Blind Low Vision NZ (BLVNZ) works to enhance the lives of those living with blindness and vision loss in many ways. One of the supportive activities BLVNZ provide for their members is social connection with others who are managing the same issues in their lives. Help is needed from sighted folk though to help pull their social activities together.
Their Invercargill Support Group run a range of events for BLVNZ members who vary in age from mature adults through into the elderly age group and they could do with some additional volunteer support to keep their activities varied and interesting. If you are a social person, love a bit of a get together and possibly even have some event management skills, this might be the perfect volunteering role for you.
As a Social Activities Supporter you will:
- Work in a team with a few other volunteers - you won't be alone.
- Help source and secure appropriate entertainment (on a tight budget).
- Help organise a Christmas function or other one-off events
- Help with raffles and various other activities as suit you. Although driving is not the main aspect of this role, it does come up, and experience has shown that this is really helpful to provide this support.
Training provided:
- Online training that includes modules on Health & Safety, Etiquette around Blind & Low Vision people as well as Human Guiding.
- A practical session for the Human Guiding, which is interesting and builds skills when connecting with folk who suffer blindness and low vision.
Requirements
- Good people skills, that include patience and kindness, while being able to maintain good personal boundaries.
- A full, clean drivers license is required.
- A background of working in the disability/aged sector would be really valuable, however is not essential.
- Be prepared to complete the training.
- This is a formal volunteering role and there is an onboarding process including an online interview, signing of a volunteer agreement, a background check and referees.
A Ministry of Justice background check is required for this role.
Time commitment
- Approximately 8 hours per event. The social group activity is carried out on a range of dates throughout the year, with an average of one event every couple of months.
- Due to the onboarding and training processes, it is desirable that applicants anticipate being able to offer a year or more of service to support our members activities. It is hoped you will enjoy the role and even want to stay on longer though.
Getting started
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below.
We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.
Enquire about this role: