NCBI is planning to run a peer mentoring pilot scheme in the greater Dublin area over the forthcoming months and would be very interested in hearing from anybody who might like to take part in either the training to become a mentor or to be supported by a mentor themselves.

Being involved in the peer mentoring programme will mean having the support of somebody who is in a similar situation, in this instance, having a vision impairment, with a view to supporting and encouraging them to overcome practical difficulties in daily life that are related to their sight loss. This could be getting out and about, shopping, dining out, handling money, employment issues or dealing with officials.

The idea is that the person acting in the role of peer mentor would already have overcome one or some of these difficulties themselves and be in a position to facilitate another person with sight loss. The role is a voluntary one, but expenses incurred would be reimbursed and supervision of work provided.

We hope to begin training potential peer mentors early in the New Year and would be looking for men and women aged between 18 and 65 who feel they have adjusted well to having their sight loss, who possess good interpersonal skills, are reliable and positive in outlook. Anyone interested in either becoming a peer mentor or availing of the support of a peer mentor should contact:

Jane Baird on 086 8321075, email: jane.baird@ncbi.ie
Margo O’Connor at margo.oconnor@ncbi.ie