Today’s featured volunteer is Derek Webster a visiting befriender for Sight Concern.
“I like making the weekly commitment. I walk with four different people, and they are great company. The eldest is 90yrs and very fit. He is also a Radio 4 and Archer’s fan, so we always seem to have a lot to talk about.
With another we have both become interested in golf for the blind because before losing his sight he played golf. This has been good fun for both of us visiting a golf driving range. He has still got it.
I walk with someone who has lost peripheral vision and is in his late eighties. He is keeping fit and gets out and about every day. When we walk together, we both share an interest in architecture, and he knows a lot.
I walk with someone who has three dogs, and though sighted loses her bearings when out in open spaces. Seeing the dogs has been fun. They know me now and they are characters.
So, the small commitment gives me a lot. I feel part of other lives and it is stimulating. I also phone someone once a week. I am lucky because I am not great on the phone but the lady I phone is always chatty and makes it easy for me. Again, I like that routine and being a small part in someone else’s life.
I did consider other volunteer activities, but I am glad I do this because it is one on one. It gets me out of myself. There is a shape to the week, and it is stimulating sharing time with other people. I recommend it.”
If you would like to know more about joining our team of Sight Concern Worcestershire volunteers see our Volunteering section or if you or someone you know is going through sight loss and would like to know about the support and guidance we offer please contact Jo Webber 01905 723 245 email info@sightconcern.co.uk.
