by David Best, SSW Counsellor
The 1st of February is Time to Talk day, an annual awareness day designed to encourage us all to start a conversation about mental health.
Having lived with a visual impairment for most of my life, I understand and have experienced many of the issues caused by and related to sight loss.
Many people feel alone and isolated, partly because it is difficult for those around them to understand what they are going through.
Loss of any kind can be a difficult process and although there are common factors, it is a unique experience for each individual person.
With all loss comes change and for those experiencing sight loss there are many practical adjustments to make. These can be extremely challenging and exhausting, made more difficult and complicated by the emotional impact.
It can feel difficult to share thoughts and feelings with the people we are closest to including family members, friends, and colleagues. People often worry that others will feel burdened by their problems or that they might not understand. Often people experience feelings of frustration and anger and don’t want those around them to witness these for fear of being judged.
At Sight Support Worthing we recognise the importance of providing services that address and can support members with all aspects of their sight loss experience.
As part of our holistic approach, we provide a high quality, professional, confidential counselling service to support the emotional needs of our members.
The main aims are to encourage and enable members to explore, understand and express their thoughts, feelings, and behaviour by providing a confidential therapeutic relationship based on genuineness, acceptance, and trust. The counselling relationship provides the key to empowering members to develop and enhance skills, strategies, self-awareness, confidence, and resilience. Over time members will become better equipped to respond to, cope with and manage the issues and challenges that affect their lives therefore enhancing their self-esteem.
If you would like to find out more about this service and how you or a family member could benefit from our wellbeing service please contact either Kate Confrey, Wellbeing Services Coordinator or David Best, Counsellor on 01903 385025
One of SSW’s key objectives is to ensure the wellbeing of our members and their close family and carers. We are currently exploring the feasibility of two new services and would hugely appreciate your feedback on each of the ideas.
We have a short survey (should take around 3-5 minutes depending on your feedback) looking at a talking therapy service and a volunteer matching (‘buddy’) scheme.
Click here to access the survey. If you would rather complete a paper version please contact us.
