National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) is looking for volunteers across the country to join its Connection Network service. This service is a free, confidential and befriending service led by trained volunteers who make weekly phone calls to those service users who experience isolation. This service is in response to the reality that during Covid19, our service users said that isolation, loneliness and emotional support were areas that needed attention.
Beatrice Bowers, NCBI Community Resource Worker said: “This service offers an opportunity to increase the social network of our service users, reduce loneliness, share worries or concerns and increase a sense of community among people with sight loss and NCBI. It also allows them to re-engage with NCBI services if they wish. We have seen an increase in the general wellbeing of those who have already availed of this service this is why we are hoping to expand our network of volunteers.”
All volunteers will be fully trained and supported by the NCBI services team. It couldn’t be easier to get involved and calls will be made via the BlueFace App. This app enables calls to be made free of charge and an account will be set up for you when you begin volunteering. Volunteers will not be asked to give their personal phone numbers to the service users they call.
Antoinette Burke, Connection Network Volunteer said “Volunteering with NCBI has been an enriching experience as I have been afforded the opportunity to have very positive and engaging interactions with clients of the service. It has certainly given me a greater insight and understanding of the challenges they experience which is something that makes me stop and think. It is a vital service that goes a long way to combat isolation and loneliness for the client. If you are able to build up a good rapport with the client, you can certainly make a difference which is ultimately the feel good factor of being a volunteer.
If you are interested in volunteering for the NCBI Connection Network, please contact Olivia.Harrington@ncbi.ie
