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“Hi, I’m Hayley, I started volunteering at SRSB/RSS and took part in numerous fundraising events like a parachute jump, wing walk and fire walk.
I encountered SRSB before this as a client aged 23 after receiving a diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). I cannot thank SRSB enough for getting me through some challenging times in my life during my sight loss journey. From diagnosis, through emotional and physical challenges over the years and still at this present day I feel supported and able to ask for help if needed.
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"I started working at SRSB as an Emotional Support Officer 6 years ago. I previously worked as a children’s nurse, but I had to redirect my career as this became difficult with sight loss. Being an Emotional Support Officer was an amazing opportunity for me to use my nursing skills and gave me the chance to study counselling skills to provide clients with the support needed to come to terms with their own sight loss journey.
"I have recently changed my role to Community Support Officer where I am transferring my skills to help clients who are newly referred to us or whose circumstances may have changed and require further support. I’m a friendly phone call to introduce new clients to our services and provide reassurance that you are not alone in the situation they have been presented with. I will discuss clients’ present needs with them or family members/carers and identify areas that we may be able to provide advice and support with. From here a plan can be made as to what services a client may be directed to. This maybe a visit from our Community Advice Officers, referrals to other departments like equipment, technology, emotional support, counselling and much more, or encouragement to come and see what goes on in and out of the Centres with our fantastic activities on offer.
"I love working for SRSB/RSS there’s never a dull moment in the Centres and always an opportunity to help with other things going on from coffee mornings, support groups to rifle shooting and lively weekends away! Involvement with activities is encouraged and this is a great opportunity to be face to face with clients and see their confidence grow. As someone who has a visual impairment, I definitely have the best of both worlds being a client and working in such a great place with a great team of staff."