About Visably

Visably supports people living with sight loss. Friends, neighbours, colleagues who make today fuller and tomorrow better just by being in it. We’re a small charity with a big heart and an even bigger community beside us, working together for nearly 100 years. We get the best technology into the hands of people who need it and stay until it clicks, growing confidence, connection and independence for every tomorrow.

Volunteers are the heart of Visably. As a volunteer, you're the person who gives reassurance, takes your time and comes back the second time. You're the reason the technology stops being something to worry about and starts being something people can't imagine living without.

We train you. We support you. And we guarantee it'll matter.

Role purpose

As a Home visit support volunteer, you could be the friendly face that helps someone feel more confident using their technology in the place where they need it most, their own home.

You’ll provide practical support to people living with sight loss.

You’ll help the people we support get the most from Visably, provide support within the boundaries of your role and identify where someone may benefit from additional support.

You won’t be expected to deal with everything yourself. Our friendly team is here to give you the right training and support and help with anything that sits outside the boundaries of your role.

What you’ll be doing

You'll be supporting people in their own homes, helping them get more from their technology and the support available through Visably. In your role you will:

• Visit people in their homes following an agreed referral or introduction from Visably.
• Provide friendly and practical support based on the person’s needs and the purpose of the visit.
• Support people to get the most from their Visably equipment and services.
• Listen to the people we support and identify where further help or support may be beneficial.
• Make people aware of additional Visably support where appropriate.
• Report relevant outcomes, concerns or additional support needs to the Visably team.
• Keep a record of visits in line with our processes.
• Follow Visably's safeguarding, lone working, confidentiality and data protection procedures.
• Represent Visably in a friendly, respectful and professional way.

Who we’re looking for

You don't need previous volunteering experience. We’ll provide a full induction, role specific training and ongoing support. We’re particularly keen to hear from you if you are:

• Friendly, patient and supportive.
• A good listener and communicator.
• Confident meeting and supporting people in their own homes.
• Reliable and understand the importance of appropriate boundaries.
• Willing to follow Visably's safeguarding and lone working procedures.
• Respectful of confidentiality and people's individual choices.

What you’ll gain

Whether you're building a CV, trying something new or simply giving back, you'll get something real out of this too. As a Visably volunteer, you can expect:

• A meaningful opportunity to make a difference to people living with sight loss.
• Experience of volunteering within an inclusive and supportive organisation where people look after each other.
• A role specific induction, plus training and ongoing support.
• A chance to build your skills, confidence and experience.
• Ongoing recognition for your contribution to Visably's work.

Location and time commitment

This is a community-based role involving visits to people in their own homes within agreed pilot areas.

You’ll be able to arrange visits based on referrals, the needs of our community and when you’re available. We’ll agree the exact time commitment with you, allowing the role to be flexible around your other commitments.

Induction, training and support

We give all our volunteers a full induction to Visably, the work we do, the boundaries of your role and how we can support you.

You’ll also get role-specific training before you begin home visits. This includes home visiting and lone working procedures, safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection, appropriate boundaries and how to report or escalate concerns and additional support needs.

You’ll have a named Visably contact who will be there to support you throughout your volunteering.

Safeguarding and DBS

We are committed to safeguarding the people we support.

As this role involves visiting people in their homes, appropriate safeguarding checks, including a DBS check where required, will be completed before you begin volunteering.

How to apply

If you would like to become a Home visit support volunteer or would like more information, please fill in the form below or contact Sam, Visably's Volunteer and Projects Coordinator:

Email: sam@visably.org.uk
Phone: 07984 975024