Make a difference today!

Call on Alice for a chat over a cup of coffee

Our member, Alice, lives alone in the Lisburn area with her cat. She is looking for someone to visit, have a coffee and a chat with her. Perhaps even the odd visit to the cinema.

Alice says " I worked as a Post Office clerk up until 2013 when my sight deteriorated to the point when I became registered blind. Since 2011 I have been living alone and feel very isolated. I have a daughter and grandson and I visit my mother whenever I can. I find the winter especially difficult and struggle during this time due to the darkness and find it more difficult to get out. I love to get out and about though and I enjoy beauty treatments and going shopping. I love having company and having a laugh and would say I'm a very sociable person."
 

Alice uses clear speech but will require guiding. She uses a cane but sometimes will take an arm in unfamiliar places.

Could you be the befriender Alice needs so much? 

No experience is required,just a warm heart and the ability to chat and listen...apply today.

What will you get out of it?

It's a direct way to make a difference to a deafblind person’s life
You will be supporting a great cause, while giving something back to your community
You will build a new friendship and have the opportunities to learn new skills
We will offer you full training, support and guidance throughout your volunteering experience with Deafblind UK
Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses such as mileage or public transport costs.

Qualities and Skills we are looking for:

• We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable Volunteers
• Good communication skills, particularly with regard to conversational skills
• To be reliable and have a genuine interest to make a difference in  lives of deafblind people
• Patience and a warm and friendly attitude

What will we ask for in return?

A regular commitment of one weekly visit – usually 1-3 hours
We will need to undertake two references and a DBS check before this role can start
You will need to be over the age of 18 years to apply for this role

Interested?

Then we want to hear from you...

Make a difference today!

Pop round to Maureen's for a friendly chat and brighten up her week

Our elderly member, Maureen, lives alone in Belfast and is look for a friendly person to visit her for a chat and a cup of tea.

Maureen was born with sight loss and used to work at the Workshop For the Blind.  She still enjoys socialising with friends, going out for short walks and some shopping but due to her decreased mobility and sight loss, finds herself spending a lot of time alone and is feeling lonely and isolated. While she doesn't like a lot of noise any more she would love to have somebody to come and visit her for a chat and possibly get out and about. Maureen says having a bit of a talk to someone would make a huge difference.

Maureen communicates with clear speech but will need guiding and full training will be given in this role.

Could you spare a couple of hours each week? Maureen is flexible with times and is happy for somebody to visit any day of the week.

No experience is required, just a warm heart and the ability to chat and listen. Why not apply today and be the change Maureen needs?

What will you get out of it?

It's a direct way to make a difference to a deafblind person’s life
You will be supporting a great cause, while giving something back to your community
You will build a new friendship and have the opportunities to learn new skills
We will offer you full training, support and guidance throughout your volunteering experience with Deafblind UK
Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses such as mileage or public transport costs.

Qualities and Skills we are looking for:

• We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable Volunteers
• Good communication skills, particularly with regard to conversational skills
• To be reliable and have a genuine interest to make a difference in  lives of deafblind people
• Patience and a warm and friendly attitude

What will we ask for in return?

A regular commitment of one weekly visit – usually 1-3 hours
We will need to undertake two references and a DBS check before this role can start
You will need to be over the age of 18 years to apply for this role

Interested?

Then we want to hear from you...

Make a difference today!

Eira is a native Welsh speaker and would love a chat over a cuppa each week - could you be the change she is so badly in need of?

Our member Eira is 93 and lives alone. She feels extremely lonely and isolated and would love someone to visit her each week to have a good chat (either in Welsh or English) over a cup of tea or a drive to the local shops and library.

Eira is registered blind and due to her sight loss is now unable to take part in the activities she used to get so much out of. She enjoyed knitting, walking and used to play bowls and watching football and other sports but can no longer watch these. She likes to listen to audio books and quizzes and especially likes to chat with others. Eira used to work in a large Insurance firm and was very good with figures. She still has a good memory and enjoys talking about her past.

Ideally you will be a driver with your own transport however she is happy to get on a bus with the support of a volunteer. Eira uses a walker and will need need guiding due to her sight loss. Training will be given as part of this role.

No experience is required - just a warm heart and the ability to chat and listen.

If you can spare a couple of hours any afternoon or early evening, apply today!

What will you get out of it?

