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Max’s Volunteering Story

Happy Volunteers’ Week! Volunteers are involved across Vision Norfolk: from telephone befriending to driving minibuses, helping out at activities to spreading the word about our services. We truly couldn’t do it without them.

First-year Pharmacy student Max Bevan has been taking part in Vision Norfolk’s Digital Inclusion Project as a technology volunteer.

20-year-old Max, says that becoming a volunteer has been helping him to acquire new skills which will be helpful as he builds a career as a community pharmacist.

Having started his university studies, Max knew that he wanted to volunteer, and it was a family connection which brought him to Vision Norfolk. In 2025 his mum Karen sadly suddenly lost her sight, and turned to the Vision Norfolk for help and support. Having seen what an important role it plays for people living with sight loss, Max decided to offer his services as a volunteer at the charity.

“I didn’t really know what I could do, but I knew I wanted to give something back after the help Vision Norfolk gave Mum,”

“Then the tech drop-in sessions started and this was an area where I had some knowledge and could be useful. I had already helped mum with her phone and other devices, and I had an inkling of the importance of technology for people living with sight loss.”

Now Max volunteers for one morning a week in the regular tech drop-in sessions at the Norwich Hub. He works one-to-one with vision impaired people to help them make the most of their smartphones, as well as introducing them to specialist equipment such as Meta Glasses.

“I was a bit nervous at first, but as I got to know everyone, I found them very nice and accommodating. It's really rewarding being able to help other people when they're struggling; it feels really good when I can assist them to overcome a barrier.”

Inevitably his volunteering role sees him interacting with people of all ages, including older people who may not have grown up with the technology in the way that Max’s generation has.

“Older people sometimes come in without the technical ability that my generation, which has been using it all of our lives, has. But they do adapt quite quickly, and it’s rewarding to help them do that.”

Max says that volunteering has already taught him a lot. “It’s a great experience dealing with different age groups and different issues. I am learning a lot about communication and about teaching. Just like everybody when I finish university and start my career, I will be interacting with lots of people – so these skills are important.”

“In the end I really enjoy it, helping use my knowledge of technology to improve people’s lives. And my mum is really proud of me, getting myself out there and giving back to an organisation which has done so much to help her.”