going out

Hi freefee,
By 'going out' I assume you mean PIP descriptor 1 under Mobility. Planning and following journeys.
It isn't particularly helpful when DWP use nicknames!
Descriptor 1 deals with making journeys whether on foot or within some form of transport. Descriptor 2 solely deals with actual walking ability; where this is limited to 0 - 200m you are likely to score points.
Journeys can be of any length, so it could be a few yards walk to the local post box, a long car journey, to visit relatives, or a journey into town to get to work.
I'm not aware of any specific caselaw about how long a journey can be, but the word journey suggests going from one separate place to another , often for a purpose. (If you go for a walk or a drive, presumably there is a purpose to get fit, or perhaps to explore )
My personal view is that putting the bins out is not a journey. You are simply putting the bins out at the end of the garden.
The ethos behind this descriptor is to recognise that some people might have difficulties leaving home to go to important places such as the shops or the bank, or to get to friends or family. Clearly if you can't get out without difficulty this is going to be very isolating. Descriptor 1 deals with the conceptual side of journeys. Basically it addresses issues with planning, arriving safely, not getting lost, coping with incidents en route, avoiding panic, general safety eg for blind or deaf people, and also for those who might not appreciate traffic hazards. It could also help people who have fits or need some sort of monitoring. Some people won't be able to leave their house, let alone put the bin out, again they may well be able to scottie points. Journeys can be familiar or new ones. Understandably new journeys can be complex and worrying, but when the journey has been done once or twice the problems and hazards can become obvious, and this means it can be less difficult to perform safely and in a reasonable time etc.
However, sometimes despite numerous attempts a familiar journey still can not be achieved to the appropriate standard, hence difficulties with familiar journeys scores higher.
Caselaw has indicated that a holistic approach needs to be taken. Most journeys except the very short ones on foot will entail both a short walk eg to and from a car, or onto a bus or train. Decision makers need to consider all parts of potential journeys and analyse what the whole difficulty is, and if this falls within any of the descriptors.
So to answer your specific question 200m to vist a friend is a journey. Visiting the shop 50m round the corner is also a journey.
Remember that the legal test for all descriptors comprises what happens for the majority of days. There are 4 criteria - safety repetition, acceptable standard and reasonable time. If you can't achieve each and every one of the 4 criteria you should score points.
The majority of days rule means that a one off better day won't preclude points being awarded.
I hope this gives a bit of insight into this descriptor.
Let us know if you need any further information.
LL26

Hi freefee

The Going Out activity looks at three things.

Planning a route - this is primarily a cognitive or sensory (e.g. blindness) activity. You are being asked about the problems you would have with working out how to get from one place to another, you do not need to be able to follow the route that you are planning.

Undertaking a Journey - this is to do with mental health issues such as agoraphobia and social anxiety and is concerned with you leaving the house to go somewhere, they will be interested in the things that stop you doing this. You need to show that you would suffer "overwhelming psychological distress" to meet the criteria.

Following a route - This activity about the problems you would have navigating a route. So are there any problems; cognitive, sensory or mental health issues that would prevent you from doing this? This is different from undertaking a journey, in fact, if you cannot undertake a journey then you will not score points for following one and vice versa.

Gary

Hi freefee

Did you go for a MR last time?

From what you have written if you are unable to go to places you know without someone being with you then would come under (f)

Gary