Join us by investing your time in doing something that makes a world of difference to children and young people with sight loss.
The Derby Children and Young people’s group helps children and young people with varying degrees of sight loss and associated additional needs to gain confidence, self-esteem, independence and reduce isolation. The group is aimed at children aged from 8-18 years old, but does cater for younger children and the wider family. The group meet every two weeks in the evening. The group participate in a variety of activities in around the Derby area including, climbing, bowling, trips out, arts and crafts and baking.
What you will do: The aim of our group is to give the children and young people the opportunity to make friends, share opportunities, develop social/life skills and gain confidence. There are a number of roles which the volunteer will support.
- Support with tasks such as taking registers, providing refreshments and tasks such as guiding.
- Support staff to help organise, plan and deliver a variety of activities and trips out.
- Ensure the children are happy and safe and that they feel supported whilst at the youth group.
Times Expected: Every 2 weeks during term-time in the evenings, usually around the hours of 5:45pm-7:15pm, and occasional activities during the holidays as well.
Skills you will need to have: Good communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, patience and enthusiasm for seeing children and young people reach their full potential. Some knowledge/experience of working with children and young people either in a parental or caring role is advantageous but not essential.
Sight Support Derbyshire Induction Details: You will attend an induction, which will provide you with an awareness and understanding of the main types of sight loss, the impact of visual impairments and how best you can support someone, including a sight guiding demonstration. We will also go through expectations as a volunteer and how you will be supported by us.
Specific Role Training Details: A member of Sight Support Derbyshire staff will take overall responsibility for the group, training will be provided to support you in this task. A member of staff will give you support throughout your training and will meet with you on a regular basis to discuss your personal progress.
Expenses: We will reimburse your out of pocket expenses in line with our expenses policy.
Before you start: You will need to provide us with the names of two people who can give us a character reference for you. There will also be a DBS check for this role, which would require you to provide the relevant ID
Our office locations and times:
Derby: 2A Wentworth House, Vernon Gate, Derby, DE1 1UR.
Our opening hours are Monday – Thursday 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Chesterfield: 1B St Margaret’s Drive, Chesterfield S40 4SY
Our opening hours are Monday – Thursday 8am to 4pm.
Contact: If you would like to discuss this volunteer opportunity then please contact us on enquiries@sightsupportderbyshire.org.uk or ring 01332 292262.
Volunteering with this project is an excellent opportunity to help enhance the quality of life for children & young people with a visual impairment in Derbyshire.