The sight loss advice line run by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is set to see a 240 per cent increase in calls about emotional support from 2016 to 2019.

There are around 86,900 people living with sight loss in the North East. This is set to increase to 107,000 by 2030, highlighting the need for emotional and practical advice for blind and partially people.

Statistics show that calls focused on emotional support are set to triple, increasing from 2,021 calls in 2016 to a projected 7,000 calls in 2019. Questions around emotional support are one of the top three reasons why people spoke to the advice line in 2018 and is expected to remain in the top three for 2019.

When diagnosed with an eye condition or experiencing a sudden change in vision, having someone you can trust to turn to for support and advice can make a huge difference. RNIB is raising awareness of its flagship Sight Loss Advice Service, which provides practical and emotional support over the phone, face-to-face at many hospital eye clinics, or through online information.

Sharon Gardner, Network Manager for RNIB in the North East, said: “Living with sight loss can have a massive impact on your life and we believe everyone should have access to emotional support. We know that when people get the support they need, they can rebuild their resilience and a sense of optimism about the future.

“It’s not just the big, life-changing aspects that people need support with. Sometimes it’s the smaller, everyday things that stop people in their tracks or prevent them from living the life they want to.

“These questions or fears can chip away at your emotional wellbeing if you don’t tackle them and RNIB’s Sight Loss Advice Service can help with this.

“Our Sight Loss Advisers and Eye Clinic Liaison Officers receive specialist training on living with sight loss, and many have personal experience of sight loss themselves.”

RNIB’s Helpline received almost 250,000 calls during 2018. Calls to RNIB range from topics such emotional support to employment, benefits, education, legal rights and technology.

Get in touch with on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk/advice for more information.