Peter O’Toole
Head of Counselling, Wellbeing & Emotional Support, Vision Ireland Services
In Ireland, one in five people lives with a disability. For people who are blind or vision impaired, this can bring emotional and mental health challenges that are often overlooked.
Inaccessible spaces, communication barriers and changes in daily routines can make it harder to maintain relationships, meet new people or feel truly part of a community.
Feel seen, heard and included
The desire for connection is something we all share. Across Ireland, loneliness is on the rise, for young people, older adults and everyone in between. The need to feel seen, heard and included is universal. At Vision Ireland, our work is grounded in that belief.
The Connection Network befriending service is one example. While it supports individuals who are blind or vision impaired, it speaks to a wider truth that regular, human contact — even a simple phone call — can have a profound impact. As one individual said: “The Connection Network has been my lifeline over the past couple of months, having a cup of tea and a chat brightens my day.”
At Vision Ireland, our work is grounded in that belief.
Reconnect with yourself and nature
Our Nature Connection programme offers forest bathing and mindful walks. These sessions help people slow down, breathe and reconnect with themselves and the world around them. The benefits include reduced stress, better sleep and a greater sense of wellbeing.
In a world that moves ever faster, everyone can benefit from pausing in nature. A regular participant expressed: “I feel so grateful that we have the opportunity to sit deep in the forest and focus on connecting to each other and to nature. Spaces like this are not accessible for me at all anymore, so this is such a joy.”
A community to relate to
Our peer support groups offer shared space for connection, humour and solidarity. Whether you’re navigating vision loss or simply looking for people who understand your journey, having a place to belong is crucial and relatable to anyone who has ever felt disconnected.
At Vision Ireland, our work centres on inclusion, empowerment and belonging — values that matter to everyone. That’s because feeling connected isn’t just good for your mental health; it’s essential to it.
