RSBC understands that having a visual impairment can be an enormous challenge both for children and young people as well as for their families. Whether a condition is diagnosed at or shortly after birth or develops during childhood or adolescence, the implications are significant, and many people families will want or need some help to manage these. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential.
Alongside our colleagues in health and education, who can support the practical aspects of managing a visual impairment, we are able to offer emotional support to children and families.
RSBC Family Practitioners within the RSBC Families First service provide support focused on a family's emotional needs, particularly at times of difficulty such as diagnosis, deterioration of vision and life events such as starting or moving school.
As a service we aim to provide evidence-based interventions that build emotional resilience, improve coping skills and promote positive parenting. With the child or young person at the centre of our work, we offer a holistic approach which considers the needs of the whole family and looks to work in partnership with the child or young person and their family.
Who is the service for?
Children and Young People (aged 0-25) with a vision impairment, and their families.
How this is provided:
We can offer targeted direct support to children and young people, aged 0-25 who are vision impaired as well as working in partnership with their parents and carers, and other professionals within the family network. This support may be short or long term, face to face or over the phone/video, at home or in school, and aims to support children to thrive by supporting emotional wellbeing, improving confidence and self-esteem and building resilience.
We accept referrals from families directly or from professionals, either direct to myself or through our head office. We would then agree a support plan with reviews as required.
This service is free of charge.