Hundreds of blind and partially sighted people in Wales are better off thanks to RNIB Cymru's Welfare Rights service. Now the charity is offering members of the public the chance to get involved and support the service through new volunteering opportunities.
Sight loss can result in additional expenses that make day-to-day life difficult, but RNIB Cymru has experienced advisors to guide blind and partially sighted people through the benefits maze. The volunteers will telephone customers of the Welfare Rights Service to gather information on the quality of the service they received, and the difference the service has made to them. Having volunteers on hand to respond to any questions, concerns or worries the customers might have will be both a fantastic resource for RNIB Cymru, and a rewarding opportunity for the volunteers.
Jo Lawson, RNIB Cymru's Independent Living Manager, said:
"With sight loss set to double in the next 40 years, my job is to make sure that blind and partially sighted people in Wales get the benefits that they deserve, helping to eliminate poverty.
"Last year, we supported 484 people in getting nearly a million pounds in under-claimed benefits; and in 10 years of operating we have secured £33 million pounds of actual income for our customers.
"The Welfare Rights volunteers will provide vital information that will inform how we shape the service to better suit the needs of our customers."
To find out more about this exciting opportunity, please go to our volunteering pages or contact Jo Lawson on 029 2029 4554.