RNIB Talk and Support works closely with social services teams, and those in voluntary and eye health care sectors, to reach those people with sight loss who are most in need of social contact and peer support.
RNIB Telebefriending is an award-winning free service for blind and partially sighted people and only requires access to a landline telephone. Currently over 600 people per week with sight loss from across the UK enjoy 55 minutes of lively conversation over the telephone, from the comfort of home.
Contact us to find out more by calling 0845 330 3723 or 020 7874 1303 or email talkandsupport@rnib.org.uk
Who takes part?
People of all ages take part in the telephone groups including a growing number of older people living in residential care. We also have groups for people in their 40s and 50s, many of whom have family and friends around them, but welcome the opportunity to speak to other people with sight loss of a similar age. We also provide a number of groups for our youngest participants of approximately 20 to 40 years of age.
What are the benefits?
An independent research project was carried out in 2007 to establish the psychological benefits for people with sight loss of taking part in RNIB Tele Befriending groups.
After six months of taking part, participants reported feeling less lonely as a result of their sight loss and had established meaningful friendships. This helped to increase their confidence and improve their general well-being, with many feeling more positive about their sight loss and situation.
"From the beginning it's been a forum for encouragement... that feeling has never gone away." RNIB Tele Befriending participant
Read our research executive summary (Word, 119KB) for more information on how RNIB Tele Befriending has become such a vital part of people's lives, or read Tele Befriending stories.
Making a referral
People with sight loss who want to join the service can contact Talk and Support direct, or with their permission, anyone can make a referral to the service on their behalf.
Call 0845 330 3723 or 020 7874 1303 or email talkandsupport@rnib.org.uk
We will call you back within five working days. The current waiting time for a Tele Befriending group is approximately four weeks, depending upon the participant's availability and interests.
Other telephone groups
We also offer Telephone Book Clubs, which bring people with sight loss together to share their enthusiasm for books.
Further information
Promotional materials for blind and partially sighted people who are interested in Tele Befriending and Telephone Book Clubs are available in print, cassette, CD and braille. To request copies, or if you need any further information contact us by calling 0845 330 3723 or 020 7874 1303, or email talkandsupport@rnib.org.uk