Wellbeing is more than happiness.  It encompasses feeling good and functioning well, and it can impact on life, relationships and health.  Sight loss can sometimes cause negative feelings.  This is quite natural and can happen at any time, whether you have a newly diagnosed sight loss or have lived with low vision for many years.  However, there are many positive things you can do to increase your sense of wellbeing:

Take advantage of all the support and services that are available.  We can help you to learn new skills and ways of doing things to maintain your independence and help you ‘feel like you’ again.

Connect with other people.  We also run a wide range of groups and activities here at Merchantgate, from board games to mobile technology, while our Community Project can support you to make links and join activities in your own local community.  Alternatively, our Home Visiting Service can link you with a trained volunteer who can support you to keep doing the things you enjoy.

Eat a healthy diet and exercise if you can.  MySight York runs a weekly exercise class as well Boccia and Tai Chi.  We can also tell you about other opportunities to be active in York, including free guided walks in the city.

Sight loss can have a significant emotional as well as a practical impact.  At certain times it may be helpful to have someone independent to talk to.  The MySight York Talking Space counselling service is free, and can offer you one to one confidential appointments at Merchantgate.  RNIB, the Macular Society and Blind Veterans UK all offer telephone counselling services.  If none of these is suitable, ask your GP for a referral to a service you would prefer.

There is so much support locally and nationally to help you ‘live well with sight loss’.  Please contact us if you would like help in finding solutions that work for you.

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