Meet Martin, a SeeAbility volunteer and one of Ivan’s travel companions.

For nearly two decades, Martin has been volunteering his time to befriend people who have a sight loss or a learning disability. From regular coffees to cruises, Martin says the connections he has developed over the years through volunteering have improved his life, providing him with different perspectives and giving him the opportunity to try new things:

“Volunteering has enriched and broadened my life. Seeing how other people live, especially those with a learning disability, makes you appreciate how you can help other people do things they want to do in life.”

Martin struck up a connection with Ivan, who is partially sighted and lives in a flat in Leatherhead, with support from SeeAbility. Over the years, Martin has supported Ivan to travel the world and they have been on many adventures together:

“Ivan has always wanted to go to Canada, so in 2008 we went to Canada and Alaska and did a cruise on the inside passage in Alaska… Then a few years later we went to Scotland so Ivan could experience The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. After that, in 2016, we went to Norway on a cruise and then the following year we went to Fort William in Scotland and went for walks – Ivan loves going on walks.”

Martin and Ivan have shared some spectacular experiences and whilst Ivan’s limited eyesight means he can’t see the scenery as clearly as Martin can, he can also enjoy them using other senses. He especially loved swimming in Iceland in the Blue Lagoon hot springs and feeling the warmth under his feet at a geyser spring. Ivan told us:

“Martin is a really good companion. He encourages me to do the things I like to do. If Martin hadn’t gone with me, I wouldn’t be able to go and see these exciting places.”

Volunteering your time and skills can truly be life changing, not only for you but for the people you’re supporting. Whether you want to give back to your community, make a difference in people's lives, meet new people, develop new skills or build on existing experience, at SeeAbility we have many volunteering roles that you can get involved in.