Volunteer with Vision Norfolk
Why volunteer?
Join our team, and not only will you be helping blind and vision impaired people in Norfolk to live independent and fulfilled lives, you’ll also experience something really positive for yourself – like so many of our volunteers!
Help people
Provide essential support and make a real difference.
Be part of a community
Meet like-minded people and make new friends.
Learn new skills
Gain valuable work experience and improve your self-confidence.
Have fun
We really appreciate your support, and we want you to enjoy it.
A role to suit everyone
Children, young people & families support
Assist with activities and events for young adults and their families, from group outings to creative workshops.
Cooking Session Support
Help vision impaired participants to gain confidence and independence in the kitchen.
Minibus driver
Transport people to and from Vision Norfolk activities, events, and meetings in our minivan.
Eye clinic support volunteer
Meet vision impaired people at hospital eye clinics, offering emotional support and signposting to our services.
Sighted Guide
Learn how to safely guide someone with sight loss to navigate different environments and help them gain confidence.
Telefriends
Help reduce isolation by making regular phone calls to people with sight loss, offering conversation and companionship.
Apply to be a volunteer today
If you are interested in volunteering for Vision Norfolk please download and complete an application form and send it to [email protected] or if you would like any further information or just a chat about the roles, please do get in touch by email or call 01603 573000.
Volunteer FAQs
How can I become a volunteer?
The first step to becoming a volunteer is to complete our application form. If you’d like to have a chat with us first however, please call the Volunteering Team on 01603 573000.
Do I need any special skills or experience to volunteer?
For most roles, you do not need to have any previous skills and experience to volunteer with us. We offer full training for all our volunteers so you can be sure that you will have the skills you need to be able to undertake volunteering with confidence.
How much time do I need to commit to volunteering?
We have a range of flexible volunteering opportunities to suit you, whether you’re looking for a regular commitment or perhaps just something to keep you busy during the holidays.
Is there a minimum age requirement to volunteer?
Yes. The minimum age to volunteer is 18.
Can I volunteer remotely or from home?
The majority of our volunteering roles are undertaken from either one of our Vision Norfolk activity hubs or at other locations across Norfolk.
What happens after I sign up?
Once you have completed the application form, one of Volunteer Engagement Coordinators will get in touch and arrange a suitable time for you to pop in and meet us. We think it’s important that you get a feel for what we are all about and we hope you will like what you see.
What should I wear when volunteering?
You are free to wear whatever you feel is most appropriate for the activity in question. For some of our activities, we may ask you to wear one of our amazing Vision Norfolk polo shirts or hoodies.
What happens if I need to take a break or can’t volunteer anymore?
That’s okay, we fully appreciate that things in life change. Simply let us know and we’ll do the rest.
Do I need to attend training?
Yes please. Depending on your volunteering role, we will provide all the training you need so that you feel happy in your role. All of our volunteers are invited to attend a Vision Impairment Awareness training course, where you’ll get to meet other volunteers too.
What safety precautions are in place for volunteers?
We undertake risk assessments for all volunteering positions to make sure that not only you, but those around you too are kept safe. All of our volunteers undergo a DBS and reference check, but don’t worry, we will guide you through the process.
Do you cover expenses/how do I claim my expenses?
Yes, we cover any reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred while volunteering, including public transport, mileage, and parking. Your volunteer coordinator will help you fill in an expense form and expenses are paid regularly.
Will someone be able to provide me with a reference for a job or other opportunity?
Yes, we are happy to provide references where suitable.
Life as a volunteer
Retired legal secretary and teacher Janet Head is one of a number of volunteers who helps keep Vision Norfolk’s busy programme of leisure activities running. Janet runs the monthly audio book club in Norwich, as well as helping at the weekly craft sessions and supporting vision impaired people on trips, theatre visits and walks. Janet has cataracts and glaucoma, but says her sight is still “pretty good”, and she is still able to drive.
I can’t imagine sitting around and doing nothing. My motivation for volunteering is that I believe you can go on learning for ever if you put your mind to it, and volunteering allows you to do just that. I enjoy the company and friendship in getting involved, it keeps my brain ticking over, and it helps me keep active. They are such nice people at Vision Norfolk! When you volunteer, the organisation helps you know what you are going to do and what you need to know, which is important. It is also nice to feel appreciated for what you do.”
Want to talk about supporting Vision Norfolk?
If you want to talk to us about ways you can help Vision Norfolk to support people through sight loss, we’d love to hear from you.
Call us on 01603 573000
Supporting people through sight loss since 1805
We only serve Norfolk, so we understand the area inside and out. And for 220 years, Vision Norfolk has been a lifeline, helping vision impaired people to lead more fulfilling, connected and independent lives.