It's a direct way to make a difference to a deafblind person’s life
You will be supporting a great cause, while giving something back to your community
You will build a new friendship and have the opportunities to learn new skills
We will offer you full training, support and guidance throughout your volunteering experience with Deafblind UK
Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses such as mileage or public transport costs.

Qualities and Skills we are looking for:

• We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable Volunteers
• Good communication skills, particularly with regard to conversational skills
• To be reliable and have a genuine interest to make a difference in  lives of deafblind people
• Patience and a warm and friendly attitude

What will we ask for in return?

A regular commitment of one weekly visit – usually 1-3 hours
We will need to undertake two references and a DBS check before this role can start
You will need to be over the age of 18 years to apply for this role

Interested?

Then we want to hear from you...

Make a difference today!

Clare is feeling lonely without her husband and would love a visit from a friendly volunteer to cheer her up - could you be the one? 

Our member Clare had a solid career as a civil servant for many years before taking early retirement to care for her husband, she also cared for her mother who's now in a care home and still cares for her disabled son, who lives with her. Although having some family around her its just not the same as a friendly face to have a good natter with over a cup of tea! Clare loves to watch her soaps in particular Emmerdale and Holby city also some films , shes likes romance and history and loved watching the recent services of Victoria. 

Clare is a very caring person who would really highly benefit from volunteer to visit her weekly in her home, build a good friendship and ultimately take her away from the loneliness shes facing.

Could you give your time once a week and make the difference to Clare's life? Apply today 

What will you get out of it?

It's a direct way to make a difference to a deafblind person’s life
You will be supporting a great cause, while giving something back to your community
You will build a new friendship and have the opportunities to learn new skills
We will offer you full training, support and guidance throughout your volunteering experience with Deafblind UK
Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses such as mileage or public transport costs.

Qualities and Skills we are looking for:

We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable Volunteers

Good communication skills, particularly with regard to conversational skills

To be reliable and have a genuine interest to make a difference in  lives of deafblind people

Patience and a warm and friendly attitude

What will we ask for in return?

A regular commitment of one weekly visit – usually 1-3 hours
We will need to undertake two references and a DBS check before this role can start
You will need to be over the age of 18 years to apply for this role

Interested?

Then we want to hear from you...

Make a difference today!

Rod needs some extra company, having a good chat with a volunteer once a week could make all the difference - could you change Rod's life? 

Rod lives with his wife in a remote area in Corwen, where he moved to 37 years ago from Chester. He spent many years a a bus driver, a delivery driver and even a farmer, farming seep and cattle. Having now retired, he does have some family around him, including his son and sister as neighbours, however he would still really benefit from a volunteer as he's finding some days quite lonely. Rod would really like a volunteer to visit weekly and have a good chat over a cuppa or two. He is a very friendly and interesting character, with lots to say and tells many a story, he'll chat about anything and mentioned  "The stove is always on for a brew!".

Rod needs company, a good listener with the a friendly attitude, someone that can drive with own transport would be beneficial as his home is quite remote. 

Could you make a positive difference to Rod's life? then don't wait apply today 

What will you get out of it?

It's a direct way to make a difference to a deafblind person’s life
You will be supporting a great cause, while giving something back to your community
You will build a new friendship and have the opportunities to learn new skills
We will offer you full training, support and guidance throughout your volunteering experience with Deafblind UK
Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses such as mileage or public transport costs.

Qualities and Skills we are looking for:

We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable Volunteers

Good communication skills, particularly with regard to conversational skills

To be reliable and have a genuine interest to make a difference in  lives of deafblind people

Patience and a warm and friendly attitude

What will we ask for in return?

A regular commitment of one weekly visit – usually 1-3 hours
We will need to undertake two references and a DBS check before this role can start
You will need to be over the age of 18 years to apply for this role

Interested?

Then we want to hear from you...

Make a difference today!

Liz has no contact with the community and really needs a volunteer to brighten up her weeks!

Our member Liz has recently moved from New Zealand where she spent many years as an estate agent, now in her 80's and returning to the UK, she unfortunately doesn't have friends or family near by. She lives alone in sheltered accommodation and although led a very active life shes starting to feel very isolated and lonely.  Ideally shes looking for a volunteer to join her for a couple of hours a week to pop to the local shops, cafe or just go for a walk and visit the local area. 

Liz just wants to socialise again, find out whats local to her. She has good mobility and really happy to use public transport to visit places of interest. He health is relatively good although she does have poor short term memory and can forget things.

