Do you want to make a positive impact on local people’s lives? Do you have an hour or two to spare a week? Then volunteer with OAB. This could be just what you’re looking for! Perhaps you would like to help some of the more vulnerable people in Oxfordshire. If you would, then our Home Visiting Scheme (HVS) would suit you.

Our main voluntary role, the HVS involves a sighted volunteer visiting a visually impaired person in their home. This is a brilliant scheme for both clients and volunteers as it is so flexible and rewarding. You both decide when you want to meet, and what you want to do. We usually set it up at an hour once a week, but some prefer to meet fortnightly. Most clients appreciate some help with correspondence and some company. This scheme really suits volunteers who are going to be around for a year or so, to give the client some continuity. Many wonderful relationships have developed from this project.

Our Community Fundraiser is always on the lookout for volunteers to run fundraising events or help at flag days. So if you fancy staging an event or shaking a tin please get in touch. Fundraising can be fun and flexible time-wise. And remember – every little helps!

Perhaps you would like to spend a few hours a week helping in the office. This can suit volunteers with a short or long term commitment. Office work can vary, but we always find volunteers a dedicated task that they can get on with independently – for example, this could involve phoning clients to update records, or general admin tasks.

OAB also run clubs that provide tea or lunch for our clients. This can be hugely rewarding. The clubs form vital social links for our clients.

Loss of sight to any degree is a frightening experience, the simple things we all take for granted are suddenly that much harder. Without support, a visually impaired person may quite understandably lose a good deal of their confidence and optimism. Many find walking out on their own very hard, and its no longer possible to drive to see friends or go to the shops; so isolation is a very real possibility. Our clients really appreciate the help that a sighted visitor can give them – whether it’s a trip to the shops, a cup of tea and a chat, or help with correspondence. It’s the warm human contact that matters most. So - if you would like to help us help our clients, please contact us by phone on 01865 725595 or email: volunteers@oxeyes.org.uk

Ana Novakovic - Volunteer Coordinator

We asked some of our clients what they thought of the home visiting scheme.

Margaret

“It’s tremendous. She’s a lovely friend to have. She reads letters, wraps presents and goes to the post. I really look forward to seeing her.”

Florence

“She’s lovely. We get on very well. If the weather is nice we go for a walk. She’s very kind.”

Of course all partnerships are a two-way thing. This is how some of our volunteers feel about visiting.

Eric

“It gets me out. I live on my own. I get company and do things that I wouldn’t normally do.”

Anna
“We’ve become friends. I enjoy the time we spend together. It’s made me aware of the problems blind people face.”