We always have opportunities for new volunteers. Our volunteers range in age from 18 to 80+ and include people that are in full time employment. There is no minimum commitment but the usual requirement is an hour or two once every one or two weeks. KAB provides Blind Awareness Sessions and on-going support. Travel and parking expenses are paid.
Drivers
Experienced drivers are always needed to provided transport of visually impaired members to and from the various clubs and activities provided by the KAB.
Eye Buddy Scheme
Volunteers are needed to visit, befriend and assist blind and partially sighted people. A lot of our clients are elderly and when sight loss is added to poor mobility they can become unable to leave the house. This sometimes can result in isolation, loneliness and depression. Volunteers help in a number of ways including reading, taking clients out for walks locally, or simply for a friendly chat and catch up over a cup of tea.
Social Eyes
Meets alternate Tuesdays at the Kingston Quaker Centre. The club offers various activities including craft, gentle exercise and quizzes. Drivers and helpers at the club and for outings are always needed.
Lawn Bowls
Meets weekly on Tuesdays May through to September (Outdoor) and Thursdays October to April (Indoors). Volunteers are required for both indoor and outdoor whether you are an experienced bowler or not, your help would be invaluable.
Ten Pin Bowling
Ten Pin bowling takes place every Monday morning excluding Bank Holidays. Volunteers are required to assist with helping and handling the correct bowls, guiding players to the lane, etc.
Tandem Scheme
Experienced cyclists are needed to be pilots (front riders) on tandems provided by KAB. This enables visually impaired people to enjoy the pleasure of cycling. Cyclists do not need experience of riding tandems as training will be provided - but experienced tandem cyclists are also very welcome. Volunteers are also needed to undertake simple maintenance, mending punctures, etc.
Surbiton Blind Club
Meets every fortnight on a Tuesday afternoon at Surbiton Methodist Church, Ewell Road. It also needs drivers and helpers at the club and on outings.
Malden and Coombe Blind Club
Meets every fortnight on a Wednesday. The Club desperately needs drivers to collect clients and take them to Christ Church Hall, Coombe Road, New Malden and take them home again. Helpers are also needed at the meetings and on club outings.
Ad Hoc Volunteers
KAB sometimes receives requests from visually impaired members for ad hoc assistance at home, or to guide and provide assistance to the theatre or an exhibition. So even if you can only volunteer occasionally, this one is for you.