Could you spare a couple of hours a week to help a blind or partially sighted person increase their independence with travel and shopping? If so, we have a great opportunity for you! We are looking for someone who can support blind and partially sighted people to become more confident and independent when shopping or travelling within Birmingham.
This role will include providing sighted guide assistance to a blind or partially sighted person whilst travelling on public transport, building their confidence with shopping or practicing a regular used route.
An enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure check is required for this role.
What will I be doing?
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Guiding a blind or partially sighted person while shopping and/or travelling (identifying things such as labels, signs, time tables, special offers etc)
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Offering support for regular or one off journeys when using public or independent transport
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Providing sighted guide support to help orientate a blind or partially sighted person when practicing a regularly travelled route
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Developing links with a blind or partially sighted person to existing shopping support, such as, introducing the person to the sighted guide staff in many of the major supermarkets and retail outlets
What skills and qualities can I bring to this role?
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A good communicator
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Flexibility
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Ability to travel independently
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Friendly and sociable
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Enthusiasm for supporting blind and partially sighted people
When will I be needed?
The role is flexible and will depend on your availability and when the service is required.
Where will I be volunteering?
This will depend on where you are happy to travel to and from within the Birmingham area.
What will I gain from the role?
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A sense of achievement through supporting blind and partially sighted people to be as independent as possible
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A greater understanding of how people manage with sight loss
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Meeting new people
What support will I be given?
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Full training will be provided to all volunteers
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Understanding Sight Loss pack
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Expenses to cover travel and subsistence
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Supervision and support from the Project Coordinator or a volunteer leader
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