RNIB Group is an organisation 'of' blind and partially sighted people. Part of its mission is to challenge blindness by empowering blind and partially sighted people and removing the barriers they face. RNIB Group provides volunteering opportunities, as well as support to blind and partially sighted people, to enable them to volunteer.
Why volunteer?
Volunteers gain a variety of things from volunteering - new skills and experiences, the opportunity to meet new people and to contribute to RNIB Group's work. In some cases, volunteering is a route to employment.
Anna Farmiloe, an RNIB staff member who is partially sighted says, "Volunteering with RNIB has really helped me to get back into work. I have met lots of new people and my confidence in a working environment has grown. I have also found it useful to establish a work routine and to have up to date work experience on my CV. This would show potential employers that I have been investing in my personal development and that I have been making an effort to keep my skills up to date."
Roles and support
The majority of volunteering roles advertised can be carried out by blind or partially sighted people. There are some exceptions, such as driving roles. Other roles can be done with some support if needed. For example, administration roles can be done with support from Access Technology (CCTVs, IT software, notetakers, etc) available in RNIB Group offices. A support volunteer may be available to help with tasks such as filing, photocopying, and dealing with post if needed.
Kerry Pedley, Volunteering Development Manager says "Many offices across RNIB Group have practical support available. For example, two hot desks have been set up in Edinburgh and Belfast to enable more blind and partially sighted people to apply for their volunteering roles. Staff and volunteers are also trained in visual awareness to enable them to support individuals."
Volunteer managers may also adapt roles. If particular tasks are difficult, the role may be changed and it may also be possible to be flexible regarding the location of the volunteering role.
Examples of roles that blind and partially sighted people are volunteering for include: administration, health and safety, Braille group facilitation, telephone group facilitation, information giving and visual awareness tutors.
What are you waiting for?
Peter McGeer, a Health, Safety and Environment volunteer who is partially sighted says, "People volunteer for many different reasons. I would encourage anyone to get involved as it invariably provides opportunities to learn new skills. It can also be great fun!"
How to apply
To find out what roles are available in your region, select the link for your region from the RNIB Group volunteering opportunities page or contact the Volunteering Team on 0845 60 30 575 or 01733 375450 or email volunteering@rnib.org.uk.
The Volunteering Team can provide you with an application pack in your preferred reading format and can assist you to fill out the form if necessary.