Visit Liz and give her the stimulating conversation and company she deserves - apply today! 

What will you get out of it?

It's a direct way to make a difference to a deafblind person’s life
You will be supporting a great cause, while giving something back to your community
You will build a new friendship and have the opportunities to learn new skills
We will offer you full training, support and guidance throughout your volunteering experience with Deafblind UK
Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses such as mileage or public transport costs.

Qualities and Skills we are looking for:

We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable Volunteers

Good communication skills, particularly with regard to conversational skills

To be reliable and have a genuine interest to make a difference in  lives of deafblind people

Patience and a warm and friendly attitude

What will we ask for in return?

A regular commitment of one weekly visit – usually 1-3 hours
We will need to undertake two references and a DBS check before this role can start
You will need to be over the age of 18 years to apply for this role

Interested?

Then we want to hear from you...

Make a difference today!

Pop round to Cath's and brighten up her day

Our member Cath is 71 and lives alone in the Tonypandy area.

Due to her mobility issues and sight loss, Cath can no longer get out and about and enjoy the things she used to in life and would love a visitor to spend some time with, build a much needed friendship and share a chat over a cuppa.

Cath used to love reading but is now unable to do so. She enjoys gangster novels by Martina Cole and also Victorian love stories - she loves fiction especially but reads all kinds of books.  She loves a chat about about anything and everything and would especially like someone to have a chat at home with. Cath would also like to try and get out for a walk however she cannot walk far as she has had a hip replacement. if she goes out, she uses a taxi.

Could you make all the difference to Cath's life? No experience is required - just a warm heart and the ability to listen and talk.

Apply and make a difference to Cath's world today

What will you get out of it?

It's a direct way to make a difference to a deafblind person’s life
You will be supporting a great cause, while giving something back to your community
You will build a new friendship and have the opportunities to learn new skills
We will offer you full training, support and guidance throughout your volunteering experience with Deafblind UK
Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses such as mileage or public transport costs.

Qualities and Skills we are looking for:

• We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable Volunteers
• Good communication skills, particularly with regard to conversational skills
• To be reliable and have a genuine interest to make a difference in  lives of deafblind people
• Patience and a warm and friendly attitude

What will we ask for in return?

A regular commitment of one weekly visit – usually 1-3 hours
We will need to undertake two references and a DBS check before this role can start
You will need to be over the age of 18 years to apply for this role

Interested?

Then we want to hear from you...

Make a difference today!

Share stories with Rose and brighten up her day

Rose is 93 years old and lives alone and would love to have a visitor to join her for a chat over a cuppa or to get out and about in the local area. She has herself given a lot to her local community in her former years; volunteering with the Macular Society and the Eye Clinic at her local hospital until she was no longer able to do so as well as being a Brown Owl for 25 years. Rose loves to talk about food and history especially her own history growing up as a teenager during the war and has plenty of stories to tell. She is a Christian with great faith and manages to attend church twice a week.

Life has changed considerably for Rose. She used to enjoy knitting and crochet but can no longer do these due to her very poor eyesight. She is also hard of hearing which means that conversation needs to take place in a quiet space. She would however love the chance to get out and about for a walk and would need someone's arm to assist her as she uses a red and white stick. Training will be provided as part of this opportunity and ideally, you will be a driver with your own transport. Rose would like a visit any time on a Monday, Thursday or Wednesday afternoon but any time of the week could work.

No experience is required just a warm heart, the ability to chat and listen and build a much needed friendship.

Could you help to brighten up Rose's life and make a difference to her day? Apply today to find out more......

What will you get out of it?

It's a direct way to make a difference to a deafblind person’s life
You will be supporting a great cause, while giving something back to your community
You will build a new friendship and have the opportunities to learn new skills
We will offer you full training, support and guidance throughout your volunteering experience with Deafblind UK
Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses such as mileage or public transport costs.

Qualities and Skills we are looking for:

• We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable Volunteers
• Good communication skills, particularly with regard to conversational skills
• To be reliable and have a genuine interest to make a difference in  lives of deafblind people
• Patience and a warm and friendly attitude

What will we ask for in return?

A regular commitment of one weekly visit – usually 1-3 hours
We will need to undertake two references and a DBS check before this role can start
You will need to be over the age of 18 years to apply for this role

Interested?

Then we want to hear from you...

Make a difference today!

Could you make Eva's day and share your IT skills over a cuppa?

