RNIB is there to support mental health

THE Royal National Institute of Blind People has launched a new range of mental health guides for blind and partially sighted people in Yorkshire and the Humber during Mental Health Awareness Week (May 10 to 16).

The guides offer advice and information on many mental health related topics, such as loneliness, sleep difficulties, resilience and mindfulness, and are downloadable from the Mental Health hub on RNIB’S website or via RNIB’S Helpline.

The charity estimates that there are 180,000 people living with sight loss across Yorkshire and the Humber region and says that many of these will be facing unique wellbeing challenges as a result of lockdown easing.

Amanda Hawkins, strategic lead for counselling and mental health at RNIB, said: “Lockdown is slowly easing in stages and lots of us are finding this time challenging, so it’s vital to continue to look after our mental health.

“Whether you’re struggling with feelings of isolation and need to speak to someone, or you just want some tips on how to maintain your mental health – our mental health hub has all of the information and advice you might need.”

The new guides are the latest edition to the mental health support offered by RNIB, which also includes free telephone “Wellbeing Check-in” sessions with a specialist counsellor. These sessions, launched with funding from Mind last year, give people with sight loss the opportunity to talk to someone for up to hour about however they are feeling and any problems that are on their mind.

If you or someone you know could benefit from speaking to someone, please visit rnib.org.uk or call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.

Kirsty Callingham, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).