Focus Birmingham’s Telephone Befriending Service, funded by the Barclays UK Covid-19 Community Relief Fund, offers emotional support to individuals with sight loss, aiming to reduce isolation and loneliness. The service provides one-to-one and group support through trained volunteers, guided by a specialist sight-loss counselor.

Launched in response to the pandemic, the service helps improve mental wellbeing and provides a lifeline for those struggling with anxiety and depression. The online system matches volunteers with individuals, schedules calls, and tracks mental health, referring to specialist counseling if needed.

Currently, there is a waiting list while more volunteers are recruited. To apply, or for more information, contact phillipsh@focusbirmingham.org.uk.