Volunteer Walking Buddy
Sutton Vision
Love walking and talking, how about trying our befriending role as a walking buddy to support a visually impaired person in Sutton. Sutton Vision is a local sight loss charity that supports people who are blind or partially sighted. Everyone's sight loss journey is different and that's why we provide a wide range of services to enable people with sight loss to continue to live full and independent lives.
Walking Buddy (befriending) role Sutton Vision is a local sight loss charity that supports people who are blind or partially sighted. Everyone's sight loss journey is different and that's why we provide a wide range of services to enable people with sight loss to continue to live full and independent lives. We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities in our friendly team, find out more below. Would you like to be paired with a visually impaired person who needs to regain confidence in getting out and about? The role would be planning, organising and facilitating safe but stimulating walks in the borough of Sutton, and talking to the individual when planning activities. Time commitment for this volunteering role is usually weekly or fortnightly basis depending on what suits you both. This role will require an Enhanced DBS at no cost to the volunteer. We provide a 2-hour induction training, which is both practical and interactive and covers sight loss conditions and sight guide training. Contact Amanda on 0208 409 7166 or email amandalarter@suttonvision.org.uk for more details. You can find our application form at www.suttonvision.org.uk
Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring
Conservation, Organising & Planning, Motivator, Listening Skills
To act as a sighted guide, supporting an individual with sight loss in a recreational and leisure activity. assist and facilitate person centred and stimulating walks in the borough of Sutton for an individual person with sight loss • To consult with service member when planning activities • Ensure service member feels included and engaged in the activity • To encourage conversation • To prepare routes and ensure that they are safe designated footpaths • To liaise with the Volunteer Coordinator regarding the use and purchasing of materials where necessary • To report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible • Attend regular supervision/support meetings with the Volunteer Co-ordinator Key Skills/Experience/Attributes Required: • A good level of fitness • Experience of working on a one to one basis • Knowledge of the Borough of Sutton area is desirable • Ability to plan and check routes ensuring their safety • An ability to engage and motivate • Strong communication skills with the ability to facilitate and encourage conversation • Planning and organisational skills • Ability to understand the issues faced by individuals living with sight loss • Non-judgmental and able to treat people with respect • An interest in supporting people in the community
Learning more about visual impairment and empowering individuals to take part in activity such as 121 walking buddy or supporting at an organised park walk in Sutton. Sight training given as park of the volunteer induction.
Once a week or fortnight as agreed between both parties
SM1 2SW
Sutton Vision Offices are at: 2 Robinhood Lane Sutton Surrey SM1 2SW
Sutton main trainline Buses: 151,154,213,280,470, S3, S1 Local Landmark: Holiday Inn Sutton and Robinhood Health Centre
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