Celebrating our Volunteers
At the Beacon Centre for the Blind, our volunteers are the heart of our charity. During National Volunteers’ Week, we want to shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals who dedicate their time and energy to make a difference. Here, we share the stories of two of our amazing volunteers, Val and Kerry, whose contributions have greatly impacted our community.
After a 30-year career at B&Q, Val decided to give back to her community. With glaucoma affecting her own vision, Val found a connection with Beacon.
“I came up to the shop and enquired, filled out a form, and then started a while after that,” Val recalls. “When I started, it felt right. I’ve got a great relationship with staff and other volunteers; they say I brighten the place up. We have a laugh. I do a bit of everything – pricing, tidying, dusting, working the till. I slot in where I’m needed.”
Val said she loved her role: “It’s only been 7 months, but it feels as though I’ve been here for years. My confidence has grown, and I love talking to customers and helping them. Volunteering here gives me a sense of purpose.”
Kerry’s journey with Beacon began when she visited our Bloxwich shop as a customer. “I wanted to build my confidence and my learning skills,” she recalls. A conversation with the manager at the till sparked her interest in volunteering, and she decided to join our team.
For Kerry, the most rewarding aspect of volunteering is “meeting a wide range of people in our local community.” The connections she has made and the interactions she enjoys every day are invaluable to her.
The impact of volunteering on Kerry’s life has been huge. “My life has changed so much since volunteering. My confidence is flying now, and my mental health is so much better. I have a more positive attitude,” she says.
Join Us in Thanking Our Volunteers
We are incredibly grateful for all 197 of our volunteers, who contribute in 16 different roles, from befriending to sorting clothes in our shops. Together, they give thousands of hours of their time to help people live well with sight loss. Whether they have been with us for more than 20 years or have just joined, their support is invaluable.
Thank you to all our volunteers for making such an incredible difference.
If you are interested in volunteering with us, please get in touch. Your time and talents can make a significant impact in our community. You can call us on 01902 880 111 or email enquiries@beaconvision.org to find out more.