As part of Welsh Charities Week, we’re shining a spotlight on Helen, our dedicated Financial Wellbeing and Welfare Rights Officer at Vision Support.
Helen shares what her role entails, from assisting individuals with benefit claims to promoting financial wellbeing and independence. Her work ensures that those facing challenges can access the support they’re entitled to, easing financial stress and fostering empowerment.
Read on to learn about Helen’s work, the vital services she provides, and why she’s passionate about making a positive difference in the Third Sector.
Can you tell us a bit about you?
I’m Helen and I am the Welfare Rights Officer here at VS, I joined the team on an Internship from Thomas Pocklington in January of 2023 and joined the team full time in May 2023 as the welfare right officer. I have a vison impairment myself and have personal experience of the difficulties people face.
What are welfare rights?
Welfare rights are the entitlements or guarantees that individuals have to receive assistance from the government, especially in times of need. These rights are designed to help ensure that everyone has access to basic necessities, such as food, shelter, healthcare, and income support, even when they face challenges like unemployment, illness, or poverty. Welfare rights are part of the social safety net aimed at reducing inequality and helping people maintain a decent standard of living.
What support can you provide as a Financial Wellbeing and Benefits Officer?
As a Financial Wellbeing and Benefits Officer, I provide a wide range of support to individuals, helping them manage their finances and access the benefits they are entitled to. My primary focus is on promoting financial security and wellbeing, ensuring that people receive the government support they need and guiding them in making informed financial decisions.
When I receive a referral, my first step is to contact the service user directly to discuss their needs and review the referral. If they require assistance with a benefit claim, I arrange a home or office visit, where I will help complete the necessary forms on their behalf. This approach helps alleviate the pressure and stress that often comes with filling out benefit claim forms, which can be overwhelming for many individuals. By offering this support, I aim to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for those in need.
If the service user doesn’t require benefits assistance but needs help with concessions, I can also assist with this. Concessions consist of Bus Pass, TV licence and a little energy advocacy.
What does your typical week look like?
A typical week for me includes home visits, office appointments, and group sessions where I discuss my role and the services I provide. I also spend time updating staff on any changes to welfare rights, as well as assisting individuals with accessing concessions.
What is the favourite aspect about your role?
Being able to help service users gain the financial support they need to live independently.
What do you love about working in the Third Sector?
What I love most about working in the Third Sector is the opportunity to make a tangible, positive difference in people’s lives. It’s a sector driven by a sense of purpose and a deep commitment to social change, and being part of that is incredibly fulfilling. I enjoy the sense of community and collaboration, as everyone is united by a common goal: to help those who need it most.
There’s also a real sense of meaning in the work, knowing that what I do every day can directly improve someone’s well-being or provide them with the support they need to turn their life around. It’s a sector where you get to work alongside passionate, dedicated people who genuinely care about people with a vision impairment.
The personal connections I make with service users are one of the most rewarding aspects – being able to guide someone through a difficult time, empower them, and see them thrive is truly inspiring.
How do we get in touch if we would like to access your service?
Contact the main head office on 01244 381515 or email information@visionsupport.org.uk
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