Katrina’s
Sightline Story
I’m approaching my first volunteering anniversary with Sightline, with my very first befriending call taking place in December 2021.
I am not visually impaired myself but have experience working within the sight loss sector where I spent some of my career working for Henshaws.
I chose to volunteer as it fits round family life; I am single mum, so life is pretty busy!
I speak to 2 ladies each week. I arranged with Sightline to do the calls in an evening; once the children are tucked up in bed.
One of my befriendees has been without sight most of her life and tells me I form part of her social life.
We chat about TV programmes, the news – all sorts really. I let her guide the conversation and that seems to work well.
The other lady is quite elderly and widowed. She lost her sight quickly and has multiple health issues. She tells me she sometimes feels overwhelmed and I’m a real support for her. She also tells me that she doesn’t want to burden her family with her worries so having our friendship over the phone is a good outlet for her.
There was one day when my elderly befriendee told me she felt really frightened in her own home. The simplest of tasks like making a cup of tea had become almost impossible and unsafe so I knew I had to do more.
I contacted the Sightline team who work closely with other sight loss charities such as Galloways. One quick conversation between the two organisations meant Maureen had a home visit planned within the week to see what support could be put in place to enable her to live safely and with the right equipment at home.
I am very busy being a single working mum; but I know these calls do my befriendees the world of good so can’t ever imagine not wanting to do them!
I’ve been able to be there for someone else and that provides me with a real feel-good factor.
The laughs we have about things that have happened during the week provide some of the highlights of our calls.
I’d recommend for anyone to try volunteering with Sightline. I know some colleagues at work are now Sightline volunteers and they’re enjoying their calls too. You can gain lots of news skills and even though I’m not visually impaired myself that hasn’t been an issue with my befriendees.
I’d heartily encourage anyone to give it go.
The Sightline team have been great; they’re very supportive with me and have been responsive to assist with any additional support for the benefit of my befriendees.
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)