Alex’s
Sightline Story
Like many, during the COVID pandemic, I found myself with time on my hands so decided telephone befriending would be a perfect opportunity to do something worthwhile; providing friendship, at a time when we all had to stay apart.
I have Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare inherited eye condition caused by defects in one of several different genes which causes severe tunnel vision. I previously volunteered at Wirrall Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted and have a background in counselling. Sharing my lived experience of sight loss has provided my befriendees with understanding and support.
I currently speak with two befriendees each week. The first is a gentleman in his eighties who lives alone. He lost his vision gradually, later in life. Radios are his passion, so they always feature in our conversations – I learn something new about them every time we talk!
The second is a lady who was born in Zimbabwe. She is currently studying for a Master’s degree in International Relations so we enjoy lots of interesting discussions around her studies.
Both befriendees tell me they don’t socialise outside of their homes; they have been and continue to feel quite isolated.
For me, doing a call a week with each person helps them feel valued and lets them know that someone cares. We all need that in life, don’t we?
Volunteering for Sightline has had a positive impact on my life; it fits around work and home life. The volunteering role offers flexibility to my schedule, and I like that.
Being able to demonstrate my volunteering experience on a previous job application helped me secure that role; it’s a great addition to any CV.
I have always enjoyed getting to know new people. Forming friendship bonds is great fun and I’m making a positive difference to someone else’s life at the same time.
Choosing to become a Sightline Telephone Befriender is choice you make to try and help others. However, it is meant to be fun too and I know I enjoy the calls just as much as my befriendees do too.
Would I recommend volunteering with Sightline? Without a doubt. It’s rewarding and it doesn’t ask a lot of someone’s time.
Name has been changed to protect identity.
We currently have a number of volunteering opportunities available. Please get in touch if you can spare as little as 1 hour a week.
Your call can really make a difference to someone living in the sight loss community.
Call 0800 587 2252 or email us at info@sightline.org.uk to find out more.
To find out more, please contact us:
(*0800 numbers are free to call from BT landlines and most mobile networks)