Salina’s
Sightline Story
The visual impairment I have is called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) which over the course of time has meant that today I now have no sight in my right eye and very little in my left.
It’s been a gradual sight loss journey and I have been so scared about losing all my sight for such a long time. Through other health conditions I must use a wheelchair to leave my home and I get around the house using a walking frame to support me.
I was in a very dark place last year, not leaving the confines of my bed never mind my house. One of my carers recommended Sightline and I thought I had nothing to lose so made the call.
My befriender Diane is one in a million. I honestly don’t know what I would do without her calls some days. She motivates me to “Get up and at ‘em!”
Some weeks I might miss our calls due to appointments or something else, but I don’t worry as I know we will chat and catch up for a bit longer the following week!
I have carers visiting to help with my meals and medication during the day and sometimes they can’t always stay for as long as I’d like. The calls with Diane support me to feel better and I don’t feel quite as lonely after that.
I’d have to say I feel like Diane and I are more like sisters than just friends. We chat about family, her dog walks and lots of other things. We always agree we’re going to focus on good things and not negative thoughts and that works a treat; I always put the phone down with a smile on my face.
I wouldn’t ever want the Sightline service to stop, it is a real lifeline to me.
If you would benefit from a telephone befriending relationship please get in touch today.
Names have been changed to protect identities.
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)