Macular Society

Information for volunteers

Macular Society Charity supporting those with central vision loss.

Volunteer Telephone befrienders

You can really make a difference to people affected by macular disease by offering them a friendly listening ear.

Volunteer befrienders maintain regular contact with people over the telephone, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Many people that use the service like talking to a befriender who also has macular degeneration and can share their experience to help the befriendee feel more positive about their own condition.

As a befriender, you will engage people in conversations about things of general interest to them, as well as living with their macular condition. Using your communication and listening skills, a friendly, patient approach and an understanding of living with vision loss, you will inspire others by reducing isolation and building confidence.

You can perform this role from the comfort of your own home and we will meet any expenses for the calls you make. Training is provided in the form of a short course to complete at home, followed by a telephone conference with other volunteers or an informal session held locally.

Is this the role for me?
•Are you able to commit to making a regular telephone call to one or two people?
•Do you understand the challenges of living with macular degeneration?
•Do you have experience of supporting others, particularly those in difficult situations?
•Are you prepared to listen to anyone, even though you may not always agree with their point of view?

Yes to all?
Please contact Befriending Team on Telephone 01264 326 622 or email befriending@macularsociety.org