A counsellor in glasses and a dark jacket makes notes on a clipboard while listening to a woman sitting across from her, in a bright, homely office.

Support & Activities

Time and space to talk

Changes in your eyesight, or that of a relative, can sometimes be difficult to manage and can impact on your health & well-being.

Counselling offers a safe, confidential space to talk openly about any emotional difficulties you may be experiencing in a confidential and supportive environment with a professional who will listen without judgement.

The Talking Space Service is available free of charge to anyone affected by sight loss

Is counselling right for you?

Taking the first step can feel daunting, but you do not need to have the right words or all the answers. To help, we offer you the opportunity to have an informal meeting with the counsellor. They will discuss your reasons for seeking counselling and will help you to explore whether counselling is right for you. Counselling could be right if:

You’ve recently been diagnosed and are struggling to adjust

You’re feeling anxious, low, or overwhelmed

You seem to be coping on the surface, but something doesn’t feel right

You’re experiencing a loss of confidence or independence

You’re supporting someone with sight loss and need space to talk

You have had other changes in your life which you are struggling to deal with

You want someone outside your family and friends to listen

If something is on your mind, that’s reason enough to get in touch.

Get in touch

What counselling looks like

Our Talking Space service offers one-to-one counselling for people living with sight loss, as well as family members and friends. You are the expert on your own life, and your counsellor is there to listen and support you.

We offer up to eight sessions with a qualified counsellor or trainee counsellor. The number of sessions maybe extended if you and your counsellor decide this would be beneficial.

Sessions take place in private confidential settings at MySight York or an alternative venue in York. Alternative ways of accessing the service can be discussed on an individual basis.

Step 1: Get in touch

Reach out to our team. Ask questions, find out more about the service, or arrange an initial appointment.

Step 2: Your first conversation

To ensure that we are the right service for you will be offered an initial meeting to meet with the counsellor. They will ensure that the Talking Space service is right for you and agree your starting date and time.

Step 3: Ongoing support

After agreeing your start date and time you will meet with them on the same day at the same time each week.

Each counselling session will last for 50 minutes. Sessions are shaped around you.

Any breaks such as holidays or other commitment such as hospital appointment will be shared with each other to ensure that the dates you are not available are known and planned for.

Practical details:

• One-to-one counselling sessions
• Available to people with sight loss, and their family or friends
• Sessions are shaped around you
• We’ll talk you through session format, frequency, and availability when you get in touch

Two women in conversation on cream sofas — a counsellor leans forward attentively as a younger woman gestures while speaking.

Confidentiality within the Talking Space Service at MySight York

What you share never leaves the counselling room

Your counselling sessions are private and confidential. Although there are exceptions when a counsellor has a legal and ethical duty of care to the client in line with British Association for Counselling (BACP) guidelines.

We know trust takes time, and your counsellor will always be open about how your information is handled.

This is your space to talk freely, without judgement or expectations.

Person using a laptop while talking on a smartphone, sat at a table.

Urgent support

Help is available - you are not alone

MySight York Talking Space service is not a crisis service. If you, a family member or friend are in crisis, or need urgent or emergency these are the organisations we recommend you contact.

Immediate danger Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department.

24/7 Crisis support:

NHS 111- (Option 2) to reach the NHS mental Health First Response Service. It is free, available 24/7, and connects you directly to trained mental health trained professionals.
Samaritans National helpline 116 123. Confidential, free from any phone, and available 24/7.

Local Support North Yorkshire

Mental Health Crisis Service 0800 0516 171 – available 24/7.

Take the next step

If counselling feels like the right next step, or you would like to learn more, please get in touch.

Still not sure counselling is right for you?

Get in touch, and we can talk through your options together.

Call us on 01904 636269 Email hello@mysightyork.org

Other ways MySight York can help

A worktop and shelf displaying assistive equipment: large-button phones, handheld and stand magnifiers, talking clocks, a video magnifier, task lamps, and a book on a wooden reading stand.

Equipment & information Centre

Try out equipment and get practical advice to manage the everyday challenges of life with sight loss.

Find out more

A young man in dark glasses and a woman laugh together across a table, in a room displaying wearable technology.

Digital Inclusion

Build your confidence with assistive technologies, stay connected with the digital world and learn new skills.

Explore digital support

A woman in tinted glasses reads a booklet alongside an eye care liaison officer.

Eye Clinic Support - Sight Support Service

Get practical and emotional support after a diagnosis of sight loss.

Access Counselling

Eye Conditions

Activities & Groups

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