Volunteering Opportunity: Hospital Information Service Volunteer with Herts Vision Loss
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Herts Vision Loss is a local charity providing a wide range of support and services to visually impaired people, their families and carers in Herts. There are over 26,000 visually impaired people in Hertfordshire, and in addition there are over 35,000 people with long term eye conditions that may result in them losing their sight further. As a society living longer, Age Related Macular Degeneration is the most common source of someone losing their sight. Everyday 100 people will lose their sight in the UK and without dedicated and committed volunteers HVL would not be able to offer the vital information, support or services to our community. Losing your sight is more feared than being diagnosed with cancer, many people need someone to talk to, who can offer support and help at key times when they start to lose their sight, or as they learn to live without their sight. Honest, reliable, flexible, good listening skills, good communicator, willing to learn, committed, has time to spare, wants to make a difference, common sense, experience of working with someone with a visual impairment (not essential).
Opportunity Type: Long-term Commitment
District: East Herts, Hertsmere, St Albans, Watford
Location: Indoor
Time of day: Weekday Mornings, Weekday Afternoons, Weekday Evenings, Casual or Intermittent
Practical Considerations: This volunteering opportunity spans throughout Hertfordshire.
Requirements: Will require a criminal record check (DBS)
Suitable for: 18 – 25 year olds, Aged 26 and over, University students, Older People, People with a visual impairment
Suitable for volunteers interested in: Physical Disabilities
Full Description:
The Hospital Information Service role involves offering advice and information to visually impaired people who visit the eye clinics in the participating hospitals in your local area. These people may have been told that they are losing their sight so an empathetic nature is required. No clinical knowledge is needed.