Volun-tees

Deafblind UK

Our mission is to work with people who are deafblind to enable them to live more independently and with greater confidence and control.

ABOUT US:

Whether you need some support to get back on your feet after a diagnosis, a helping hand to help you do the things you love, someone to turn to when you’re feeling low or some information, advice and guidance, we’re here to help. Losing your sight and hearing can be frightening. Our team of experts is here every step of the way to show you life beyond sight and hearing loss

WHY OUR WORK MATTERS:

Because too many people are touched by deafblindness. Too many lives are impacted, too many minds are struggling and too many people are isolated. Deafblindness affects over 400,000 people in the UK. Not only does it present challenges to everyday living but it brings with it wider and far more serious issues. People who are deafblind often feel incredibly lonely, isolated and unable to cope. It can lead to mental health problems and mobility and communication issues. The impact of deafblindness is vast, yet our support reaches just a small proportion of the people affected. We need to be there for everyone who is touched by deafblindness.

OUR VALUES:

Communication- We will always endeavour to communicate with people using their preferred language or method. We will communicate frequently, be open and honest and ensure the message we are communicating is clear, concise and will not cause offence.

Excellence- We will do our very best in all we undertake. We will work collaboratively and take responsibility for the outcomes. We will aim to inspire, take a pride in what we do and deliver our services efficiently and effectively.

Person centred- We will listen to the people we support and deliver services that best meet their individual needs and empower them to live the lives they choose. We will treat everyone with dignity and compassion.

Respect- We respect people for who they are and for their knowledge, skills and experience as individuals and team members. We will respect each other’s views and opinions, and when necessary challenge constructively, positively and politely.

THINGS WE ARE PROUD OF:

We hosted the UK’s largest event on deafblindness. The event connected us to over 900 professionals, academics and individuals which, it is believed, makes it the largest event about deafblindness ever held in the UK.

We launched an award-winning education project- Throughout the year, we proudly embarked on our education project which is motivated by the desire to give every child a meaningful education. Throughout the year we have produced a report, ‘Standing out and fitting in’, which highlights feedback from teachers and parents about the provision of education for young people who are deafblind. It recently won the Education Award at the ScottishPower Foundation awards – a hugely proud moment for everyone involved.

We support better mental health- It’s a sad reality that deafblindness and mental health concerns go hand in hand. We now employ two counsellors to offer all members the support they need. We are here for everyone when they need us.

We reconnected Wales- Thanks to generous support from the National Lottery Community Fund, we launched a three year project to empower people who are deafblind in South Wales to overcome personal challenges in confidence, motivation and mobility. It also addresses a lack of inclusivity within local social opportunities.

We help people to access employment- Knowing that only 20% of people who are deafblind and of working age are in employment, we developed a project to give people the skills and confidence to enter the world of work. The ‘Access Employment’ programme addresses the barriers to employment for people who are deafblind.

Our Opportunities

Community Fundraising Group Volunteer

Deafblind UK

Min. 12 Weeks Minimum weeks

Community Fundraising Group Volunteer

Volunteering

Community, Older People, Disability

Would you like the opportunity to volunteer with a national charity raising awareness and funds for the thousands of people affected by dual sensory loss in the UK? We are looking for friendly, outgoing people with good communication skills!

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Telephone Wellbeing Caller

Deafblind UK

Min. 12 Weeks Minimum weeks

Telephone Wellbeing Caller

Volunteering

Community, Social Care, Older People, Disability

Keeping in regular contact with our members to check on their wellbeing is one of our key services. Our Wellbeing Volunteers contact a range of different members every week to make a friendly 'check in' call and have a chat.

Learn More