RNIB Tate House provides comprehensive services to blind and partially sighted people within a care home environment. It also provides a wide range of activities and services supported by volunteers.
The befriending service supports service users who are blind and partially sighted living within the home. The service ensures people remain independent as much as possible and to help them with the small tasks that they find they cannot do. An enthusiasm to enable clients to take part, awareness of their needs, effective listening skills and a natural empathy for people is required.
This role requires an Enhanced DBS Check.
What will I be doing?
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Working on a one to one basis with service users within the home
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Providing support and a listening ear
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Providing some guidance around basic issues e.g. how to contact social services
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Advising people on RNIB services that are available
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Reading items such as post, newsletters or magazines
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Helping to compose correspondence
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Keeping in contact by telephone
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Supporting the individual and acting as a sighted guide when attending appointments, shopping and other outings
What skills and qualities can I bring to this role?
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Approachable and able to communicate with people
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Ability to listen and be empathetic to people's 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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Able to encourage and motivate people to participate in activities
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Friendly, helpful and understanding
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Able to exercise patience and discretion
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Reliability and a commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner
When will I be needed?
The hours for this post are flexible, days, evenings or weekends. Each visit lasts for 1-2 hours. Visits can be arranged to meet the needs of the individual.
Location
RNIB Tate house, 28, Wetherby Road, Harrogate, HG2 7SA
What will I gain from the role?
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Practical experience of working with blind/partially sighted people
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Personal satisfaction from helping visually impaired adults
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Opportunity to meet like minded volunteers
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New experiences and skills
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An understanding of the difficulties faced by other people
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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 Pack
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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
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