The nature of emotional support and counselling provision for people with sight loss in the United Kingdom

Abstract

People with sight loss in the United Kingdom are known to have lower levels of emotional well-being and to be at higher risk of depression. Consequently, ‘having someone to talk to’ is an important priority for people with visual impairment. An online survey of the provision of emotional support and counselling for people affected by sight loss across the United Kingdom was undertaken. The survey was distributed widely and received 182 responses. There were more services offering ‘emotional support’, in the form of listening and information and advice giving, than offered ‘counselling’. Services were delivered by providers with differing qualifications in a variety of formats. Waiting times were fairly short and clients presented with a wide range of issues. Funding came from a range of sources, but many felt their funding was vulnerable. Conclusions have been drawn about the need for a national standardised framework for the provision of emotional support and counselling services for blind and partially sighted people in the United Kingdom.