Hub volunteer

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 Hub volunteer, you’ll help make our community sessions somewhere people feel welcome, comfortable and confident exploring technology and asking for support.

You’ll work alongside the Visably team to welcome people living with sight loss, help them engage with the session and explore technology, and identify where they may benefit from additional support.

You don’t need to know everything about technology. We’re here to give you the right training and support, and our friendly team will be there to help with anything that sits outside the boundaries of your role.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll be part of creating a friendly, accessible space where people can explore technology and get the support that works for them. In your role you will:

• Welcome people attending Visably community sessions.
• Help create a friendly, inclusive and accessible environment.
• Talk to people about the support available through Visably.
• Support people to engage with the technology, equipment and activities available at the session.
• Provide practical assistance within the agreed boundaries of your role.
• Help people identify where they may benefit from further support.
• Refer questions or support needs to the Visably team where needed.
• Help with simple session set up and organisation where appropriate.
• Follow Visably's safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection and venue procedures.
  Represent Visably in a friendly, respectful and professional way.

Who we’re looking for

You don't need previous volunteering or technology 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, welcoming and inclusive.
• A good listener and communicator.
• Interested in technology, accessibility or supporting people living with sight loss.
• Confident talking to and supporting people in a community setting.
• Reliable and willing to work as part of a team.
• Patient and respectful of different needs, experiences and levels of confidence.
• Willing to learn and follow Visably's procedures.

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 at agreed Visably locations within the pilot areas.

Sessions will take place at agreed times, and we’ll work with you to find opportunities that fit around your availability.

The exact frequency and length of sessions will depend on how sessions are delivered in your local area.

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 supporting our community. This includes accessibility and inclusive communication, safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection, role boundaries, escalation procedures and any practical requirements for supporting local sessions.

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.

Any safeguarding or DBS requirements will be confirmed as part of the recruitment and onboarding process and will reflect the activities you undertake within the community setting.

How to apply

If you would like to become a Hub volunteer or would like more information, please contact Sam, Visably's Volunteer and Projects Coordinator:

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