Become a volunteer
Our volunteers are at the heart of our work, helping blind veterans stay connected and independent. Whether you can spare a few hours or a little more, your time can make a real difference.
From offering companionship to supporting events and fundraising, there are many ways to get involved, and every role helps rebuild lives after sight loss. You’ll join a supportive nationwide community, gain new skills, and receive training and expenses along the way. To see the impact volunteers make, meet Ken and Liam in the video below.
Ken and Liam's story
Royal Air Force veteran Ken lost his sight due to age-related macular degeneration. He struggled to cope, but when he met volunteer Liam, things turned around.
Like many of the veterans we support, Ken was suffering from social isolation. We provided the training and equipment that Ken needed to live independently. And we connected him with our volunteer, Liam, who has had a profound impact on Ken's life. Watch the video to find out more about their story.
Volunteer roles
We have a wide range of roles available for volunteers. No matter where you live, what your interests are, or how much time you have to give, you can help us to support blind veterans. We have highlighted a few of our most in-demand roles below.
Our Home Visitors provide crucial social interaction for isolated and lonely blind veterans. You could pop around to a veteran in your community for a chat and a cup of tea, read them the news headlines, or head out for a walk together.
Drivers are essential to maintaining our blind veterans' independence, confidence and wellbeing. You'll help beneficiaries get out and about in their communities, and travel to social events and essential appointments.
Our Activities Helpers are based at our Centre in Rustington. You'll help blind veterans take part in sports, art and entertainment activities, to ensure they get the most out of these sessions.
Our volunteer Fundraisers do everything from supporting us at large events to leading bucket collections on the high street. They are key to increasing our profile in the community and raising the vital funds we need to support our veterans.
"The blind veterans we help constantly remind us how much our support means to them, which makes it all worthwhile. The opportunity to brighten up someone’s day makes me proud to volunteer for Blind Veterans UK. It is a fantastic charity and joining is one of the best things I’ve ever done."
Volunteer
Making an impact
Our amazing volunteers are absolutely essential in maintaining our veterans’ wellbeing. From providing crucial companionship to helping blind veterans get around their community, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them.
volunteering hours were donated by our fantastic volunteers to support blind veterans in need.
amazing volunteers supporting our blind veterans.
new volunteers joined us in the last year.
Our award-winning volunteer service
Our befriending service has received the top honour of ‘Quality in Befriending Excellence’, as judged by Befriending Networks.
It is testament to the hard work of both our incredible volunteers and dedicated volunteering team, that we are one of only 11 organisations to have achieved this award in the UK. The award acknowledges the significant difference our volunteer support provides to our blind veterans and highlights the quality of our volunteering service.
Angus Maclean, Quality Officer at Befriending Networks, says: “Blind Veterans UK’s policies and procedures are top-class, and their investment in focused training for both volunteers and staff is very impressive. Well done to the team at Blind Veterans UK for achieving fantastic outcomes for both blind veterans and volunteers.”
Meet our volunteers
Home Visitor Mia
Mia visits one of our blind veterans at home, providing crucial companionship and alleviating isolation.
Outings Companion Morgan
20 year old volunteer Morgan supports blind veteran Kevin on outings keeping him in touch with his community.
Befriender Mike
93 year old blind veteran Alec is supported through befriending by volunteer Mike.
Apply to become a volunteer
Volunteer for us and change a blind veteran's life. Apply today.
Read more
Apply for support
We help blind veterans of any generation, regardless of how or when they lost their sight.
Support for loved ones and carers
Learn about how we support loved ones and carers looking after someone with sight loss.
Join our volunteer community today
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