Support to help you move forward with sight loss  

Barrow Pathways is a project supporting working-age adults (18–67) with sight loss in Barrow. We're here to help you take your next step whatever that looks like for you. 

You might be: 

  • Adjusting to changes in your sight 
  • Not in work and unsure what comes next 
  • In work but finding things harder 
  • Thinking about volunteering, training, or just something new 

We focus on: 

  • Building confidence 
  • Removing barriers 
  • Taking small, realistic steps at your pace 
the photograph shows a visually impaired young man miling at the camera the young man is wearing a vision support branded fleece and lanyard

 "When I first joined Barrow Pathways, I wasn't thinking about work. I just needed support to feel more confident day to day" 

How We Can Help

A Vision Support Barrow & District service-user and a staff member stand chatting in Barrow Park on a sunny day. The service-user smiles while holding a guide dog harness, and the staff member listens attentively. Behind them, lush green lawns, manicured hedges, and Barrow Park bandstand surrounded by autumn trees set a calm and welcoming park scene.

Peer Support Advisor (someone who understands)  

Our Peer Support Advisor has lived experience of sight loss and re-entering employment. 

They can help you: 

  • Talk things through in a safe, supportive space 
  • Build confidence and motivation 
  • Set small, realistic goals 
  • Explore your strengths and interests 
  • Take steps at your own pace 
  • Feel more connected and less isolated 
  • Make friends and join in with fun activities 

Digital and Tech Support

Our Tech Support Officer will help you build confidence to master technology useful in everyday life, volunteering, learning, or work: 

Digital and device skills 

  • Using email, searching for information online 
  • Opening and reading documents, sharing files 
  • Completing online forms 
  • Adjusting settings for accessibility, using screen readers, exploring apps and tools 
  • Solving simple problems when things go wrong 
  • Using mobile phones, tablets, smart glasses 

Staying safe online 

  • Recognising scam or phishing emails 
  • Using secure passwords 

Benefits and Work Advice  

Our benefits advisor will help you understand your options clearly so you can make informed choices, reduce uncertainty and help you feel more in control of your future: 

  • Understanding Universal Credit and disability benefits  
  • Help you to check you're accessing everything you're entitled to 
  • Learn how work, volunteering, or training may affect benefits 
  • Planning safe, gradual transitions into activity 
  • Advice on reasonable adjustments at work 
    • Support with Access to Work 

Your Journey begins here  

Everyone's journey is different that's why you can pick and mix from all the support available, and decide how you'll receive that support, from 121s, workshops, remote sessions or fun activities.  

With support, you might: 

  • Build confidence in daily life so you can move forward 
  • Learn new digital and practical skills 
  • Create or update a CV 
  • Access additional financial support 
  • Try volunteering 
  • Join training or learning opportunities 
  • Start thinking about work when you feel ready 
  • Move into job searching at your own pace 
  • Start your first day at work with confidence 

Volunteering

"I started volunteering and now I feel more confident about my future" 

We can also offer volunteering opportunities to help you build confidence and experience in a supportive setting.

Get Support

Access this amazing free tailored support, training and professional advice today by contacting us on: