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 Peer volunteer, your lived experience could make a real difference to someone else. Sometimes, talking to someone who understands can help a person feel less alone and more confident about what comes next.

You’ll use your own lived experience of sight loss to provide friendly and supportive peer-to-peer contact with other people living with sight loss.

You’ll offer encouragement, understanding and practical insight, helping people feel more confident, connected and supported.

The role is about sharing your lived experience appropriately and listening to others. You won’t be expected to provide counselling, professional advice or support outside the boundaries of your volunteer role.

What you’ll be doing

You'll be there to listen, share and help people feel supported. In your role you will:

• Provide friendly peer support to people living with sight loss.
• Listen to the people we support and give them space to talk about their experiences.
• Share relevant aspects of your own lived experience where this may be helpful.
• Offer encouragement and help people build confidence.
• Help people feel more confident engaging with Visably's services and support.
• Share practical tips or experiences where appropriate, while recognising that everyone's experience of sight loss is different.
• Identify when someone may benefit from additional support and refer this to the Visably team.
• Maintain clear and appropriate boundaries within the peer relationship.
• Follow Visably's safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection procedures.
• Keep a record of relevant information in line with our processes where required.

Who we’re looking for

Your experience, understanding and willingness to listen could mean more to someone than you might realise. You don't need previous peer support or 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:

• Someone with lived experience of sight loss who feels comfortable using that experience to support others.
• Friendly, patient and empathetic.
• A good listener and communicator.
• Respectful of the fact that everyone's experience of sight loss is different.
• Able to listen without judgement and respect other people's choices.
• Able to understand the importance of boundaries and confidentiality.
• Reliable and willing to ask for support when needed.

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

Peer support may take place remotely by telephone or online, or within community settings, depending on how the service develops.

You’ll be able to arrange your support around 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 supporting our community. This includes peer support and appropriate use of lived experience, listening and communication, maintaining boundaries, safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection, and when and how to escalate concerns or 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.

Any safeguarding or DBS requirements for this role will be discussed and completed as part of the recruitment and onboarding process.

How to apply

If you would like to become a Peer 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