Why volunteer for GCAB?

There are many reasons why people choose to volunteer for GCAB. Some have family or friends affected by sight loss; others have spare time to fill and wish to do something new and positive in their community.

We welcome volunteers throughout the county, so if you would like to:

• Do something different
• Make a difference
• Acquire new skills
• Make new friends
• Use your spare time
• Enhance your CV
• Feel valued and part of a team
• Challenge yourself

We would love to hear from you!

Volunteers needed

We have various volunteer roles, briefly outlined as follows:

Volunteer Befrienders

We currently have over 60 volunteers who individually support clients throughout the county visiting clients in their own homes.

We are always seeking kind and thoughtful people who are keen to encourage independence and reduce the isolation often encountered by sight impaired people.

Volunteer befrienders usually visit weekly or fortnightly for an hour or two to help with reading and correspondence, go out for a walk or to the shops or just have a cup of tea and a chat. The volunteer is introduced as a friend and does not undertake any personal care or household tasks.

Hospital Volunteers

Our hospital volunteers are based in outpatient eye clinics to support and listen to patients and signpost them to GCAB for further help. Following training we usually expect a commitment to cover one clinic a week.

Fundraising Volunteers

A team of volunteers assist us at all our fundraising events.

We regularly have supermarket collections manned by volunteers.
Also volunteers have recently provided refreshments, run marathons, helped to organise a ball, set quizzes and erected marquees. The roles are as varied as the people who offer to help us.

Club Helpers

GCAB is directly involved in several clubs and supports many more throughout the county. The roles of the volunteers vary from club to club, but include organisers, helpers, leaders, drivers and volunteers to arrange activities, outings and transport.
Administrative/Office Volunteer

We occasionally need help with specific projects in our offices in Cheltenham. We are also keen to offer work experience to volunteers who are sight impaired.