Volunteering FAQs

Anyone aged 18 or over can apply to volunteer. We welcome people from all backgrounds, with a wide range of skills and experiences. All we ask is that you’re reliable, friendly, and passionate about supporting veterans who are blind or have a vision impairment.

No. We provide full training and ongoing support. Many volunteers join us with no prior experience of sight loss or the Armed Forces, we will provide you with everything you need to feel confident in your role.

We offer a variety of roles depending on your location and interests. These may include:
•    Social and community support
•    Home visits
•    Telephone befriending
•    Driving
•    Events and activities
•    Support at the Rustington Centre 
•    Fundraising activities

This varies by role. Some volunteers support a veteran weekly or fortnightly, while others help at occasional events or activities. We’re flexible and will work with you to find a commitment level that fits your schedule, and the needs of the charity.

Yes, roles require a vetting check because volunteers often provide one‑to‑one support to vulnerable adults. Blind Veterans UK will organise and cover the cost for this.

Absolutely. All volunteers receive an induction and role‑specific training, including guidance on supporting people with sight loss and safeguarding training. Ongoing support is always available from the volunteering team.

Yes. We don’t expect volunteers to be out of pocket. Travel and other agreed expenses will be reimbursed in line with our volunteer expenses policy.

It can vary depending on the role, vetting checks, and your availability for training. On average, volunteers can expect the process to take between 2– 4 weeks. We’ll keep you updated at every stage.

Yes! Many of our volunteers work or study full‑time. We offer flexible opportunities that can fit around you, including evenings, weekends, and remote support roles.

You’ll have a named contact in the volunteering team who will check in regularly, offer guidance, and make sure you feel confident and supported in your role, as well as an out of hours volunteering contact number.

Whether you’d like to learn more about the roles available, find out what’s happening in your area, or ask a question about getting involved, our team is here to help.

If you want to explore volunteering or have an enquiry, please fill in the contact form using the button below.

After we receive your details, someone from our volunteering team will get in touch to discuss your interests and outline the next steps.