We know from the people we talk to every day that loneliness often goes hand in hand with sight loss, especially in older people who may have other health or mobility issues too. This has been reinforced by research which has found people who are blind or partially sighted are three times more likely to experience loneliness and isolation than the general public (Abertay University 2024) and 40% of blind and partially sighted people feel cut off from people and things around them (RNIB 2021).

We will set up one to one befriending support where a trained volunteer visits typically once a week for a chat, or calls on the telephone, breaking the silence and bringing the outside world in. We also offer group social activities, enabling people to get out and about, meet others who live with similar daily challenges for mutual support, have new experiences and make friends. Activities range from wellbeing sessions, to audio-described theatre trips, to gentle walks to crafts and more.