Bowling at a social club
“I came to SAB in a desperate state following a sudden loss of sight. By becoming a volunteer at SAB I found others who had many more disabilities than I and I enjoyed being able to assist them. I am a lucky one whose sight has been partially restored. Volunteering helped my depression and made me realise I was still able to do a lot of things! Thank you SAB." Anon
Volunteering can change lives, here are some of the ways you can get involved…
Admin Assistance
Assistance is needed in our members’ offices with general admin such as data entry and answering the phones.
Benefit Form Assistance
Volunteers are needed to assist clients with filling in the form to help obtain an attendance or disability living allowance.
Clubs, social events and support groups
Volunteers are always needed to help to run activities for visually impaired people, from lunch clubs and crafts to quizzes and aromatherapy.
Communication Class Drivers/Helpers
A driver would drive a client to their communication class weekly and can stay and assist the client to learn Braille, Moon or touch typing (no experience is necessary for this role, it is more of a buddy scheme).
Driving
Drivers are always needed, whether you are using your own car or the association’s minibus, transport provides vital support for the blind and visually impaired.
Equipment Delivery
A bulky item such as a radio cassette player or large button telephone can be delivered to a client’s home by a volunteer who will ensure that it is set up correctly and that the client knows how to use it.
Home Visitors / Eye Buddies
The home visiting scheme matches volunteers and client's needs at their homes. The volunteer visits the client o
n a regular basis to talk, read, help with bills or letters or go for walks according to a client's wishes.
IT Training
IT Training
Become an IT tutor on our specially adapted computer courses for the visually impaired.
Low Vision Assistants
This role involves teaching a client reading techniques, with the support of a qualified dispensing optician.
Low Vision Clinic Follow Up Support
In this role you will provide information and advice at voluntarily run eye clinic help points that aim to support patients at the point of diagnosis of their eye condition.
Maintaining Centres and Gardens
Members’ buildings and sensory gardens are often in need of some care and attention too – if you have amazing DIY skills or green fingers then get in touch.
Newsletter
If you are a budding reporter then our members need you to provide editorial content for their newsletters.
Phone Friends
Phone Friends befriend clients over the telephone. Some of our phone friends are themselves visually impaired.
Public Speaking
A small group of volunteers some of whom are visually impaired go and speak at schools, clubs and other groups about visual impairment and the work of some of our member charities.
Talking News Islington
Tandem Scheme
Experienced cyclists are needed to be front riders on tandems, enabling visually impaired people to enjoy the pleasure of cycling. No tandem experience necessary.
Transcription / Audio Taping / Talking Newspaper
Volunteers are needed to assist with recording and editing the local talking newspaper and other audio resources.
Trips Out
Volunteers are needed to accompany visually impaired people on day trips, and also to provide transport.
