Phil’s
Sightline Story
I have been volunteering with Sightline for over six years now. My wife originally volunteered for the evening helpline then I got involved when the befriending service launched. Both my wife and I are visually impaired so can offer understanding and support to people in a similar situation.
I do undertake other volunteer work with The Samaritans so have learnt lots during my time there and have lots of transferable skills that I can bring to my volunteer role as telephone befriender with Sightline.
I speak with two befriendees each week. Jake is in his fifties and we have been speaking each week for around eighteen months now. Jake was working for himself at the time he lost most of his sight and mobility down his left side, due to a stroke. He has been fortunate enough to receive excellent support from the NHS with his speech therapy and rehabilitation. Obviously his wife is a constant source of support, and I feel like I have been able to help Jake through his feelings of fear and uncertainty in relation to his sight loss. I have shared my own stories of someone living with sight loss and how I live a very active life, and I think that has helped him to realise there is a life to be enjoyed beyond losing one of your senses. It’s been brilliant talking to Jake – he’s re-discovering lost confidence all the time – I just love the fact that I have played a small role in helping with the befriending calls.
“We don’t just discuss sight loss during our calls; I have a Guide Dog and he has just welcomed a new dog into the family home. We’re sharing funny stories about the dogs and he tells me how his new four legged friend gives him more routine and helps with getting out and about for walks etc.”
My other befriendee, Rob, is in his eighties and is a real character with lots of stories to share. He has some health issues so isn’t particularly mobile these days but recounts earlier times in his life where he was very active in his career and enjoying many holidays.
I am so glad I decided to get involved with the Sightline service; it’s been really rewarding over the past six years and I look forward to what the next six brings.
(Names have been changed to protect identities).
If you can offer an hour a week from the comfort of your own home to undertake a telephone befriending call like Phil, we are ready for your call.
Call 0800 587 2252 or email us at info@sightline.org.uk to find out more.
To find out more, please contact us:
(*0800 numbers are free to call from BT landlines and most mobile networks)
