Social Activity and Sighted Guide Volunteer

Volunteer role:

Out and about

Country:

Northern Ireland

Would you like to help blind and partially sighted people to gain independence and self-confidence through participating in events, activities and hobbies? RNIB NI is looking for friendly and helpful volunteers to act as sighted guides and assist with a range of social activities.

RNIB NI is committed to supporting blind and partially sighted people through a range of services that we provide. Our community access service works with individuals and their key health and social care professionals with the aim of sustaining the individuals independence, ensuring that events and activities in their local areas are inclusive and also encouraging people to continue to participate in their hobbies and leisure activities.

This role will require an Enhanced Access NI check.

What will I be doing?

  • Assist service users to gain self confidence through their hobbies and leisure activities
  • To work on a one-to-one or group basis with blind or partially sighted individuals
  • Act as a sighted guide during leisure activities and other events
  • Provide a listening and supportive ear
  • Advise people on RNIB and local services that are available to them
  • Providing regular updates to RNIB NI staff on progress

What skills and qualities can I bring to this role?

  • Ability to work on own initiative
  • Friendly, helpful and understanding
  • Good communication and listening skills
  • To have a non-judgemental approach to people, have empathy
  • Be enthusiastic, flexible and reliable
  • Ability to encourage and motivate individuals to participate in activities
  • A commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner

When will I be needed?

The hours for this are flexible (preferably daytime/ weekends). This can be arranged with your volunteer manager

Where will I be volunteering?

One or more of the following areas, Armagh, Newry and Banbridge.

What will I gain from the role?

  • Experience to get back into the workplace
  • Practical experience of working with blind/partially sighted people
  • A sense of satisfaction

What support will I be given?

  • Induction
  • Understanding Sight Loss Pack
  • Expenses - all out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed including expenses to attend training
  • 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

Last updated: 7 August 2012

Make a donation

Right now we can only reach one in three of the people who need our help most.

Please make a donation and help us support more blind and partially sighted people.