Join us by investing your time in doing something that makes a world of difference to people with sight loss.
The Mobile Resource Centre was set up to deliver eye health information and demonstrate low vision aids and equipment to visually impaired people, their family and to interested members of the public. We travel to specific locations around the county, such as retirement villages, health care centres, libraries, garden centres or local social groups and coffee mornings. We usually visit for a few hours in a morning or afternoon. Our aim is to help people by advising them what support is available, and to promote good eye health.
Our volunteers benefit from becoming more knowledgeable about support for visually impaired people and having the opportunity to go out into the community and make a big difference.
What you will do: Our MRC Project Worker will contact you with potential visits to venues around Derbyshire. You can decide which dates and venues you can support. We will provide you with a suitcase of Sight Support Derbyshire equipment, information leaflets and low vision aids to take with you to the event so that you can set up a stand. Some equipment is available for purchase so you will be provided with petty cash if somebody was interested in buying an item.
Times Expected: This is a casual ad-hoc position, you will be required as and when we have events for you to attend.
Skills you will need to have: Be friendly and approachable for passers-by. Willing to learn about visual impairment and support available. Be able to complete expense forms and other simple log sheets about your visits.
You will need to use your own vehicle for getting to venues, and for collecting the case of equipment. The wheeled suitcase can be quite heavy and you will need to be able to transfer it.
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: We will give you training on visual impairments and specific training for all the tasks. You will only go out on your own after your training and trial sessions. A member of staff will give you support throughout your training and will meet with you on a regular basis to see how things are going. We also have volunteer meetings and get together from time to time.
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 provide a character reference for you.
Our offices 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.
This is an excellent opportunity to help enhance the quality of life for visually impaired people throughout Derbyshire.