RNIB Counselling volunteers share how impactful their role is- on those who access the service and for them as volunteers

RNIB Counselling volunteers provide a safe, non-judgemental space for people to process their feelings around sight loss, and they can offer this to up to 3 clients per week. Claire describes this role as “providing a counselling service to people affected by sight loss. This can be their own sight loss, or the sight loss of a loved one… I provide the client with a judgement-free space to process their feelings and work through whatever this brings up for them.”

Lori emphasises the importance of genuine listening in their role: “In my role, I prioritise deep listening and emotional validation. I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel truly seen and understood.”

Natalie highlights the flexibility of the service: “As a person-centred counsellor, I offer a safe and non-judgemental space for people to explore and process their feelings around their sight loss. I’ll also give clients the space to talk about things that aren’t directly related to sight loss if that’s what they want.”

Many RNIB volunteers are motivated by personal experience or a desire to give back. Natalie’s journey began with her work in a charity focused on improving access to the NHS, where she saw firsthand the impact of RNIB’s support. “When I qualified as a counsellor, and was looking to broaden my skills and experience, RNIB was one of the first places I considered, as I knew how impactful the support they offer is.”

For Lori and Claire, their empathy and understanding motivated them to support others through the challenging emotional impact of sight loss. Lori shared “I’m deeply passionate about supporting individuals affected by sight loss. My hope is to offer comfort, connection, and a sense of possibility to those navigating the emotional impact of their changing vision.” And Claire agreed “Imagining the experience of sight loss and the life-altering adjustments it would demand evoked a strong emotional response and I wanted to be able to provide support to people going through that.”

The impact of a counselling volunteer on their clients is difficult to measure, and for themselves it is deeply personal and rewarding. Claire shares, “My most memorable moments have been when clients share their achievements, no matter how small, and when one client told me how she wrote down something I said to her and put it on her fridge so she can remember it. Hearing that I had an impact on helping her navigate her challenges was so moving and humbling.”

Lori reflects, “It’s a profound honour to hold space for others—to walk alongside them through the unpredictable terrain of loss, adjustment, and resilience. What moves me most is the shared humanity in these moments: the universal feelings of uncertainty, grief, and hope that transcend circumstance.”

Natalie recalls a poignant session: “One of my most memorable moments was a time I called a client for our regular session, when they picked up they told me that a close family member had passed away that morning. The client said they still wanted to have our counselling session, and so I asked if they wanted to talk about this family member. The client spent the rest of the session sharing some of their favourite memories with me… It’s not something you often talk about openly with others, and I felt very privileged that my client was happy to share all of that with me on such a difficult day.”

RNIB’s Counselling volunteers want everyone to know that support is available. Claire encourages, “There is nothing to lose and so much support and compassion to gain from the Counselling team as well as the many other resources that the RNIB has to offer.” Lori adds, “You won’t regret reaching out, this is a chance to speak with someone who truly understands and is here to walk beside you.”

“With every new volunteer, we get new experience and knowledge and that really adds to our service. They learn from each other, and I’ve found myself that that I've learned from them.
I really see the volunteers grow in confidence and as they work with us and expand their own skills, they become just wonderful therapists in their own right. I know that one day they're going to go on to really help people in their careers, even after RNIB, and just the thought of that makes me happy.”

Thank you to our incredible RNIB Counselling volunteers. Your professionalism, empathy and compassion is helping this vital service grow and reach more people affected by sight loss.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from talking to a Counsellor, please get in touch. RNIB’s Counselling service is here for you.