Eye Conditions
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Get Involved
Volunteer with Us
Volunteering with MySight York is just as rewarding for you, as the people you support.
Whether meeting people, learning new skills, or supporting someone to achieve their goals, you can make a difference to someone’s life while also gaining confidence, connection and a sense of purpose.
What our volunteers do
Our roles change through the year, but they usually fall into four areas.
Spending time with people
Our befriending volunteers visit people in their own homes for conversation and company, a hand with post and paperwork, a walk to the shops, or help getting back to a hobby they thought they'd had to give up. For many of the people we support, it's the visit they look forward to most.
Supporting our groups and activities
From exercise classes and sensory walks to our social groups, volunteers help set the room up, welcome people as they arrive, and make sure everyone can join in. It's sociable, practical and there's usually tea.
Sharing skills and knowledge
Some of our volunteers help people get to grips with the technology that makes daily life easier; phones, tablets, magnifiers and the accessibility settings that are already built into the devices people own.
Raising funds and awareness
We're an independent local charity and we rely on donations. Volunteers help run events, collect in the city, staff stalls at fairs and community gatherings, and tell people about the work we do.
Who we're looking for
You’d be a good fit if you’re:
- a good listener, and comfortable in someone else’s company
- patient, warm and non-judgemental
- reliable — the people we support plan their week around you
- respectful of people’s independence and their right to make their own choices
You don’t need any experience of sight loss, any qualifications, or any previous volunteering under your belt. We’ll teach you the rest.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, including people with sight loss themselves.
Why people volunteer with us
You'll make a real difference
By volunteering with us, you can have a lasting positive impact on the lives of others and feel good knowing that you have made a real difference to others through your time, experience and enthusiasm. "Volunteering gives me a sense of worth and pride knowing I have learnt a skill to help others. It is good for my own mental health and physical wellbeing" - Befriending volunteer.
You'll learn something new
Through sharing a variety of training opportunities, in-person and online, we can help you build the skillset and awareness required to feel confident as well as supported throughout your volunteering journey. "Today's training was engaging, informative and very well delivered in a supportive environment that encouraged questions and discussion - the session was both enjoyable and impactful" - New volunteer.
You'll meet (new) people
Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and we believe that meaningful connections matter. We attend community events regularly and host social events for volunteers throughout the year, offering you the opportunity to have fun and get to know each other. "It has given me a new challenge and a feeling of being part of something in the York community" - Fundraising and befriending volunteer.
You'll be part of a small, local team
We're not a big, national charity. We are independent and local. You'll know the staff by name, your ideas will be heard, and you'll be an important member of our volunteering team.
How volunteering can benefit you
- Full training before you start, and refresher training as you go
- Develop valuable skills and grow your confidence
- Feel supported – you will be allocated a named supervisor to support you
- Feel connected – be part of a warm and sociable volunteering team
- Opportunity to give back – share your time and help make positive change
- A reference after six months, if you need one
Ready to start?
Take a look at what volunteer roles we’re recruiting for at the moment, or get in touch and we’ll help you find the right role.
