Karen, who is 53, was referred to RNIB's Emotional Support Telephone Service by the British Gas here to HELP project. Karen has Multiple Sclerosis and was registered blind many years ago.
At the time of being referred to us, Karen was feeling very low and frustrated, particularly about problems with getting adequate support for her needs. When Karen first spoke to a counsellor she felt very isolated and lacking in confidence. Although she had asked for help in the past, she had had some negative responses and felt very alone.
"At first I wasn't too sure of talking about my feelings but from the first session I was put at ease and I found it really helpful. It was good to be able to talk to someone outside my family who understands about losing your sight but also took everything else that was going on in my life into account. He (the counsellor) understood and believed me when told him how I was struggling, and I learnt to take things one day at a time".
Karen had ten sessions with a counsellor and used them to talk about how she was feeling and to explore ways of getting more support in her life. By the time the sessions ended she found that her confidence was growing and that she was feeling more positive.
"Having emotional support has helped me enormously, I was really struggling before. I now go to MS Society meetings every month and that really helps me. I go to computer class as well. It's really difficult, but I have to keep trying. I am more confident and I know I can get help if I need it in the future. I would recommend this kind of help to anyone who is losing their sight."