Emotional support
We understand that no matter how long you’ve lived with sight impairment you will feel a range of emotions and face different challenges. Everyone’s experiences are unique and we’re here to help and support you whenever you need us.
Our wide range of services offer you the support you need to suit your personal circumstances, from giving you strategies to help you live independently, to peer support groups, individual counselling, support groups or social groups. These services are all free and available to anyone with sight impairment.
When I first started losing my sight, I contacted KAB for social groups where people understood that I’d lost my sight and couldn’t always hear properly…KAB have been a godsend to me.
How we can help
Informal peer support
We have a number of volunteer befrienders, who are also sight impaired, who can provide you with informal peer support. Please contact your local KAB team, if you are interested in this type of support:
- West Kent: rehab.maidstone@kab.org.uk
- Gravesend: kabgravesendmaidstone@kent.gov.uk
- Medway: rehab.medway@kab.org.uk
- East Kent: rehab.canterbury@kab.org.uk
- Bromley: rehab.bromley@kab.org.uk
Counselling
Talking about your feelings and experiences with someone who understands what you’re going through in a safe and confidential environment can help you deal with the emotional aspects of your condition. We offer a bespoke counselling service. Our counsellors have specialist knowledge of sight impairment and can talk with you at one of our Sight Centres or over the phone if you would prefer.
Social groups and clubs
If you’re looking to meet other sight impaired people or take up new hobbies and activities, we’ve a wide network of clubs and social groups to suit your needs. There is also lots of useful advice we can give you on how to adapt to living with sight impairment. Your friends and family can also play a big part in your emotional wellbeing and we can give them training and support so they can feel confident in supporting you while helping you keep your independence.
We also have some specific support groups, tailored to your needs.
Donate to us
Many of the support services we provide are funded with help from generous donations and fundraising activities from our wonderful supporters. If you would like to help us continue to be able to run these life changing services please donate now.