Charles Bonnet Syndrome

Esme’s Umbrella is a charity that raises awareness and supports people affected by Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), a condition in which sight loss triggers vivid visual hallucinations. These may range from patterns and coloured shapes to people, animals or entire scenes. CBS is not a mental health condition, yet it can be frightening and isolating, particularly when people do not know what is happening or fear disclosing their experiences.

The charity provides information and support for individuals and their families, helping them understand and manage life with CBS. Its work also aims to improve public and professional understanding, encourage research and secure funding for better knowledge of the condition and its effects. Esme’s Umbrella offers resources on living with and managing CBS, with dedicated information for children and young people, alongside news and research updates.

Donations and membership help sustain its awareness and support work. The charity is named for Esme, whose distressing experience of CBS inspired the organisation’s mission: to ensure people affected by the syndrome are better informed, heard and supported