News
Loneliness doesn’t follow a calendar. It isn’t limited to winter, holidays or awareness weeks. For many people living with sight loss, feelings of isolation can happen at any time of the year.
Everyone needs somebody
Strong social connections are important for our mental health, confidence and overall quality of life. A friendly conversation can brighten someone’s day, provide reassurance and remind them that they are not alone.
For people living with sight loss, everyday challenges can sometimes make it harder to maintain social connections. Something as simple as meeting friends, attending activities or travelling independently may become more difficult, increasing the risk of isolation.
Knowing that someone is there to listen can make a real difference.
How telephone befriending helps
If you’re feeling lonely and living with sight loss, Sightline’s telephone befriending service could help.
The service is designed to reduce loneliness and isolation within the visually impaired community through regular, friendly conversations.
Sightline’s dedicated team of trained volunteers provide much more than a phone call. Many have close experience of sight loss themselves, allowing them to offer understanding, encouragement and genuine friendship to the people they support.
These regular conversations give people something to look forward to each week and provide a valuable opportunity to chat, share experiences and build meaningful connections.
The impact of a friendly conversation
The benefits of befriending often extend far beyond the phone call itself.
Having someone to talk to can help people:
- Feel less isolated and more connected.
- Build confidence and self-esteem.
- Discover new interests and activities.
- Feel supported during difficult times.
- Develop lasting friendships.
For many people, befriending provides a renewed sense of purpose and opens the door to becoming more involved in their local community.
Opportunities to connect in person
Telephone befriending can be especially valuable for people who find it difficult to travel or attend activities in person. However, for those who would like to meet others face to face, Bradbury Fields offers welcoming opportunities to socialise and build friendships.
Our Coffee Morning provides a relaxed and informal setting where people can enjoy a drink, have a chat and meet others in the local sight loss community. There is no pressure to take part in anything formal; it is simply a friendly space to connect with others and enjoy some company.
Our Let’s Talk sessions also give people the chance to come together, share experiences and discuss the issues that matter to them. These sessions can help people feel heard, supported and more connected, while creating opportunities for new friendships to develop naturally.
Both activities can be an ideal next step for someone who has built confidence through telephone befriending and would like to become more involved in their local community. They can also offer valuable ongoing support for people who already enjoy meeting others in person.
Support for as long as it’s needed
One of the strengths of Sightline’s befriending service is that relationships are allowed to develop naturally.
Sightline believes in the value of long-term befriending and will continue providing the service for as long as the person receiving support feels they would benefit from it.
There is no pressure or expectation, just a friendly voice at the other end of the phone.
Find out more
If you, or someone you know, is living with sight loss and would benefit from regular conversation and companionship, Sightline’s telephone befriending service is available to help.
You can also read some of the inspiring stories from people who have benefited from the service on the Sightline website.
To request a weekly befriending call, contact Sightline on 0800 587 2252.
At Bradbury Fields, we know that no one should have to face loneliness alone. Whether through local activities, support services or befriending, staying connected can make a lasting difference.