Need to talk to someone?

People can find it difficult to come to terms with a diagnosis of a visual impairment that cannot be treated. Some people go through a process similar to bereavement. They can experience a range of emotions like shock, anger, and denial, before they can eventually come to accept their condition.Need to talk to someone? In the UK, there are almost two million people living with sight loss; about 360,000 of these people are registered as blind or partially sighted. In the UK, 250 people start to lose their sight every day. One in five people will live with sight loss in their lifetime.Currently in Wales there are an estimated 121,000 people living with sight loss. That figure could potentially double by 2050.

Here are some potential sources of emotional support if you’re struggling with a diagnosis of sight loss.

RNIB has a team of counsellors with extensive experience in supporting people impacted by sight loss. Committed to a working practice that values equality and diversity, its team can offer:

  • time to talk about your situation and how you’re feeling
  • one-to-one telephone and online counselling as well as telephone support groups (these are facilitated by a counsellor)

For more information on services and support click here

The Macular Society offer a telephone counselling service for those affected by Macular eye conditions. Contact them on 0300 30 30 111 for further information.

The Samaritans is a round the clock support service and can be called at any time from any phone for free on 116 123. You can also contact them via email on [email protected]

The Listening Eye offers support and empathy to anyone who needs the chance to talk about any aspect of failing sight. The service is available between 6pm and 10pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Contact The Listening Eye on 0800 783 1979.

No Panic is a registered charity which helps people who suffer from panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders and other related anxiety disorders including those people who are trying to give up tranquillizers. Staffed by trained volunteers, the No Panic Helpline operates between 10am and 10pm every day of the year. The helpline’s busiest times are during the first hour of each shift and the last hour of the last shift of night.No Panic can also provide support for the carers of people who suffer from anxiety disorders. You can contact the No Panic helpline on 0300 772 9844.

During the pandemic, RNIB has teamed up with Mind to offer free emergency mental health sessions by BACP-registered counsellors with sight loss experience. If you are struggling with your mental wellbeing and would benefit from a one-off session of support to deal with difficult feelings generated, or worsened, by the current situation then call 0303 123 9999.