Volunteering

Imagine the difference you could make by volunteering with Henshaws.

Why are volunteers so important to Henshaws?

Without the support of volunteers, Henshaws would not be able to provide our invaluable services to blind and visually impaired people of all ages. We rely on the dedication and enthusiasm of many hundreds of volunteers, who share our commitment to providing help where it is needed most.

How do volunteers help Henshaws?

Volunteers are an integral part of Henshaws work and provide an invaluable service to our visually impaired clients of all ages.

We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities and we hope to be able to match you with an opportunity that suits your skills and interests. These are just some of the things you could get involved with:

• Organising social activities and outings
• Helping with a holiday scheme
• Mentoring and buddying
• Home visiting
• Offering support to patients at hospital eye clinics
• Helping with administration
• Volunteer driving
• IT student support
• Fundraising

Do I need to have qualifications or experience?

No - training is provided and a member of staff will provide ongoing, informal support. Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds - some are retired, others are students or people seeking new skills and experience.

An introductory training programme, inlcuding Visual Impairment Awareness Training is provided for all new Henshaws volunteers and further individual training needs can be discussed on an individual basis.

Will volunteering cost me anything?

We will refund all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses including travel costs. If you are claiming benefits, these should not be affected by your volunteering.

How much time do I have to give?

It is entirely up to you - you may give as much or as little time as you like. We have a wide range of roles available so we hope to be able to find one to suit you.

How will volunteering benefit me?

Many volunteers say that the reason they help and support our charity is because they enjoy it so much! However, we can also offer: choice, excellent training, friendship, opportunities to develop skills, the satisfaction of helping others and giving back something to the local community.

What is the application process like?

As a new volunteer, you will be asked to complete an application form, to provide two references. As part of our volunteering process we ask all our prospective volunteers to complete and Enhanced Criminal Records Disclosure Form, this will highlight all cautions and include 'spent' convictions and as such we are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We will also invite you to an informal interview, which is a good opportunity for you to tell us what you want to get out of your volunteering.

A member of staff will organise training for you before you get started and will be available to offer support at any time during your volunteering. There are plenty of social activities for Henshaws volunteers as well!

For further information:

Please contact Viv Hoy, Henshaws Volunteer Co-ordinator on: 0161 872 1234.

Existing Volunteers

Below are just some of Henshaws many volunteers, to find out what it is like being a Henshaws volunteer then simply click on their image below.

"The Voice of Henshaws" Paula Fawcett has been with Henshaws for 5 years and loves recording the charity's literature onto audio cassette.

Robert Matthews, 41, is visually impaired himself and has been volunteering for Henhsaws for 8 years.

Praveen Bance, 22, volunteered with Henshaws whilst studying English at The University of Manchester. Working with youngsters at the Holiday Club was invaluable experience for her PGCE studies.

Morris Loveland has been a volunteer for over 4 years and works mainly with elderly visually impaired people.

Glen Nash, 36, is visually impaired and loves working with children and young people at Henshaws. He became a volunteer after attending Henshaws Skillstep training course.

Millennium Volunteers supporting Henshaws in Manchester City Centre.