Our member Eva is a very friendly 84 year old who lives alone in Westminster but is very keen to remain active. Eva would like to develop her IT skills and has a laptop she would love to make use of but needs some support due to her sight issues. She would like to be able to access social media, Twitter especially! Eva would love to have a visitor to share and chat with over a cuppa for a couple of hours a week. She is very flexible with times........ any time during the week and weekends is fine for her and would brighten up her day.

Eva likes to get out and about and has a Rollator Walker frame which she is just getting used to. She has been diagnosed with COPD and Meniere's Disease and having some support to get outdoors would make the world of difference to her life. 

No experience is necessary - just a warm heart and the ability to have a good chat. Make a difference to Eva's life and apply today!

What will you get out of it?

It's a direct way to make a difference to a deafblind person’s life
You will be supporting a great cause, while giving something back to your community
You will build a new friendship and have the opportunities to learn new skills
We will offer you full training, support and guidance throughout your volunteering experience with Deafblind UK
Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses such as mileage or public transport costs.

Qualities and Skills we are looking for:

• We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable Volunteers
• Good communication skills, particularly with regard to conversational skills
• To be reliable and have a genuine interest to make a difference in  lives of deafblind people
• Patience and a warm and friendly attitude

What will we ask for in return?

A regular commitment of one weekly visit – usually 1-3 hours
We will need to undertake two references and a DBS check before this role can start
You will need to be over the age of 18 years to apply for this role

Interested?

Then we want to hear from you...

Make a difference today!

Could you help Debbie have more quality time doing things she enjoys in life? 

Our Member Debbie, who lives in Merseyside is a single mum and although she gets some weekly social care support helping her do everyday tasks, she now really needs a companion to share some downtime with and maybe pop to the local cafe for a good chat. 

Debbie has sight and hearing loss and restricted mobility and may at times use a wheelchair to get around better. Due to her sight loss she is unable to go out alone, 

Debbie who's in her 30's loves music and one of her favourite artists ins Pink, she also loves shopping, visiting garden centres and gardening herself. 

Debbie would prefer someone to take her out on a Tuesday from 3.30pm, although days and times could vary,depending on childcare of her daughter. Maybe pop to the places of interest, browse the shops and grow a great friendship.

Could you be the one to help get Debbie out and about more and really make a positive difference in her life? Apply today to find out more....

What will you get out of it?

It's a direct way to make a difference to a deafblind person’s life
You will be supporting a great cause, while giving something back to your community
You will build a new friendship and have the opportunities to learn new skills
We will offer you full training, support and guidance throughout your volunteering experience with Deafblind UK
Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses such as mileage or public transport costs.

Qualities and Skills we are looking for:

We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable Volunteers

Good communication skills, particularly with regard to conversational skills

To be reliable and have a genuine interest to make a difference in  lives of deafblind people

Patience and a warm and friendly attitude

What will we ask for in return?

A regular commitment of one weekly visit – usually 1-3 hours
We will need to undertake two references and a DBS check before this role can start
You will need to be over the age of 18 years to apply for this role

Interested?

Then we want to hear from you...

Role Description:

Here at Deafblind UK our goal is to assist people with combined sight and hearing loss to live the lives they want. Our members are some of the most isolated and lonely people in society and we want to do all we can to change this. Our team of amazing volunteers make our goal possible!

We run over 35 social groups across the UK, giving our members the opportunity to come together to make friends and take part in organised activities and events. These groups, which meet once a month, give our members the chance to remain an active part of society and greatly benefit the quality of their lives.

We are looking for patient, friendly volunteers to help us get our members to and from the monthly Belfast Social Group.

The Belfast Group meets on the 2nd Monday of every month. Some of the members sign language to communicate but can also read lips. No members need guiding or are in wheelchairs.

What will you get out of it?

It's a direct way to make a difference to a deafblind person’s life
You will be supporting a great cause, while giving something back to your community
You will build a new friendship and have the opportunities to learn new skills
We will offer you full training, support and guidance throughout your volunteering experience with Deafblind UK
Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses such as mileage or public transport costs.

Qualities and Skills we are looking for:

• We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable Volunteers
• Good communication skills, particularly with regard to conversational skills
• To be reliable and have a genuine interest to make a difference in  lives of deafblind people
• Patience and a warm and friendly attitude

What will we ask for in return?

A regular commitment of one weekly visit – usually 1-3 hours
We will need to undertake two references and a DBS check before this role can start
You will need to be over the age of 18 years to apply for this role

Interested?

