Volunteer Profiles

James - SeeAbility Trustee

I have been a volunteer with SeeAbility for a number of years. When I first began volunteering about five years ago, I took on the role of chairman of the residents' forum on one of the flats at Reeves Court in Leatherhead. I am still a volunteer but have since moved to become a Trustee for SeeAbility!

I still work full time so volunteering with SeeAbility gives me a welcome break from the often frenetic pace of life in the corporate world. It allows me to contribute greatly to the lives of people and over the years I have formed some great friendships with individuals living and working at SeeAbility.

For me volunteering is all about helping to make a positive change to people's lives and I thoroughly recommend it.

Sarah - Millennium Centre Volunteer

Having spent several years working in the corporate world, I decided to take a break. I wanted to take on some voluntary work that would help other people and didn't involve sitting in an office!  Through contacting my local volunteer bureau, I was put in touch with Seeability and having visited the Millennium centre, decided that is where I wanted to help out.  I assist the staff to run a weekly cookery class which helps visually impaired people learn the basic skills of food preparation and cooking. It is really enjoyable and there is  something completely different every week.

I have enjoyed getting to know the people in the class and have found it to be a very rewarding experience. I have learnt a lot from my time with SeeAbility, not just through training, but personally, by sharing time with people who sometimes struggle to do the things we take for granted.

Chris Starmer - Befriender at Leatherhead.

I work for Unum which is the UK's leading provider of income protection insurance, based in Dorking.  Unum has had a long relationship with SeeAbility and about ten years ago I became involved in a volunteering project at the Leatherhead site.

I joined a team of staff from Unum who spent the day painting and decorating a flat and doing some gardening. I really enjoyed it, particularly as the staff and residents were so friendly and appreciative. It was great fun and we took away a real sense of achievement at what we completed.

I felt that I wanted to get more involved so I became a regular volunteer. Since then I have befriended one of the residents at Leatherhead. We spend a lot of time chatting and from time to time we visit places he otherwise would not be able to get to. I get a great of satisfaction from volunteering and know that my support has helped to make a difference.

Annie - Befriender and Escot, Fairways 

Annie joined Fairways in 2004 after being referred to us by Hart Voluntary Action and has become a valuable member of our volunteering team. Annie visits Fairways 2-3 times a week to escorts residents out on local shopping trips, to the local garden centre for a cuppa or just joins them for a walk in the fresh air.

"I love it at Fairways as I feel I am helping make a real difference to the lives of those who live here".

Beth - Befriender and Escort

I am visiting England for just 6 months, which is a short time to make new friends and get a sense of connection with the community. Fortunately I stumbled upon the Guildford Volunteer Centre, so time otherwise spent alone was filled with a lot of dancing, laughter, bowling and being sneezed on by goats! The ladies who live at  SeeAbility, Denecroft were always so pleased to see me, and me them. What a joy!

Not only was I making a contribution to those around me but have a lot of fun at the same time. The Manager at Denecroft kept me up to date on happenings within the house when I was away and actively involved me in activities with the residents. I will miss them all on my return to Australia and shall treasure the photos I have (even the goat sneeze one). My final words before heading back home. Volunteering is so enriching that even small contributions are personally rewarding and satisfying. Go for it.