Community Befriender/Walking Buddy - Sutton Vision

Bring companionship and connection to visually impaired people in Sutton. Become a Community Befriender, make a real difference in someone’s life, build meaningful relationships and strengthen your community!

About the Organisation

Sutton Vision is a local charity offering information, advice and support to anyone affected by sight loss in the London Borough of Sutton. We provide a tailored package of support that can include help navigating treatment options, employment support, help with benefits and forms, advice on technical aids and a range of adapted social activities to alleviate isolation.

Volunteers are vital to our services, supporting activities, befriending and our team. In our 60th anniversary year, Sutton Vision received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, recognising our outstanding support for visually impaired people.

What you will be doing

The community befriender/walking buddy volunteer is a one-to-one support role to enable a visually impaired adult to get and about with a sighted guide for a local walk, activity or access local shops/cafes. After a matching processing, we will arrange an introduction with the person that you will be befriending and a regular session and time commitment arranged suitable for both parties. We would ask you to email in weekly activity updates.

What's in it for you?

  • Full induction about Sutton Vision, sight loss and sight guide training given.
  • DBS at no cost to the volunteer.
  • Opportunities to learn new skills and meet new people. 
  • Regular volunteer coffee mornings & appreciation events.
  • Supportive supervision and volunteering environment.
  • Travel and food expenses reimbursed, where applicable.
  • Flexible volunteering arrangements.
  • A reference after 1 year.

What skills will you need?

  • Enjoy walking and meeting people.
  • Have a welcoming and friendly approach.
  • Excellent communication and listening skills.
  • Honest and trustworthy.
  • Experience of sight loss not essential as training will be given.
  • References and an enhanced DBS is required for this role.

Note: It is expected that all volunteers undertake volunteering in accordance with the values of the Charity and adhere to Sutton Vision’s Code of Conduct.

What's the time commitment and where? 

Time commitment:

 A regular session, up to 2 hours, weekly or fortnighlty, and time commitment arranged suitable for both parties

Location:

Various areas within London Borough of Sutton confirmed when matching process is confirmed.

Sutton Vision offices are at 3 Robin Hood Lane, Sutton, SM1 2SW

How can I apply?

Please complete the form below and we will put you in contact with the organisation.   It’s helpful if you can tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in this role in the message box below. 

By completing this form you agree for us to pass on your contact details to the organisation.

 

 

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