Volunteers are crucial to the work of Vision Support. We have a number of opportunities for volunteers including telefriending, running social activities and clubs, fundraising, and helping in Resource Centres and on the Mobile Information Units. We recognise the importance of volunteers in helping us to continue to deliver the support and services we offer and therefore ensure that all of our volunteers receive training and ongoing support from a dedicated team of volunteer co-ordinators. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and can be a great source of enjoyment.
What sort of people volunteer?
Vision Support volunteers are ordinary people who come from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups. They are interested in supporting Vision Support's aims and have a desire to support people with a visual impairment people to take charge of their own lives. Volunteers enable users of Vision Support's services to enjoy their independence and to participate in their communities.
What do volunteers do?
Some of the many ways that volunteers can help members include:
- Being a telefriender
- Supporting other members through peer support activities
- Assisting with recreation and social activities
- Providing support at the Resource Centres and Mobile Units
- Helping with Local fundraising projects
- Getting involved in the local community and helping to raise the profile of Vision Support.
To find out more, visit the Volunteer Roles section.
How much time is required?
This depends on how much time the volunteer is able to give and the role they take on. Both longer and shorter term roles are offered. Local Volunteer Coordinators can provide more information.
How do I become a Vision Support volunteer?
Vision Support will:
- Send out information about volunteering and an 'Offer of help' form
- Talk about areas of interest, strengths and availability
- Ask for permission to conduct reference checks
- Ask that the volunteer sign a 'Volunteer Agreement', which covers important issues such as confidentiality, their role and the support that the organisation gives them.
Once selected as a Vision Support volunteer
Volunteers need to attend an orientation programme that explains in detail what the organisation does, the different types of eye conditions members have and a range of blindness awareness matters. There is training in how to guide a person with a visual impairment safely. Volunteers are then matched with a role that is right for them and will receive regular and ongoing support, as well as invitations to recognition functions, refresher training and the opportunity to further participate in other work of Vision Support (if they wish).
Vision Support makes reimbursement for agreed expenses.
If you are interested in volunteering your time, please call our Head Office and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator in your area.
