Can I help by volunteering?
We are reliant on Volunteers to help us to achieve and deliver our Mission. There are lots of different ways for people to get involved through volunteering.
Social Groups
We are always looking for volunteers to support our social groups. This role may include phoning around the members to remind them of the next group meeting, organising activities for the group based on what the group wants to do, encouraging membership of the group and helping to set up, take subs etc.
What we look for in a social group volunteer:
- Someone who is organised
- A good communicator and listener
- Someone who is creative and solution focussed
Activity Groups
We have several exciting activity groups including tandem cycling, gym sessions, swimming sessions etc. and we need volunteers who are eager to get involved. These roles 2may involve more physical effort, such as riding a tandem bike, assisting with sight guiding into the pool area, or helping with the gym equipment etc.
What we look for in an activity group volunteer:
- Someone with a good level of fitness
- Someone who is sociable
- Someone who is organised
Telephone befrienders
Telephone befriender volunteers will phone people who are isolated for a chat. The chat may last for half and hour to an hour at least once a month.
What we look for in a telephone befriender is someone who is:
- Sociable and chatty
- A good communicator
- A good listener
Befrienders
Befrienders are people who will go out and visit people with vision impairments in their own home. The purpose of the befrienders service is to help alleviate isolation. Our in person befrienders will visit people, have a cup of tea and a chat and will break up the monotony that some people may experience.
What we look for in a befriender is someone who is:
- Sociable and chatty
- A good listener
- Ideally a driver because some people live out of town however, we can match with people closer
- Someone who can commit to a minimum of 3 hours a month for 6 months.
Some Kind Words About Our Services
“I started volunteering with Vision Support in September 2023, supporting swim buddy sessions. I thoroughly enjoy my time volunteering with the charity and its lovely to witness and be a part of a close community that is supportive and kind to one another. It’s a pleasure to be a part of.”
“My wife, Christine, and I retired in 2018 have always done a lot of cycling together on our tandem. However, I wanted to increase my mileage to keep fit, and in December 2018 I met Mark and John at a Vision Support event held at Bren’s Bikes in Chester. We started riding together on the trusty tandem on 2nd January 2019 and I have continued riding with Mark, usually twice a week, ever since, clocking up 4,000 miles so far, a distance equivalent to Chester to Pakistan. Mark took to the tandem immediately, calling it the ‘magic carpet’, though it has since developed some creaks and rattles.
John sadly died in 2022, but in June of that year, again through Vision Support, I met Edris, also a keen cyclist, and we have been riding ever since.
Mark, Edris and I have become friends and it’s so much more pleasant to be riding with someone rather than by myself, so it’s a win-win situation. Mark and Edris are fine stokers! Cycling is great for the exercise and for the company. We have kept going through the winters, in all weathers, although generally call it off in heavy rain. Along with Martin as the second ‘pilot’, the four of us did the Chester-Liverpool-Chester cycle ride in July 2023, a total of around 60 miles.”
“I began working in the Rhyl Office on 29th January 2014. In this day I began helping with the Social Club and also the Walking Group (this disbanded due to lack of support). I also helped with the Abergele Hospital Stand which took place every 2 months. I also helped with the Conwy Sight Loss Group which met once a month.
I absolutely love the work, both helping and meeting people. I feel that I understand the problems of people with sight loss better.”
Volunteer FAQs
How do I become a Vision Support Volunteer?
First, get in touch and we will arrange a friendly chat to introduce ourselves and find out how you would like to be involved. Then, we go through the volunteering application process, including references and a DBS Check where needed. Once this is complete you will get an induction to give you some information on vision impairment and the charity. Then you are ready to go! We are happy to go at your speed with this process.
I don’t have much time spare, can I still volunteer?
Yes! We have flexible roles such as a telephone befriender which can be done from wherever you are! A short friendly phone call a week or fortnight makes a big difference to someone who is lonely or isolated.
Otherwise, we have more ad-hoc roles where you can choose to help on bigger trips or activities.
What experience do I need to become a Volunteer?
None! Your induction included Vision Impairment Awareness Training and discussion about your volunteering role. Your Community Engagement Coordinator is on hand to help too.
Can I do more than one Volunteer role with Vision Support?
Yes!
How much time do I need to give?
As much or little as you have; we have volunteer roles which are time flexible, ad-hoc, or just once per month.
Is there training available?
We provide you with vision impairment awareness training as part of your induction and can set up shadowing opportunities. We also share other training opportunities in our volunteer newsletter.
Will I be insured?
Yes, Vision Support Volunteers are covered by our insurance when performing their role.
How old do I have to be?
Currently, our volunteers do need to be 18+
Can I volunteer from home?
Yes, we have a number of volunteer roles which can be done from the comfort of your home. For example, telephone befriending, and social group admin caller.
Do I get expenses paid?
We do pay reasonable expenses for some roles, this will be discussed and agreed with your community engagement coordinator.
Can I leave if I don’t like it?
Yes, we also know that life changes happen, so time availability changes too.
Can I volunteer for Vision Support if I am Vision Impaired?
Absolutely! If you are vision impaired and would like to volunteer for us, please contact us and we can discuss roles and any potential adjustments if needed.
Does Vision Support provide references for volunteers?
Yes, if you have volunteers with us for over 3 months, we are happy to provide references. We always want to support our volunteers to develop.
Can I say no to volunteer opportunities or requests?
Yes, you’re free to decline any requests. We are grateful for any time you can give us. However, once you commit to an opportunity, we ask that you honour your commitment to avoid any disappointment/cancelations. If something changes, please notify us as soon as possible.
