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 Technology Support Volunteer, you’ll help people living with sight loss feel more confident using their Visably equipment and technology.

Getting a new piece of technology is only the beginning. Sometimes people need a little extra time, reassurance or someone to talk them through how something works.

You’ll provide friendly, patient and practical technology support, helping people learn how to use their equipment and get the most from it.

Support may be provided over the telephone, through a video call or face to face, depending on the person's needs and the support available.

You don't need to know everything about technology. We’ll provide training and guidance on the equipment and support available, and there will always be someone at Visably to ask if you're unsure.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll help people feel more confident and independent with their technology. In your role you will:

• Provide friendly and patient technology support to people living with sight loss.
• Talk people through how to use equipment supplied or supported by Visably.
• Provide technology support over the telephone, through video calls or face to face.
• Explain features and functions clearly and at a pace that works for the person you are supporting.
• Help people practise using their equipment and build their confidence.
• Adapt the way you explain things depending on someone's needs, experience and preferred way of learning.
• Help troubleshoot straightforward technology or equipment issues.
• Recognise when an issue needs additional or specialist support and refer it to the Visably team.
• Encourage people to use technology safely and independently.
• Follow Visably's safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection procedures.
• Keep a record of relevant support provided in line with our processes where required.

Who we’re looking for

You don't need to be a technology expert. Patience, good communication and a willingness to learn are just as important.

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 approachable.
• Comfortable using everyday technology and willing to learn how to use Visably's equipment.
• Able to explain things clearly without using unnecessary technical language.
• Happy to repeat or explain something in a different way when needed.
• A good listener who can adapt support to the individual.
• Comfortable providing support over the telephone, through video calls or face to face.
• Interested in helping people build confidence and independence.
• Reliable and willing to ask for support when you don't know the answer.

Experience of supporting people living with sight loss or using accessible technology would be helpful, but it isn't essential.

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 help people living with sight loss become more confident and independent with technology.
• Experience of providing practical technology support.
• 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 communication, technology and problem-solving skills.
• Ongoing recognition for your contribution to Visably's work.

Location and time commitment

Technology support may be provided remotely by telephone or video call, or face to face within community settings, depending on the person's needs and 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 will include familiarisation with relevant Visably equipment and technology, communicating and explaining technology accessibly, troubleshooting common issues, maintaining boundaries, safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection, and when and how to escalate something to the Visably team.

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 Technology 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