Sightline – ER: #BefriendingIs support for Mary and benefits volunteers
27th September 2021
Established in 2003, Sightline was set up by Eileen Green who was herself registered blind. She identified a need for visually impaired people to have an opportunity to communicate their experiences, from the comfort of their home. Sadly, Eileen died suddenly in 2013 but her legacy lives on through Sightline, a registered charity based in Lancashire, but operating across the UK. Today, Sightline provides an innovative service focused on delivering practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, through a free* telephone befriending service.
I have volunteered with Sightline for around 5 years now; originally doing the helpline then moving across to the befriending service. I was born with the rare genetic sight condition Rod Monochromatism. As the years have gone by my eye-sight has worsened and I am now registered blind. I chose to volunteer for the charity to share my experiences of being visually impaired with someone in a similar situation.
I currently enjoy a weekly call with a lovely lady called Mary* who lives alone. Her husband sadly passed away and her 2 sons aren’t close-by. I really feel our calls are an invaluable source of support for Mary who is attending lots of hospital appointments at the moment. Listening to what she is going through and offering my support and reassurance really helps her feel better and less daunted about what is she is going through.
Mary often tells me our calls benefit her a lot and will often say “A problem shared is a problem halved!”
The befriending relationship really benefits both parties. I feel I am doing something rewarding to support someone in the sight loss community. Not only that, it provides an opportunity to have fun and is a great opportunity to reduce the isolation Mary sometimes feels.
As the weeks go by our friendship has really grown; we talk about news, our mutual love of animals, family, and everything in between.
I really look forward to my calls with Mary and the value they bring to someone living with a visual impairment; so much so that I am now taking on additional befriending calls for Sightline.
Being a Sightline volunteer is very rewarding. Both parties can benefit so it’s a great opportunity which I’d encourage anyone to take up.
*Name changed to protect service user identity.
By: Sightline
If you’re inspired and would like to get involved please visit: