Buddy Volunteer

Description

Blind and partially sighted people tell us the support they receive from others that have experienced something similar, can have a hugely positive impact. It can help them to navigate life with sight loss, receive valuable support and access help and guidance on a range of topics at a potentially difficult time.

RNIB is seeking volunteers with sight loss to make a real difference to blind and partially sighted people and those with a vision-related concern, by supporting someone who is either newly diagnosed, or who is experiencing a challenging time in their sight loss journey. Draw upon your own adaptation journey, and enable others to become as confident as you in living a day-to-day life.

As a Buddy you will be matched with a customer remotely on a one-to-one basis for a period of 6 weeks. During this time, you will connect with them and provide support over the phone, by email, video call, or social media. You will create an opportunity for the individual to feel better about their situation by listening well, showing empathy and understanding, providing reassurance and encouragement, sharing your own experiences that might be helpful, as well as signposting to RNIB and other appropriate support. There is flexibility on the number of matched customers you have at any one time.

What you’ll gain from the role:
•An opportunity to utilise your own lived experience of being blind or partially sighted to help others.
•A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, sharing information and working together to help individuals on their sight loss journey.
•New skills that could enhance your CV and open up other opportunities in RNIB and beyond.

•An opportunity to connect with others including RNIB staff and volunteers.

How you will be supported in your role:
Comprehensive training will be provided and will continue throughout your volunteering. Your dedicated volunteer manager will keep in touch via regular catchups and updates.