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News Debrief

Every hero deserves a friend

The power of volunteering
Published on 18 Dec 2025

Every blind veteran is unique. Our volunteers find ways to connect with each one.

A volunteer's role may seem simple on the surface - a chat over a cup of tea, a weekly phone call. But for our blind veterans, they can be life-changing.

Many of our veterans live alone, and sight loss can make isolation even more profound. Befrienders offer more than conversation; they offer consistency, empathy, and a vital link to the outside world.

Telephone befrienders, meanwhile, offer regular check-ins and meaningful conversations that lift spirits and reduce loneliness - especially for those living in remote areas or facing mobility challenges.

Blind veteran Colin needed a special kind of support.

He is one of our blind veterans living with dementia.

Volunteer Coordinator Laura perfectly embodies the heart and creativity behind our befriending programme. When asked to find a befriender for Colin, Laura rose to the challenge. Colin finds speech difficult, but as a former band leader, he lights up when playing the trumpet.

Laura didn’t just find a volunteer, she found a music teacher experienced in working with people living with dementia. Through music, Colin rediscovered joy, expression, and companionship

Blind veteran Colin sitting at desk in front of a tablet practicing singing while on Zoom call
Blind veteran Colin on a video call

It’s a powerful reminder that befriending isn’t one-size-fits-all - it’s about meeting people where they are and finding the spark that brings them joy.

Could you be a volunteer for a blind veteran?

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