Volunteering

Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.- Mark Twain - American author

Become a My Guide volunteer. Change a life.

Person with visual impairment being guided across the street

180,000 blind and partially sighted people rarely leave home alone. You can change that.

The new My Guide pilot scheme helps people with sight loss get out of their homes and back into the community. My Guide aims to reduce the isolation that many blind people experience, helping to rebuild their confidence and regain their independence.

As a My Guide volunteer you will be partnered with a visually impaired person for three to six months.  You will receive training endorsed by VISION 2020, the umbrella body for organisations focussed on visual impairment, that will give you the skills to confidently guide blind and partially sighted people.

The role involves:

  • guiding your partner to participate in social and leisure activities
  • helping your partner establish lasting relationships with community members who can, in turn, help them get out more
  • working with your partner to set clear goals that help them become more independent - not dependent

What does this mean in practice?

You will help your partner get and about and do the things that others take for granted. This might be regular trips to the shops, a coffee house, social club or even the local bingo. When you are there you will help them meet people such as shop assistants or club members, who can provide support on an ongoing basis.

You will not be asked to do any domestic activities, such as cleaning or cooking.

Can anyone volunteer?

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, male or female, young or old, retired, studying or working.

However, volunteers must be over 18 and able to commit to a minimum of two hours per week.

All volunteers are subject to Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

How to get involved

To become a My Guide volunteer, please contact us