Volunteer

Volunteer

The Wilberforce Trust is your local charity supporting people with sight and hearing impairments, including those with other disabilities.  We have a wide range of services, from housing, support assessments, and support with daily living to rehabilitation services, technology and equipment assistance, and activity and educational groups.  These services and activities create opportunities that enable individuals to live fulfilled lives as independently in their community as possible.

There are a variety of ways in which you can volunteer your time, skills, and knowledge to support the work of the Trust; from befriending and providing transport for tenants, to supporting fundraising events, supporting our programme of activities, and marketing and community engagement activities.  We are also always interested if you have ideas for volunteering activities which you would like to contribute which we have not thought of; we will accommodate these ideas where we can!

Volunteer Roles

Our current vacancies are listed below, please click on a link to find out more about a specific role:

• Club Wilber Volunteer
• Volunteer Fundraiser and Fundraising Event Support

What special qualities do I need to be a volunteer?

• An interest in supporting visually impaired individuals who may have other disabilities
• Some spare time
• An open and friendly nature
• Patience
• Adaptability
• Good communication skills
• A sense of humour
• Some roles will require a DBS check (which the Trust will apply for)

How much time will I need to give?

We always aim to be as flexible as possible to meet the needs of our volunteers – there may be some roles which require availability on certain dates and times, but all we ask is that you communicate with staff if you are unable to make a scheduled volunteering appointment at your earliest opportunity.

What will I get out of it?

Volunteering for the Wilberforce Trust gives; a chance to meet new people; to develop new skills; gain experience and knowledge; to be respected and valued for your involvement; the satisfaction of helping others; and valuable use of your spare time.  You will also gain insight into the third sector and a small local charity, the opportunity to develop your skills and receive training and ongoing support from staff.  We like to thank and recognize our volunteers in a number of ways throughout the year as well.

We also encourage volunteers to suggest fundraising and event ideas.  If you have specific interests and ideas which we can support and to get involved with the planning and running of events if that is something you are interested in.  We will provide references.  

What our volunteers say

Bex:

”I would wholeheartedly recommend volunteering, it’s probably one of the best ways to give you a sense of peace, gratitude, and connection to everyone around you. You’re always appreciated and valued as a volunteer which is a lovely feeling. I think the skills you develop as a volunteer can be applied in so many areas of your life and just make you a more compassionate, well-rounded person. Volunteering is great especially if you are new to an area or if you’re a student, it’s brilliant for getting to know the people in your local area.”

Read more about what our volunteers have to say in these case studies.  

Now is the time to get involved and help us to make a difference to the children and adults living with a sensory impairment across Yorkshire.  To join our growing group of volunteers, please complete our Enquiry Form.  If you have any questions about volunteering or you’d like more information please email us at volunteering@wilberforcetrust.org.uk.

Nearly two-thirds of people living with sight loss are women.