By volunteering with RNIB you will be directly improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people, whatever role you choose to do. Volunteers are very important to RNIB but there are benefits for you too. Voluntary work may give you an opportunity to meet new people, gain valuable work experience or do something that provides a sense of achievement. Assisting with activities Volunteers assist in carrying out indoor and outdoor activities with residents in RNIB's four residential homes and with guests at RNIB's two hotels. Home visiting Volunteers assist staff in undertaking tasks with service users in their homes and assisting them with social and leisure activities in their local communities.
Volunteers also assist service users in accessing educational and employment opportunities.
Befriending blind and partially sighted people Volunteers befriend elderly people who live on their own or in RNIB residential homes by visiting them, reading to them and, equally important, listening to them. Telesupport Volunteer facilitators bring together, over the telephone, a group of people at the same time each week to run through a learning programme about the support and self-support services available to people with a serious sight problem. Ophthalmic clinics in hospitals Volunteers staff information desks in ophthalmic clinics in two London hospitals. Volunteers distribute information to customers, provide basic advice and refer, wherever necessary, back to RNIB staff. Leisure Link A leisure learning project where volunteers attend adult education courses alongside a visually impaired partner, taking place in the Brighton and Heathfield areas, leading to community-based leisure opportunities.