Emotional Support Service What is the Emotional Support Service, and who delivers it? CamSight's Emotional Support service offers confidential support and information to people who because of sight loss are experiencing emotional difficulties. We offer someone to listen, with the space and time to talk. Our Emotional Support Service is offered free of charge and available to anyone with sight loss living in Cambridgeshire. Our counsellors are accredited members of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, the UK registered body for counselling professions. They can offer two types of confidential support: Emotional Support Emotional Support is a type of informal support for times when you want the space to talk about your sight loss to someone who is not a friend or a family member. This might be to talk over a specific issue, or to offload your worries or concerns about your loss of sight. Together we can explore your options and may signpost you to other sources of support. Counselling Counselling is a type of ‘talking therapy’ that offers a therapeutic process to explore the deeper feelings and thoughts that are impacting how you cope with the challenges of sight loss. Counsellors won’t tell you what to do or give explicit advice but will work alongside you to identify your hopes and the changes you want to make in your life. We offer six weekly sessions initially; over the first few sessions you and a sight loss counsellor will explore the challenges you have and discuss your needs so you can decide which type of support feels the best fit for you. Our sessions are offered over the phone or as an online video call. You can self-refer to the service by using our online referral form, or by contacting CamSight on 01223 420033, or by speaking to a member of staff. Meet Our Emotional Support Service Team: Libby - Emotional Support Manager Our Emotional Support team is managed by Libby, an RNIB accredited sight loss counsellor. Libby says, “we understand that low vision and blindness can have a profound impact on all aspects of life, not just practically but the way we feel about ourselves, others and the world around us. I consider it a privilege to listen to our services users and be entrusted with their personal and individual experiences”. She adds “I am very lucky to be part of such a dedicated team that are committed to making a difference and supporting the best outcomes for our service users. Laura - Emotional Support Counsellor Laura has previously been one of our wonderful volunteer supporters and brings a wealth of understanding and experience to the Emotional Support team. Laura is an RNIB accredited sight loss counsellor. Laura says, “It is my privilege to offer emotional support and counselling to our CamSight clients at a challenging and sometimes uncertain time. I seek to provide a calm, safe and confidential space, where clients can feel heard and supported, in a non-judgmental, empathetic way.” The emotional support team also includes counsellors Ali and Jo, who have both completed RNIB sight loss counselling training. Ali and Jo work as counsellors in a variety of settings as well as private practice, and bring their valuable experience to support the team. Ali - Emotional Support Counsellor Ali says: “Living with sight loss can be challenging and overwhelming. Sometimes it can be difficult to talk to family and friends about your feelings. As a CamSight counsellor I aim to provide a safe, confidential, non-judgmental, supportive space where you can talk openly about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences around sight loss. This can help you understand your feelings and think about ways of coping with the changes in your life.” Jo - Emotional Support Counsellor Jo says “people often find it helpful to talk to someone impartial about what’s on their mind during a difficult time in life. It’s a real honour to be able to hold that space for people to use according to their individual needs in dealing with sight loss challenges." During Mental Health Awareness Week (11–17 May), donations to CamSight will directly fund our Emotional Support Service for people living with sight loss. Your gift helps ensure people have someone to talk to when sight loss feels overwhelming. Donate now. Manage Cookie Preferences