Roger’s
Sightline Story
The sound of my befriender’s voice is always one that brings a smile to my face as I pick the phone and say “hello!”
I have been chatting with Kate for 12 months now and I really don’t know what I’d do if we didn’t have our weekly calls. I class her as my closest friend now even though I’ve never met her in person and know I never will. I’m 81 and a lot of my friends have passed away now sadly. I live on my own but have family popping in every so often, so I consider myself as doing ok.
Kate and I have some great chats about all sorts of things. It doesn’t have to be about anything in particular – things such as knowing how her family are and what’s on the menu for tea are all lovely to hear. It’s things I can relate to and that for some reason, provides a comfort for me.
We do have a laugh too; Kate has a wicked sense of humour and she always has me chuckling at her stories or jokes.
To be honest, whilst she also has a visual impairment, we don’t spend too much time talking about that.
I am so glad the RNIB made me aware of the telephone befriending Service that Sightline provides. I’d have never had the pleasure of speaking with the lovely Kate and we’ve built what I now hold as my closest friendship.
I would encourage anyone who has is blind or partially sighted to reach out to Sightline to request a weekly call. It is something to look forward to each week and helps reduce the feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Names have been changed to protect identities.
Call 0800 587 2252 or email us at info@sightline.org.uk
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(*0800 numbers are free to call from BT landlines and most mobile networks)