The main purpose of this volunteer role is to support blind and visually impaired adults to safely engage in their chosen activities.

You will provide one-to-one sighted guide support and social interaction to our members who want to get out and about. This could include activities such as:

• going for a walk – a gentle stroll or a brisk walk, round the block or in the local park;
• visiting the shops and describing items to enable the person to make their own choices – this could be clothes shopping, visiting the supermarket or other shops;
• accompanying the person to the gym or swimming;
• going for a coffee and a chat;
• visiting someone at home to provide talk and support.

Each visually impaired person we support has their own individual needs and abilities.

Volunteers should be good at explaining things and have patience and empathy. They should have a good awareness of what is going on around them to ensure that the person they are with stays safe.

Volunteers must be sighted, have clear speech and be able to read and describe signs and objects out loud.

You will need to respect the person’s privacy and maintain confidentiality.

Time commitment: Half a day once a week or fortnight.

Day and times: Mainly weekdays however this will depend on the needs of the visually impaired person, so it could be evenings or weekends.

Location: Various locations throughout Sandwell, depending on the needs of the person who is being supported.

You will receive sighted guide and visual impairment awareness training. You will also receive safeguarding training.

Travel and other out of pocket expenses will be met.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required.

Contact

Name of main contact: Nigel Self SVI Volunteer’s coordinator

Phone:  0121 525 4810

Email: nigel@sandwellvisuallyimpaired.org.uk