Who are we?
The RNIB Emotional Support Service (ESS) is a small team of telephone counsellors. Our service is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). We offer confidential telephone support, information and counselling to people who, because of sight loss, are experiencing emotional difficulties.
Find out more by downloading the Emotional Support Service leaflet.
We also run telephone support groups facilitated by a counsellor. Groups are formed throughout the year so you can contact us anytime to know when the next one will start. Download more specific information about our "Seeing it through" telephone support groups:
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 one-to-one telephone counselling and "Seeing it through" telephone support groups, 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 eight sessions.
Comments
William developed serious sight problems following a stroke. His doctor suggested he try the Emotional Support 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.
As an Organisational Member of BACP we are bound by its Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy, the Ethical Guidelines for Researching Counselling and Psychotherapy (where organisations undertake research) and subject to the Professional Conduct Procedure for the time being in force. We also comply with the Data Protection Act.
Contact us
Call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk and ask to be referred to the Emotional Support Service. You can contact us through Type Talk in the same way.
We are ready to answer your call Monday to Friday 8.45am to 5.30pm. Outside these times, leave us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Alternatively you can email us at ess@rnib.org.uk. The small size of our service means we cannot 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.