This Children’s Mental Health Week, we’re thrilled to share information from RSBC about their Families First services.

RSBC Families First – Supporting Families of Vision Impaired Children and Young People

Discovering that your child has a vision impairment can be a difficult and confusing time.  You may feel anxious and apprehensive about what the future holds and have lots of questions.

You will have some important decisions to make about your child’s future, including their education.  We will help you to explore your options so that you can make the right decision for your child and your family.  We will also help you to build the confidence to take the lead in developing your child’s independence and life skills so that your child has the courage and motivation to explore, learn and play.

RSBC Family Practitioners

RSBC’s Family Practitioners are experienced professionals who have training and expertise in working therapeutically with children, young people and their families.

They are able to provide emotional support at every stage of your family’s experience with sight loss, whether you have recently found out about your child’s sight condition, or if their sight loss is part of other needs.  They will help you to understand the condition and prognosis, deal with challenges and build confidence so that your family can access every opportunity to ensure that your child has a fulfilled and happy life. 

Of course, sight loss doesn’t just affect your child – it affects the whole family and so RSBC’s Family Practitioners offer one-to-one support for your whole family. This can cover a range of issues including family relationships and the impact on other siblings, as well as how it may affect the child’s cognitive and physical development or their ability to build friendships.

Our support is tailored to the needs of each individual family which may involve home visits, working directly with the child at school, as well as providing support via telephone/email. RSBC Family Practitioners also use a variety of interventions, for example, using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy informed approaches to help improve anxiety, depression, lack of confidence and self-belief.  Other approaches might include art therapy, relaxation techniques, social skills building and linking with other professionals when it’s necessary.

You can contact us on:

T:  020 3198 0225

E:  info@rsbc.org.uk

W: rsbc.org.uk

Resources

Read our other blogs for Children’s Mental Health Week in our Stories Section.