In 2023, there were just under 350,000 registered blind and partially sighted people in the UK. However, sources at the RNIB put this figure much higher as registration is not mandatory. The inconsistency of local rehabilitation provisions and the demand for more interactive counselling opportunities have often been highlighted by Eye Matter members. Suzie Simons (Eye Matter’s founder) created the initiative to not only provide vital support for members but opportunities for visually impaired trainee counsellors.
Nick French who formerly worked for Action for the Blind, has been engaged as a Volunteer Manager to oversee the project. He said about the opportunity, “I have known and worked with Suzie Simons for approximately 15 years and was delighted when she asked me if I would like to manage a counselling project that Eye Matter was developing. I have watched Eye Matter grow into the fantastic organisation that it has become and am really looking forward to working with the team and to be managing such an important and much needed service.”
Nick explained the importance of engaging visually impaired people within all levels of this project, “I feel that nobody understands sight loss and the difficulties associated with it more than visually impaired people themselves. Losing some or all of one’s vision is life changing in so many ways and I feel that it is crucial that, if you have lost vision, you get support and understanding from others who have been or are going through the same journey.”
In December 2025, six finalists were selected from 16 applicants by a panel consisting of Joanna Barnard, Jules Sander, and Suzie Simons, concluding, “We are very pleased with the strength and diversity of the shortlisted candidates.” This programme will match service users to a specific counsellor for 8 weeks. All counsellors will receive supervision to guide their interactions with members within a confidential relationship.
This project is conducted on Zoom at a mutually agreed time. If you would like to register your interest to receive counselling, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the reference ‘Counselling’.
A small charge will be asked for each session. This will be £10 per session or £7 if you are on a means-tested benefit.