Daily Life

RNIB Talk and Support

Summary: Telephone groups for people with sight loss in the UK.

Comments from participants

RNIB Tele Befriending

"It's like a lifeline to me. I felt my world was closing in before joining my telephone group. I've met so many good friends.”
"The telephone group made me feel differently and able to try things with my limitations."
"It has taken away my shyness of talking to anybody."

Telephone Book Clubs

"The Books Clubs have woken up an interest in me that was dormant. I have become all fired up about books again."

Call us on 0845 330 3723 / 020 7874 1303 to join a telephone group or to have a chat about the groups.

Latest news

RNIB Tele Befriending research - Executive Summary

An independent longitudinal research project was carried out to look into the social and psychological benefits of taking part in RNIB Tele Befriending.

The research confirmed that people felt less isolated and lonely and more confident and valued. The participants said that this was as a result of the friendships that were formed in the telephone social groups.

The telephone groups had a positive impact on people's general sense of wellbeing. Participants also said that their social world had grown since taking part in their RNIB Tele Befriending group.

"From the beginning it's been a forum for encouragement…. that feeling has never gone away." "It's liberating!"

Read the Executive Summary (Word) for further details of why RNIB Tele Befriending has become such a vital part of people's lives.

Other news

RNIB Talk and Support being presented with winner's trophy

What is RNIB Talk and Support?

RNIB Talk and Support offers an exciting range of telephone groups for people with sight loss in the UK. The groups are available from the comfort of people’s home, using the telephone.

The telephone groups provide opportunities for people to continue to socialise, make new friends, share information and support each other. And have lots of fun too!

What are the groups on offer?

There are several telephone groups on offer. They are:

  • RNIB Tele Befriending (weekly social groups over the telephone) These groups are called a ‘lifeline’ by those who are taking part in the groups.
  • Telephone Book Clubs (monthly telephone group lasting for six months) for people who have a passion for books and would like to share their experiences with others.
  • Parent Network Group (fortnightly term-time network groups over the telephone) for parents with sight loss. It doesn’t matter if the parents have children who are sighted or who have sight loss as it's all about having quality time to chat to other parents.

Real lives – RNIB Tele Befriending

Take a look at how RNIB Tele Befriending touches people’s lives by reading stories from people who take part in our telephone groups.

Did you know that RNIB is a membership organisation? Join us as a member and experience the warm and friendly welcome you'll receive from our growing community of members. Call 0870 787 0077 / 01604 640 040 for further details about becoming an RNIB Member.

Content author: talkandsupport@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13

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Which of the following groups has a higher-than-average risk of sight loss?





Your stories

Jill's story - Jill lost her sight 12 years ago at the age of 19. “The experience left me feeling isolated. I often felt like my life was pointless." Now, as a presenter on Insight Radio, she uses her experiences to help others. “My prayer is that what we do helps those who are going through sight loss. Even the tiniest piece of information can make a huge difference. If my show can help do that, then my journey has not been in vain.” Jill's full story