Volunteer
Our volunteers come from all walks of life. They bring with them a diverse range of experiences, skills and personalities that reflect the diverse range of experiences, skills and personalities of people we support.
Volunteers meet people we support as equals, forming close friendships built on shared experiences and mutual interests. Some of these friendships last a few months, some last a lifetime, but all of them change the lives both of the person supported and the volunteer.
If 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, volunteering could be just what you're looking for.
There are so many ways to get involved, and we have a variety of roles that could be right for you. These include volunteering in our homes or offices, fundraising in the community, helping out at events, and many more. If you have any questions please contact us at askvolunteering@seeability.org.
In person volunteering roles
We have many in person roles in our homes across England. One of the most wide-ranging roles is to simply befriend someone we're supporting! That usually means meeting up regularly with a person to build a friendship, bonding over a particular shared interest, or supporting them to do the things they love.
Many of our in person volunteers also enjoy using their skills and passions to support SeeAbility, such as our gardening volunteers, who help to keep people's outdoor spaces in bloom. Others offer workshops, activities, classes or tuition for people, so they can learn from our volunteers' expertise.
Volunteering remotely
We also have several roles that could be done remotely. For example, you could volunteer with our Ready, Willing and Able supported employment programme to support people with learning disabilities, autism and sight loss to find jobs and build careers. Volunteers also help out our central support teams, such as HR, Finance and Fundraising, either gaining valuable hands-on experience for a future career, or utilising their years of experience to support our work.
The possibilities to support our charity through volunteering are endless, and whatever you choose to do, you'll be making a real difference to the lives of people we support.
![Ken chatting with someone we support](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2024-01/Ken%20Grinham%203.jpg?itok=FhdAiPk3)
Become a community fundraising volunteer
Our community fundraising volunteers play a vital role in helping us raise valuable income to support people with learning disabilities, autism and sight loss across the UK. Every penny raised for SeeAbility enables us to continue to empower people we support to live ambitious lives – achieving things they never thought possible. As a community fundraising volunteer, you can fundraise from anywhere around the world and when it’s most convenient for you.
![Ken chatting with someone we support](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2024-01/Ken%20Grinham%203.jpg?itok=FhdAiPk3)
Join us!
Join our fantastic community of SeeAbility volunteers. Together we can support people with learning disabilities, autism and sight loss can live, love, thrive and belong
Volunteering FAQs
Will there be a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check?
Yes, an enhanced DBS check is made for all volunteers who have contact with vulnerable adults and young volunteers.
What’s the minimum age for volunteers?
16 is the minimum age; and those under 18 need written consent from a parent or guardian to volunteer.
How much time do I need to commit to?
Even an hour a week will make a real difference. We will seek to match the time you can spare with our volunteer opportunities.
Will I get any expenses?
SeeAbility will pay reasonable out of pocket expenses, and you may also claim travel expenses if you wish to.
Will I receive any training?
We give all volunteers some introductory training when they start and they complete a short safeguarding course within three months of starting. We offer further specific skills training, depending on the role you choose to undertake.
How can I find out more and apply?
Please email askvolunteering@seeability.org or call 07730 208 907 and tell us where you're located and what you might be interested in doing. Come and make a difference to someone’s life.