Information on Volunteers
Volunteering with the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind
The NNAB relies on the generosity of volunteers all over Norfolk. Those individuals who give up their own valuable time to assist others and enable the Association to extend its services throughout the County, are invaluable. Volunteers make such a difference to people's lives, supporting the visually impaired in a huge variety of ways.
Volunteers are involved in everything we do, including: 
Befriending
Eye Clinic Information Service
Equipment and Information Centres
Driving
Sports Activities
Social and Recreational Clubs
Educational Opportunities 
Our 'Buddying Scheme'
Charity Shop
Fundraising
And more.......
The list really does go on and on. Without volunteers we simply would not be able to meet the many varied needs of those blind and partially sighted people living in Norfolk. We are always in need of new volunteers, in all areas of the Association and the County.
We provide full support and supervision for all of our volunteers and give visual awareness and induction training to all. We are very flexible and can find voluntary roles to suit most people, with time commitment never an issue - as even a few hours a month can make such a difference.
If you would be interested in finding out more about volunteering with the NNAB we would love to hear from you.
Please contact:
Emily Havercroft (Volunteer Services Manager) telephone: 01603 629558 or email: emilyhavercroft@nnab.co.uk
Photo: Practical guiding skills are covered in our visual awareness training
Volunteering Events
Annual Volunteer and Supporters Party
On the 20th June we had our annual volunteer party, which was our chance to thank all of our valuable volunteers for the huge difference they make to the Association. This year the theme was 'Flowers' and we were delighted to welcome the Sheriff of Norwich, Mayor of King's Lynn and Mayor of Great Yarmouth. We think it is so important to celebrate all that our committed team of volunteers continue to achieve.
The Gift of Time - A Day for Volunteers
On the 23rd June we held a special Forum Event for all of our current volunteers. This day is designed to allow our volunteers to come together and share experiences and ideas on volunteering as well as developing themselves as volunteers of the Association. Workshops included: 'Leading the Way' - the practical side to helping VIPs, 'Getting more from your volunteering' with communication advice and how to develop within your voluntary role and 'Communicating with VIPs' - exploring subjects such as audio description, descriptive conversation and other communication tips. There was space for discussion and a brief talk on the true value and impact of volunteering nationally, locally and within the NNAB.
NNAB Volunteering News
The Telefriends 10th Anniversary Reunion
On the 1st May those visually impaired volunteers who have supported the NNAB 'telefriends' service, at some time or other over the past ten years, came together for a celebratory reunion. Providing regular contact to some 100 VIPs county wide helps those who are isolated and often very lonely. Having dealt with their own vision loss, telefriends are able to identify with those they are calling on a very personal level.
Photo: Those who attended the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Telefriends Service
King's Lynn Award for Voluntary Service
This year both Trevor Smith and Joan Thomas, volunteers from West Norfolk, received an Award for their voluntary Service.
Trevor Smith has been volunteering for the NNAB since 2004. Supporting our Street Days and Flag Collections, Trevor has single handedly raised over £1,200 for the NNAB.
Joan Thomas began volunteering with us in 2002. A very involved volunteer, Joan helps as a befriender, in our West Norfolk Equipment Centre, as a driver and with the King's Lynn Blind Club. Nothing is ever too much for Joan.
Photo: Trevor Smith receiving his award for Voluntary Service from the Mayor of King's Lynn
Lord Mayor's Award for Voluntary Service
This year we were very excited when Ray Alvis, one of our longest serving volunteers, was given a Norwich Civic Award for his voluntary endeavour. Ray has been volunteering for the NNAB for over 12 years and his commitment and support to the Association has been invaluable. His volunteering role has been varied and extensive, encompassing many of the needs of the Association. Including: Sailing, Tandem Cycling, Tenpin Bowling, Swimming, Walking and Befriending. Ray is hugely relied upon and we felt that a Lord Mayors Civic Award was the perfect way to let Ray know just how valued his voluntary service is.
Photo: Ray Alvis and his wife Betty at the Civic Award Ceremony
Updated July 2008