and advice, should phone 01392-458060 or e-mail Exeter@actionforblindpeople.org.uk