RNIB Bristol counselling project

In response to an identified need for counselling and emotional support services for older people with serious sight loss, the RNIB piloted a 3-year counselling project at Bristol RNIB. The project sought to develop an evaluated service model for the delivery of emotional support and counselling particularly to blind and partially sighted people, aged 50 years and over, which could be replicated in other settings. Qualitative and quantitative data were generated and recorded throughout the project using Core-PC. Time-limited counselling in the project has been shown to significantly reduce suicidal ideation, and feelings of depression, loss, anxiety, and stress, as reported by clients Further reported benefits of counselling benefits include increased self-confidence, with a direct link to engaging in new activities and the active uptake of rehabilitation services