Vision Outreach Officer

Philippa is our Vision Outreach Officer and she provides high quality services, training and support to visually impaired people.

Philippa works with individuals to help them become more independent and confident in managing everyday tasks that they may otherwise need to ask someone else to do for them. Support is tailored to each individual and is normally provided for a set period of up to 12 weeks.

Together, Philippa and the individual will identify what is important to them and develop a support plan around their needs and goals. This can include practical support with daily living skills, information about equipment and technology, and guidance on services, training and opportunities available locally and nationally.

Benefits Advice

Philippa also provides specialist advice and support around welfare benefits, concessions and allowances for people living with sight loss.

This includes support with:

  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP), including helping people understand and complete the application process.
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP transfers, where applicable.
  • Attendance Allowance (AA) for people who are over State Pension age.
  • Universal Credit, including support for people who are making a claim or experiencing changes to their circumstances.
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and other benefits for people who are unable to work or have limited capability for work.
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and other benefits for people who are looking for work.
  • Benefits and financial support for people who have recently been registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired.

Philippa can provide help with benefit forms and applications, explain correspondence and requirements, and offer guidance throughout the assessment process. Where appropriate, she can also attend appointments and assessments with you and provide support with appeals.

If you receive a letter about a change to your benefits or are unsure whether you may be entitled to financial support, please don’t ignore it. Philippa can help you understand what it means and what steps you may need to take.

Supporting Independence and Wellbeing

The Vision Inclusion service is about more than benefits. Philippa can also help you:

  • Learn new skills and become more confident with everyday tasks.
  • Find equipment and techniques that can make daily life easier.
  • Access social, educational and training opportunities.
  • Meet new people and reduce isolation.
  • Improve your confidence, independence and wellbeing.
  • Find and access appropriate services and support in your local community.
  • Get information about organisations and services available locally and nationally.

Eccentric Viewing

For people living with macular conditions, Philippa can also provide support with eccentric viewing.

Macular conditions can cause a loss of central vision. Eccentric viewing is a technique that can help some people make better use of their peripheral vision by encouraging them to use the healthier areas of their remaining vision.

The technique does not work for everyone and learning it requires commitment and practice. Philippa can provide guidance and support to help individuals explore whether eccentric viewing may be beneficial for them.

Personalised Support

Everyone’s experience of sight loss is different. Philippa will take the time to listen to what matters to you and tailor her support to your individual circumstances.

Where another organisation or specialist service is better placed to help, Philippa can provide appropriate signposting or referrals.

If you would like advice or support, please contact Philippa on 0191 232 7292 or speak to a member of the Newcastle Vision Support team.