Volunteers needed to help blind community

British Wireless for the Blind Fund - providing specially adapted radios to blind and partially sighted people

A leading national charity is appealing for volunteers to come forward and help the blind and partially sighted people it supports.

British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) is the only charity providing specially adapted radios to blind and partially sighted people across the UK. For those who would not otherwise be able to afford this type of equipment, they offer a range of devices on free loan for as long as the recipients need the support.

The charity is looking for a radio support volunteer across the region.

Their role would involve visiting people with sight loss in their homes throughout the area, install their new radio and teach them how to use it as well as provide on-going support where needed. The role would also involve a small amount of admin work.

We need people who are patient, who is a good communicator, have some IT knowledge but this isn’t essential and holds a full clean driving license with access to a vehicle. In addition, a full DBS check will be required for any volunteering position with BWBF.

Mileage and expenses will be reimbursed and full training and support will be provided by the charity.

BWBF Regional Development Manager Sophie Wheldon said: “Volunteering really is a great way of giving back to your community and there are so many partially sighted and blind people of Manchester who are waiting to receive their radio from us to give them a lifeline to the outside world.”

“This role is a great opportunity for someone to gain valuable experience within a national charity.”

“If you have retired and are looking for something to fill your time or just looking to improve your employment opportunities then volunteering gives you a host of transferrable skills and shows you have a drive and passion to make a difference.”

The radios are provided on free loan to people who are registered blind or partially sighted, over the age of eight, resident in the UK and in receipt of an income related benefit.

If you are interested in the role please contact Sophie on sophie@blind.org.uk or phone 07540 724063

To find out more about British Wireless for the Blind Fund, go to www.blind.org.uk