This volunteering project has been set up to support isolated blind and partially sighted people in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The project has been initiated to ensure blind and partially sighted people remain independent as much as possible and to help them with the small tasks that they find they cannot do. These tasks can be done either by a visit or by telephone.
This role requires an Enhanced Check for Regulated Activity
What will I be doing?
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Providing a listening support for the client.
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Provide some guidance around basic issues e.g how to contact social services.
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Advise people on Action for Blind People services that are available
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Assist with reading post
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Helping with correspondence
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Reading e.g. newsletters or magazines
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Assist with enquiries about Talking Books
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Keep in contact by telephone
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Guide for short walks
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An occasional trip in your own car if you wish to offer this
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To regularly feed back each month the dates of your visits, duration and a brief overview of the visit, including any non-urgent issues that need to be raised.
What skills and qualities can I bring to this role?
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Ability to listen
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Able to communicate with people, as well as being able to listen and be empathetic to peoples' issues and needs
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Able to work on your own initiative and be practical and flexible in your role
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You are reliable, committed and treat all information in a confidential manner
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As Action works mainly with older people, an empathy with this group would be a positive thing
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Interested in people and empathetic to their needs
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Able to encourage and motivate people to participate in activities
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Friendly, helpful and understanding
When will I be needed?
Two hours per week, the time and day of visit is to be mutually arranged between the client and volunteer. Regular contact to be maintained, we require at least six months commitment.
Where will I be volunteering?
In our clients' own homes, in realistic distance of volunteer's home, or, occasional trips in car if volunteer wishes to offer this. The transport of customers in your own car where agreed and appropriate, will be subject to the necessary registration and insurance checks. The cost of any travel whilst on a visit will need to be paid by the customer. Travel to and from the customer's house or other place of meeting will be paid by Action for Blind People.
What will I gain from the role?
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New experiences
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New skills
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An understanding of the difficulties faced by other people
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Knowledge that you will be helping to fill an important gap in an isolated person's life
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Confidence in the field of befriending
What support will I be given?
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Induction
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Understanding Sight Loss training
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Expenses - all out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed including expenses to attend training
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Supervision and support from your volunteer manager/co-ordinator
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Guide skills
How do I apply?
To apply for this role, please complete and return the Application form (Word 79KB) to volunteering@rnib.org.uk.
If you would like the application form in a different format (such as standard print, large print, braille or audio) or if you have any general enquiries, please contact the Volunteering Team on: 0845 603 0575 or 01733 375 450 or email volunteering@rnib.org.uk