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Title

Volunteer Walking Buddy

Organisation

Sutton Vision

Distance from the search postcode

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Short Description

SPRING IS ON ITS WAY...Do you love walking and talking, how about trying our befriending role as a walking buddy to support a visually impaired person in Sutton. We have one-to-one arrangements during the week or organised park walks at Nonsuch, Beddington and The Grove on Fridays.

What you will be doing

Walking Buddy (befriending) role

SPRING IS ON ITS WAY...Do you love walking and talking, how about trying our befriending role as a walking buddy to support a visually impaired person in Sutton. We have one-to-one arrangements during the week or organised park walks at Nonsuch, Beddington and The Grove on Fridays.

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.

The one-to-one role would involve a matching process, once your are paired with a visually impaired person an introduction & planning session with volunteer coordinator before you start. This is a one to one role to enable someone with low vision the opportunity to regain confidence in getting out and about with the support of a sighted person.

The Park Walks are organised by a Park Walk leader and volunteering for this role is to support the 2 hour session.

This role will require an Enhanced DBS at no cost to the volunteer.

BENEFITS:
We are a small friendly charity who considers our volunteers as part of our team!
To start your volunteer experience we will provide in-house induction training about Sutton Vision and the services we provide to visually impaired people.
We supply a volunteer handbook covering safeguarding, expenses etc.
We provide a DBS where required.
We organise quarterly volunteer coffee mornings and hold yearly appreciation event for Volunteers Week.
A reference can be obtained from Sutton Vision after 1 year of continued volunteering.

WAYS YOU CAN APPLY: Contact Amanda at the office 0208 409 7166 or by email amandalarter@suttonvision.org.uk and by visiting our website www.suttonvision.org.uk

Activities

Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring

Skills & Attributes

Organising & Planning, Helpful & Caring, Listening Skills

Skills Description

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

What is in it for you

BENEFITS: We are a small friendly charity who considers our volunteers as part of our team! To start your volunteer experience we will provide in-house induction training about Sutton Vision and the services we provide to visually impaired people. We supply a volunteer handbook covering safeguarding, expenses etc. We provide a DBS where required. We organise quarterly volunteer coffee mornings and hold yearly appreciation event for Volunteers Week. A reference can be obtained from Sutton Vision after 1 year of continued volunteering.

Time Commitment

Once a week or fortnight as agreed between both parties

Driving Licence & Vehicle Required

Travel Expenses

Available in multiple locations

Further location details may be provided below.

Role Address

Sutton Vision Offices are at: 2 Robinhood Lane Sutton Surrey SM1 2SW

Postcode (See Google maps below)

SM1 2SW

Directions

Sutton main trainline Buses: 151,154,213,280,470, S3, S1 Local Landmark: Holiday Inn Sutton and Robinhood Health Centre