Organisation Name:
Wilberforce Trust
Organisation's Cause(s):
Carers
Children / Young People / Families
Disability Services
Homelessness & Housing
Location of voluntary activity:
The location of activities varies, you may be supporting a session at The Wilberforce House in Dringhouses in York, accompanying youngsters visiting museums or participating in activities in and out of York. You get to choose which activities you want to support.
When are volunteers needed: You can commit for as much or as little time as you can — it is your decision. Two hours a month or a day a week, all is equally valued, we can work with your availability. All that we ask is that you are committed and reliable, and if you are unable to attend an activity which you have signed up for that you let us know as soon as possible.
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Event Support
Volunteering with Children & Young People
Role description:
ringing up a family is rewarding, joyful, hard work, frustrating and many other things at times but if one of your children is blind or has a visual impairment, it can be a lot more complicated. Life costs more for disabled children and their families. This can put a strain on relationships as parents struggle to cope. Things like childcare, transport, therapies and specially adapted equipment all stretch family budgets so that days out, treats and holidays may have to take a back seat.
We believe in enabling everyone to achieve their potential regardless of their disability. Anyone can be affected by sight loss and it is our goal to help to smooth out the bumps in the road that parents of blind children encounter. Which is why we have set up Club Wilber.
We need volunteers to support the activities and events organised for these children and their families, which may include planning and delivery of sessions, providing support for facilitators during activities, helping us to create materials for sessions, supporting sports events or fundraising and much more.
This role enables us to provide opportunities to young visually impaired youngsters, which do not currently exist elsewhere, enhancing their lives and those of their families, and supporting them to develop skills. For this role you can commit for as much or as little time as you can — it is your decision. Two hours a month or a day a week, all is equally valued, we can work with your availability.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
● An interest in supporting families of children with visual impairments and the desire to learn how to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of our service users
● An open and friendly nature
● Adaptable, reliable and patient
● Good communication skills
● Confident approaching and talking to members of the public
● A sense of humour
Will there be a DBS check? Yes
Driving Licence required? Yes
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Ongoing Volunteering
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
● A chance to meet new people
● Satisfaction of helping others
● Develop new skills
● Gain experience and knowledge in supporting children and adults living with a sensory impairment
How to get involved:
Please complete the application form in the following weblink
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 31-12-2025