Wiltshire Sight is excited to announce that, in the autumn, we are launching a new series of social groups for working-age people. Unlike our current hubs, these will generally take place either at evenings or weekends so that working people who are blind or partially sighted are able to attend.
A first event will take place in Salisbury in the autumn. Whilst our Sight Loss Advice team will be involved in the launch of these groups, the aim is that they will be solely run and led by volunteers, with our support.
And this is where you come in! We are looking for friendly, confident working-age individuals to lead on the planning, organisation and running of these new groups. We would particularly like to encourage people with lived experience of sight loss to apply but are aware that sighted assistance during the session would be beneficial. Ideally, each group will be led by more than one volunteer to ensure continuity and sharing of responsibilities.
What will you be doing?
- Organising and facilitating informal social gatherings in collaboration with other volunteers and group members, and with guidance from Wiltshire Sight.
- Ensuring gatherings are safe, legal and inclusive (for example working with venue staff to ensure that the space is accessible) and operating within Wiltshire Sight's guidelines, to include carrying out basic risk assessments
- Welcoming new members, facilitating introductions, and ensuring everyone feels included and valued
- Setting up and maintaining a WhatsApp broadcast only group, to inform group members of upcoming events and provide information on your location during a meeting
- Providing feedback to Wiltshire Sight on issues or incidents that have occurred during the session
- Returning a register of attendance to Wiltshire Sight after each session
What skills and experience are needed?
- Friendly and approachable with good communication skills
- Good organisational skills, with the confidence to work independently
- Good facilitation skills, ensuring that everyone is included and heard
- Able to work with a diverse range of people, treating all people with respect
- Punctual and reliable
- An understanding of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people
What will you gain from the role?
- The knowledge that you are making a positive difference to the lives of people living with sight loss in your area
- A sense of community and friendship
- Experience of working with a variety of people
- A greater understanding of sight loss
- Useful facilitation skills
What support will be given?
- Induction
- Understanding Sight Loss Information Pack
- Activity / venue check list and simple risk assessment training?
- Pre-agreed travel expenses
- Ongoing supervision and support from your local Sight Loss Advisor and the Volunteer Coordinator
- Additional training as appropriate
When and how often will you be needed?
We envisage the social groups running once a month outside of working days and hours, but this will be subject to local demand.
References and checks
Two references required. These can be from anyone you have known, other than a family member, for over two years. This role also requires a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.