Befriending Volunteer with British Sign Language skills (Chandler's Ford)

Are you a friendly, patient person who enjoys building meaningful connections? We are looking for a volunteer with British Sign Language (BSL) skills to become a befriender for a person we support who is deaf. The person we support lives in a supported living home in Chandler's Ford.

By spending a few hours together each week or fortnight, you will help reduce loneliness, build confidence, and create opportunities for fun and friendship. Every person we support is unique, so you will get to know their interests and plan activities they will enjoy together.

You could be:

• Having a chat over a cup of tea.
• Going for a walk or enjoying time outdoors.
• Playing board games or video games.
• Reading together.
• Taking part in sports or hobbies.
• Visiting local cafés, parks, or community activities.
• Simply spending quality time together and building a genuine friendship.

Our volunteer team and local staff will provide support throughout your volunteering journey.

The difference you'll make

A few hours of your time can have a lasting impact.

By volunteering as a befriender, you will help someone who is deaf and has learning disabilities, autism and/or sight loss feel more connected to their community, develop confidence, and enjoy new experiences. Your companionship can reduce isolation, encourage independence, and create opportunities for laughter, conversation, and shared memories.

You will also become part of a passionate charity that believes everyone deserves the chance to live an ambitious and fulfilling life.

About Us

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. In 2024 we celebrated our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Benefits

• This is a fantastic opportunity to give something positive back to society and have a direct impact  on people’s lives
• Through this volunteer role, you can gain experience and develop your skill set
•  SeeAbility provides training which could be added to your CV
• Volunteers can claim travel expenses

Skills

Skills Required

• To be kind, empathetic and friendly
• A reasonable level of British Sign Language (BSL)
• An understanding of the deaf culture, autism and learning disabilities
• Experience of working in Social Care preferred but not essential
• To have a good sense of humour and love to chat
• To be punctual and reliable
• Available to volunteer for 1-3 hours a week or fortnight
• To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures