Face to face fundraising

Face to face fundraising is one of the most cost-effective and sustainable ways of inspiring people to support us.

It involves  professionally trained fundraisers talking directly with the public to share the impactful work of SeeAbility. Through meaningful conversations, we raise awareness of how we support people with learning disabilities, autism and sight loss to live, love, thrive and belong.

This personal approach helps us connect with people and encourage long-term support through regular monthly, quarterly or annual gifts. Regular donations like this provide the steady, reliable support we need to plan ahead, invest in long-term programmes and make a lasting impact for people we support.

Find out more about our impact.

How we fundraise

Our face to face fundraising activities are conducted exclusively on private sites. This means fundraisers will be present in spaces such as shopping centres, gyms, train stations and other privately owned venues. We do not take part in any door to door fundraising.

Who helps us fundraise?

We have partnered with REAL Fundraising, a reputable agency known for their professional and ethical approach. Their experienced team will be representing SeeAbility, ensuring that our values and mission are communicated effectively and respectfully.

Both SeeAbility and REAL are registered with the Fundraising Regulator, an independent governing body for the fundraising charity sector. We expect fundraisers to always follow the Fundraising Code of Practice that governs this type of fundraising.

How to recognise a SeeAbility fundraiser

You can easily identify a SeeAbility fundraiser by the following:

  • Uniform: Fundraisers wear branded SeeAbility clothing, making them easily recognisable.
  • ID Badge: Each fundraiser carries a visible ID badge that includes their name and photo. 
  • Transparency: When a fundraiser interacts with you, they’ll tell you that they’re a paid fundraiser raising funds for SeeAbility.
  • Type of donation: They will only ever request a direct debit or continuous card payment. Our fundraisers will not ask for, and cannot accept, cash. 
  • Official materials: They will have branded banners on a nearby stand where they are working. They will also have official SeeAbility materials (our ‘thank you for supporting’ and ‘thank you for listening’ post cards) to share information about our work and how to contact us.

Where do we fundraise?

Fundraising will take place at various private sites across the country, such as shopping centres and train stations. Locations are carefully selected to ensure you can easily have a conversation with our fundraisers without feeling rushed or pressured. We select these venues to ensure a pleasant and respectful experience for everyone.

To find out if fundraisers are in your area, please look at the lists below.

Week commencing 16 September

  • Manchester Arndale (Café Nero)
  • Manchester (Café Nero)
  • Exeter (Boots)

Week commencing 23 September 

  • Manchester Victoria Station 

Week commencing 7 October

  • Lincoln (The Works)
  • Lincoln (JD)
  • Newark (The Works)
  • Manchester (Starbucks)

Week commencing 14 October

  • Manchester (Café Nero) 


Week commencing 21 October

  • Peterborough (Cafe Nero)
  • Stamford (Boots)
     

Week commencing 28 October

  • Huddersfield (Boots)
  • Manchester Arndale (Café Nero)
  • Manchester (Starbucks)

Week commencing 4 October

  • Huddersfield (Boots)

 

When do we fundraise?

Fundraisers will usually work during regular business hours in line with opening times for the site (e.g. shopping centre).

Questions, comments and complaints

We value your feedback and are here to assist with any queries or concerns you may have.

You can contact our friendly Supporter Care team on 01372 755 042 or supportercare@seeability.org.

  • Questions and comments: We are here to help and welcome you getting in touch with us to improve our work. Please use the details above to contact us.
  • Complaints: If you have any complaints, please let us know, and we will address them promptly and professionally. You can contact us using the details above.

Please find more information about our fundraising promise, how we keep your data safe and our complaints procedure.

Thank you for supporting SeeAbility. Your contributions enable us to continue making a positive impact on the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and sight loss. 

FAQs

How do I sign up for a direct debit donation?

Setting up a regular gift to SeeAbility, by direct debit, is simple and secure. You can do this online via our donate page or over the phone by calling our Supporter Care team on 01372 755 042.

Is signing up for a direct debit secure?

Direct debits are easy, safe and secure, giving you full control of how much you wish to give and when. Your direct debit is protected by the UK’s Direct Debit Guarantee, which protects you in the rare event that there is an error in the payment and lets you amend your direct debit at any time.  

How do I amend or cancel my direct debit?

You can cancel or amend your direct debit at any time by contacting your bank or building society. Please also notify us at SeeAbility by contacting our Supporter Care team on 01372 755 042.

Will your fundraisers ever ask for cash?

No. Our fundraisers will only ever request a direct debit or continuous card payment. They will not ask for, and cannot accept, cash.

Are your fundraisers trained?

We provide in-depth training to all fundraisers to ensure they work to the highest standards and safely interact with members of the public. We partner with REAL Fundraising, a professional agency, who are industry leading and and have considerable experience training skilled fundraisers.

How do you make sure your fundraising is safe, ethical and doesn’t target those in vulnerable circumstances?

Face to face fundraising is subject to the Code of Fundraising Practice established by the Fundraising Regulator, an independent regulator and the governing body for fundraising in the charity sector. Both SeeAbility and our agency partner REAL Fundraising are registered with the Fundraising Regulator and ensure the code of fundraising practice is adhered to. 
In addition, we provide in-depth training to all our fundraisers to ensure they work to the highest standards and safely interact with members of the public.
Fundraisers also follow a strict vulnerable persons policy.

What if someone doesn’t want to talk?

If someone informs a fundraiser that they are uncomfortable having a conversation or would just prefer not to talk, the fundraiser will respect their wishes and move on. We recognise that not everyone wants to engage with us and fundraisers will never put pressure on a member of the public to carry on the conversation.

Does SeeAbility use door to door fundraising?

No. Our face to face fundraising only takes place at private sites.

How are your fundraisers paid?

The fundraisers representing SeeAbility, as part of this campaign, are paid professional fundraisers working with REAL Fundraising on behalf of SeeAbility and are paid the real living wage or higher.

How will you keep my data safe?

We will make it clear and easy for you to choose how you hear from us, including how to opt out from future communications.
We will never share your details with other organisations or charities, except those we engage directly to fundraise on our behalf. 
We will only work with professional fundraising organisations and always adhere to fundraising best practice as laid down by the Fundraising Regulator and Information Commissioners Office.
We will only contact you in the ways you are happy for us to.
Read our privacy policy