Sandwell Visually Impaired (SVI) is pushing extra hard to recruit volunteers during Volunteers Week (1 to 7 June). Our Volunteers Coordinator, Nigel Self is out and about at events in Sandwell to spread the word about the opportunities available.
Nigel said: “By working closely with people who are blind and partially sighted, our volunteers gain an awareness of what it’s like to live with sight loss and how to offer support. We’re also keen to tap into the many talents of people with sight loss themselves. I’m excited to be in a position to build on what’s been done already and develop this service. Volunteering with SVI is fun and can be a real eye opener. You can give as much or as little time as you want. Please get in touch.”
Chair of SVI, Tony Averis, said: “Our volunteers are all superstars. Without them we could not offer our members the services they want. We are delighted to have been able to employ Nigel, whose focus is on formalising our volunteers service and recruiting more volunteers. We have many different roles available. For example, gym and swim buddies, dog sitters, sighted guides and helpers at our park walks, trips out and events, people with digital skills, telephone befrienders and trustees.”
Development Worker Sandra Troth said: “We’ve just obtained a pot of funding from the Wates Family Enterprise Trust Ltd, following a nomination from Wates Construction company who built the Sandwell Aquatics Centre. This money will help us run adventurous activities for visually impaired people and their families. We urgently need volunteers to help people to experience these activities fully.”
SVI Volunteer Ravinder said: “I have gained so much knowledge and awareness through meeting and spending time with SVI members. I enjoy learning something new at every session and it’s satisfying to support people and hear their experiences. I would like to apply everything I’ve learned to a career in this field, where I can support people with different needs and the community.” Read more about Ravinder’s experience of volunteering.
