Who are we?
The RNIB Emotional Support Telephone Service (ESTS) is a small team of telephone counsellors. We offer confidential telephone support, information and counselling to people who, because of sight loss, are experiencing emotional difficulties.
What can we offer?
We give you time to talk about your situation and how you are feeling.
We will help you to identify what you need and the best way to get it. This could mean helping you find support in your local area through agencies offering specific services such as counselling, befriending, or support groups.
We can offer telephone counselling, so that you can explore your situation further. Counselling offers the opportunity to work through some of your feelings as well as gaining support. It may help you consider new ways of adapting to sight loss. The total number of sessions varies from person to person, but is usually up to a maximum of six sessions.
Comments
William developed serious sight problems following at stroke. His doctor suggested he try the Emotional Support Telephone Service - find out about William's story.
Karen, who had sight problems as well as Multiple Sclerosis, found it very difficult to get the support she needed to help her cope - find out about Karen's story.
Is everything confidential?
Our service is confidential. This means that what you say to us will remain within the ESS and will not be passed on to anyone else without your consent. The only exception would be if we had very serious concerns about your safety or that of others. In such exceptional circumstances we would discuss this with you and encourage you to seek emergency support.
We adhere to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Practice Guidelines and comply with the Data Protection Act.
Contact us
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Contact the RNIB Helpline (0303 123 9999 / helpline:rnib.org.uk) and ask to be referred to the Emotional Support Telephone Service
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We can be contacted via Type Talk in the same way.
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Interpreters can be provided for callers through Language Line.
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Alternatively you can email us at ess@rnib.org.uk. The small size of our service means we cannot currently offer a direct telephone number.
What will happen next?
One of the team will phone you usually within a week (although it may take longer at busy times). If it is not a convenient time to talk we will arrange an appointment with you. The first appointment will be a chance to talk about your situation and to explore what further support could be helpful. Any further sessions will be arranged at mutually convenient times.
There is no charge for sessions or calls.