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:
Emma Purdy (Volunteer Services Manager) telephone: 01603 629558 or email: emmapurdy@nnab.co.uk
Photo: Practical guiding skills are covered in our visual awareness training
Volunteering Events
The NNAB 2008 Christmas Variety Show
Starring Members, Volunteers and Staff. 
Friday 5th December, 7pm, The King's Centre, King Street, Norwich
This fantastic Community Event brought us all together to share in the many varied activities our VIP members had been working on throughout the past year. Providing a platform for everyone to have a great time and a good giggle! As well as a Variety of entertainment the evening included a Christmas Fair, mulled wine and mince pies and a chance to get into that Christmas spirit, making well over £1000!
A HUGE thank you to everyone who was involved
Annual Volunteer and Supporters Party
We will again be hosting a marvelous evening of thanks for all of our Volunteers and Supporters this June. On the 20th June last year our annual volunteer party was great fun and our chance to thank all of our valuable volunteers for the huge difference they make to the Association. Last year's 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 last year we held a special Forum Event for all of our current volunteers. This day was 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
King's Lynn Award for Voluntary Service
This year both Wilfred Bateman and Gerald Clark, volunteers from West Norfolk, received a King's Lynn Civic Award for their voluntary Service.
Wilfred Bateman has been volunteering for the NNAB since 2005. He is incredibly supportive of the Association, running our West Norfolk Minibus for us for over 4 years. Wilfred assists with numerous sporting activities, as well as the Blind Social Clubs in the West. Without him so much simply would not happen, he is invaluable.
Gerald Clark has been volunteering with the NNAB for over 3 years and assists many individuals as a driver for the NNAB. He takes VIPs all over West Norfolk to apointments such as doctors, Eye Clinic, our King's Lynn Equipment and Information Centre or for social activities. Gerald will go out of his way to assist and often delivers vital equipment to peoples homes too.
A big congratulations to them both, so well deserved and a wonderful way for us to show them our true appreciation.
New Volunteer Policy Handbook
We have very recently issued a new 'Volunteer Policy Handbook' to all Association Volunteers. We are very pleased indeed with this, as it is comprehensive and able to assist the NNAB voluntary services in much more detail. We hope that volunteers and staff will find it a useful tool towards working together to ensure that VIPs benefit as much as possible from the fantastic contribution of time given each day by our tireless team of volunteers.
For more information on this, or anything relating to volunteering at the NNAB, please do contact Emma Purdy (Volunteer Services Manager)
Updated June 2009