SERVICE DETAILS
Sight loss counselling
RNIB’s Counselling team offers emotional support for those with sight loss.
RNIB offers emotional support for blind and partially sighted people through our Sight Loss Counselling team, a group of professional telephone and online counsellors.
Our service is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and is completely confidential.
We are bound by the BACP ethical framework for good practice in counselling. We also comply with the Data Protection Act.
How we can help you
One-to-one telephone counselling – this gives you the time and support to talk through your situation and feelings
Online counselling – use the self-refer form to get in touch with our team through email, video or instant messaging
Telephone support groups – discuss your feelings and experiences in small groups facilitated by one of our counsellors
Guides to good mental health – we've produced a series of guides with tips on improving your mental wellbeing.
How to contact the Sight Loss Counselling team
Get in touch with our friendly team through the Helpline today if you or someone you care for needs help call us on 0303 123 9999 from Monday to Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm, and Saturday 9:00am to 1:00pm or emails us at helpline@rnib.org.uk. You can also get in touch with the counselling team directly by leaving us a message on 020 7391 2186 or emailing cwt@rnib.org.uk.
Is the counselling service confidential?
Our service is completely confidential. We will not pass on any personal information on without your consent.
The only exception would be if we had very serious concerns about your safety or that of others. In this case we would discuss this with you and encourage you to seek emergency support.
What happens after I get in touch?
Online counselling
Once you've filled in this self-refer form at https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/community-connection-and-wellbeing/sight-loss-counselling for online counselling we will send you an email back in a few days. The form only takes a few minutes to complete.
Telephone counselling
A member of the team will aim to get back to you within a week to book an initial assessment (although it might take longer at busier times), giving you the chance to talk about your situation and to explore whether or not further support could be helpful. Any further sessions will be arranged at a time convenient to you.
RNIB offers free counselling for blind and partially sighted people and their family and friends who are affected by sight loss
We offer our telephone counselling to adults and children/young people from 11 years up.
Our online counselling is only for those 18 and over.
