Colin’s
Sightline Story
I developed Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) at 58 and my sight is gradually deteriorating further.
I consider myself lucky though as my neighbour (who is 74 and fitter than me) does my shopping for me and another friend pops by every so often to make sure I’m ok.
My telephone befriender calls me twice a week and we talk about all sorts of things. He works for another sight loss charity in my locality so keeps me up to date with all the things that are happening and what I might like to get involved in. I’m feeling more confident to get out and about now the pandemic restrictions are easing.
“We mostly talk about all the holidays we have enjoyed; where we’ve been, the things we did – that kind of thing.”
I feel like I’ve learnt more about the world since losing one of my senses; I love to recall the crystal-clear waters in Turkey and the white sandy beaches of Greece. It takes me right back there in that moment; those are the highlights of my befriending calls.
Name has been changed to protect service user identity.
If like Colin, you might benefit from a telephone befriending relationship with one of our trained, friendly volunteers please get in touch.
Call 0800 587 2252 or email us at info@sightline.org.uk
To find out more, please contact us:
(*0800 numbers are free to call from BT landlines and most mobile networks)