Then we want to hear from you...

Funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund

Make a difference today!

Do you want to increase your admin or customer service skills? Then we have the perfect volunteering opportunity for you....

Location: Hampton, Peterborough

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who want to support our deafblind Members within all areas of our service offerings, to join our lovely team of staff and existing volunteers at our head office in Hampton, Peterborough.

There are varied duties ranging from administrative based - such as data input, research, mail outs, working on our data base, supporting staff members with tasks, printing, scanning, emailing, audio recording and text messaging to members to name but a few! You could also choose to contact our members directly - this would be calling our membersfor a variety of things such as wishing them a happy birthday, calling to see how they are, taking details from new members and answering incoming calls from our advice line. Or you could do both role aspects, so if you feel confident and would like a mixture of both admin duties and making calls, then we would be more than happy to combine the roles too!

Could you make all the difference? Then apply today 

What will you get out of it?

It's a direct way to make a difference to a deafblind person’s life
You will be supporting a great cause, while giving something back to your community
You will build a new friendship and have the opportunities to learn new skills
We will offer you full training, support and guidance throughout your volunteering experience with Deafblind UK
Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses such as mileage or public transport costs.

Qualities and Skills we are looking for:

We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable Volunteers

Good communication skills, particularly with regard to conversational skills

To be reliable and have a genuine interest to make a difference in  lives of deafblind people

Patience and a warm and friendly attitude

What will we ask for in return?

A regular commitment 
We will need to undertake two references and a DBS check before this role can start
You will need to be over the age of 18 years to apply for this role

Interested?

Then we want to hear from you...

Make a difference today!

Lonely Jen needs a Volunteer to keep her company - could you be the one? 

Our member Jen loves nothing more than a good chat, she currently lives alone in Bridgend and while she gets regular visits from her children she struggles to get out and about due to her sight and hearing loss, therefore Jen is feeling very lonely and isolated most days.

Jen would love to find a volunteer befriender to visit her at home once or twice a week for a chat and a cup of tea, and maybe to also have her favourite books read to her as she can no longer see the words herself. Jen communicates with clear speech. 

No experience required .... just a kind heart, and confidence to brighten up Jen's week by visiting her.

Make Jen smile and apply today

What will you get out of it?

It's a direct way to make a difference to a deafblind person’s life
You will be supporting a great cause, while giving something back to your community
You will build a new friendship and have the opportunities to learn new skills
We will offer you full training, support and guidance throughout your volunteering experience with Deafblind UK
Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses such as mileage or public transport costs.

Quality and Skills we are looking for:

We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable Volunteers
Good communication skills, particularly with regard to conversational skills
To be reliable and have a genuine interest to make a difference in  lives of deafblind people
Patience and a warm and friendly attitude

What will we ask for in return?

A regular commitment of one weekly visit – usually 1-3 hours
We will need to undertake two references and a DBS check before this role can start
You will need to be over the age of 18 years to apply for this role

Make a difference today!

Harriett is finding days lonely - could you be the one the cheer up her week?

Our member Harriett is a keen gardener and has an interest in art, however since the decline in Harriett's sight and hearing she can no longer see well enough to enjoy most of her favourite hobbies. She has also lost the confidence to go out of the house by herself and spends most days at home feeling lonely and isolated.

Harriett would love to find a volunteer befriender to visit her once a week and keep her company, and as she also used to love walking along the beach she would like it if her befriender would go with her for support when the weather is nice. Harriett communicates with clear speech. 

No experience is necessary, just a friendly face and the ability to visit once a week for a chat over a cuppa or two! Click above to Apply today 

What will you get out of it?

It's a direct way to make a difference to a deafblind person’s life
You will be supporting a great cause, while giving something back to your community
You will build a new friendship and have the opportunities to learn new skills
We will offer you full training, support and guidance throughout your volunteering experience with Deafblind UK
Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses such as mileage or public transport costs.

Qualities and Skills we are looking for:

We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable Volunteers

Good communication skills, particularly with regard to conversational skills

To be reliable and have a genuine interest to make a difference in  lives of deafblind people

Patience and a warm and friendly attitude

What will we ask for in return?

A regular commitment of one weekly visit – usually 1-3 hours
We will need to undertake two references and a DBS check before this role can start
You will need to be over the age of 18 years to apply for this role

Interested?

Then we want to hear from you...

Funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund