Awards for Volunteers in Sussex

Four local volunteers were recognised by SeeAbility for their work at SeeAbility's Centre in Seaford on World Sight Day (Thursday October 9th.) The ceremony was held at SeeAbility's Bradbury Activity Centre which provides people with a visual impairment and additional disabilities to take part in a wide range of pursuits designed to increase independence through educational and creative pursuits. 

Janet Dewar, SeeAbility's Regional Manager, presented awards to volunteers, Bill Prior and Isla Ballard received their awards for 5 years service while James Kitchin and Lyn Crowther received awards for 3 years service. 

Bill is the oldest volunteer within SeeAbility at 87 years of age.  He reads to one of the residents at SeeAbility's Barclay House, which provides a rehabilitative residential service for nine adults with a visual impairment and additional disabilities.

Bill says says, "Spending a few hours at Barclay House is tremendously rewarding.  I enjoy reading and it is even more special when you read to someone who can't read themselves."

Volunteers can help in a wide range of activities - everything from DIY and gardening to cookery, arts and crafts or taking residents out for a walk through the town and spending time to have a chat over a cup of tea. 

Tim Partridge, SeeAbility's National Volunteer Manager, comments, "Volunteers play a vital role at SeeAbility.  We aim to provide a person-centred approach to care which enables people to maximise their independence.  Volunteers help our residents integrate into the local community as well as confidence building.  We are extremely grateful to them all."

For more information about volunteering at Barclay House or the Bradbury Activity and Resource Centre, please contact Anita Jevans on 01323 873421.