Volunteering PDF Print E-mail
Written by Chris Hedges   
Thursday, 17 May 2007

Everyone has something to offer....


Whether you're working, retired, between jobs, studying or just looking to build a little confidence before returning to work; you could have a role to play in helping Open Sight. Our organisation relies on a large team of volunteers who bring a broad range of skills and support to our vital work.

Open Sight volunteers run our 22 Branches, 26 social clubs and help at our Bishopstoke office. Our branches and clubs organise outings and activities for their members, promoting social inclusion helping people to regain feelings of independence.

There is a wide variety of tasks performed by our volunteers,  depending on ability, interests and the amount of time the individual is able to spare. We'd love for you to join us and we can find the right role for you.
What's in it for you?

Volunteering with Open Sight, you can....

  • Learn new skills: we have a wide range of training courses available from our disability and sight awareness to IT and customer service.
  • Develop new interests: through our various Branch activities
  • Make new friends: we have 650 volunteers and nearly 400 sight impaired users.

What you need to know

Is there a minimum amount of time I must give?

There's no obligation for volunteers to attend or to give a minimum amount of time. If other people depend on you, we ask you to give your contact reasonable warning if you cannot come in. You decide and agree your commitment with us. You decide how much time you are prepared to give.

What about expenses

The work is voluntary but we do pay agreed out-of-pocket expenses*, such as travel between home and worksite. There is no payment for your time, the work you achieve, or any 'payment in kind'.

What age do I have to be?

There is no upper age limit. Older volunteers are welcome to stay for as long as they can carry out their work effectively and providing they are not putting their own, or others', health and safety in jeopardy.
There is a minimum age limit of 18 years because of the responsibility for our members health and safety and insurance requirements.

Can I bring my local youth or community group to volunteer?

Yes, many different types of groups volunteer for Open Sight, from youth groups to corporate groups. Contact the Volunteer Management Team to find out more. Under 18's can volunteer in some cases, just as the team how.

What about insurance?

Open Sight has Public Liability insurance cover for legal liability claims, either by or against volunteers working for Open Sight, resulting from damage to property or personal injury.

I am receiving welfare benefits - am I allowed to volunteer?

Yes - but tell your Job Centre or Benefits Office before volunteering to get their confirmation.

There is no maximum limit to the number of hours that you may volunteer while claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or Incapacity Benefit (IB). However, if claiming JSA, you must continue to search for paid work and be willing and able to attend an interview on 48 hours notice or start a paid job within one week if offered.
If in receipt of IB, you may volunteer provided that the activity does not conflict with your stated incapacity.

It is possible to volunteer under the Government's New Deal scheme?

Volunteers' experiences

Here is just a small sample of our volunteers' experiences:

  • "When I retired I thought I had something to offer. I didn't realise how much I might get back in return!"
  • "I started by doing a bit of driving. It never occurred to me that I might be a sighted guide on a holiday."
  • "Moving  into a new area at my age was a bit of a challenge, but I now help at the club and feel part of this community"
  • "When my eyes got bad, I never thought I could be much use, but now I'm learning how to use a computer so I can help my branch."

If you do decide to join us

After receiving your application form the Volunteer Management team will interview you to discover what skills and experience, hobbies and interests you have and the volunteering opportunities that will interest you, and perhaps stretch you.

The next step is for us to obtain references and where required a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) Disclosure. CRB checks are completely confidential, under specific data protection rules.
As soon as these checks are completed you will be able to work as one of our many dedicated volunteers who run local groups or administer our branches, as a driver (for which there are certain other checks required) or, if you have a special interest or skill you may be asked to join one of our specialist volunteer support teams working out of head office. These teams provide back up to our Outreach Team and Resource Centre or are engaged in other tasks such as the quarterly mailing of our magazine Second Sight.

How to apply or find out more if you would like to become a volunteer or simply to find out more about volunteering with Open Sight, please contact the Branch Support Team on 023 8064 1244 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Last Updated ( Saturday, 17 November 2007 )