Examining the impact of a Volunteer-Delivered counselling service for people experiencing sight loss: a mixed methods evaluation

Summary

This article describes a mixed methods evaluation of a volunteer-delivered counselling service for people experiencing sight loss, to identify the outcomes, benefits, and challenges of this model of service provision within rehabilitation. Semi-structured interviews and surveys with 22 volunteer counsellors and 4 senior counsellors were conducted. Analysis showed a significant positive change in clinical outcomes for service users who received volunteer-delivered counselling services. Volunteer-delivered counselling can be effective for people affected by sight loss, providing accessible and much-needed psychological support. There are key lessons for future models of this type.