Stephen has been part of the SSW volunteer team for almost eight years, and has been a vital part of our service. He’s a seasoned volunteer, who brings a great deal of skills to his role.
What is your volunteer role?
Minibus driver and sighted guide volunteer
How long have you been volunteering?
Almost 8 years now!
Why did you want to volunteer?
My day job was solitary, so volunteering enabled me to work with people, learn new skillsets, and boost my confidence when working with groups of people, as well as present me with new challenges.
What interested you in volunteering?
My first volunteer role was in 2006 at Chichester Canal as a volunteer working on the boats, which was a big interest of mine. My volunteer role enabled me to go out regularly on the boats on the beautiful setting of the canal and meet new people.
I then joined Sight Support Worthing in 2017 following an experience with someone in my life with sight issues. I had more time available, and I wanted to offer my help.
What does your volunteer role involve?
I drive the charity minibus on a weekly basis to collect our members from their homes and bring them to the Centre for activities and social events. I also assist with events in the Centre, and out and about as a sighted guide volunteer, and anything else that is needed!
Did you have any concerns or worries about volunteering?
I wanted to volunteer to do something that I enjoy, which led me to the boats at the canal. With SSW, I feel that I am making a difference in a more caring environment, which I really value.
How has volunteering helped you?
Volunteering has boosted my confidence and has filled up free time with a variety of interesting experiences.
My journey with SSW started when I was looking for more voluntary work to fill my time, and the kindness that I was shown at the charity at that time, has changed my life for the better.
What have you shared with the organisation during your volunteering for example any skills, experience, knowledge, hobbies, interests?
My job before retiring was in upholstery, and I was able to help the charity by bringing new life to the chairs in the centre!
I have been able to share interests such as aviation with the SSW members, by assisting with trips out like flying planes. Sharing a passion for something with another person is a great connection.
What have you learnt through your volunteering?
Don’t be scared of having a go, getting involved, and taking on challenges.
What do you enjoy about volunteering with your organisation/group?
The opportunities with SSW have been unbelievable experiences. I have been axe throwing, sailing, driving cars at Brands Hatch, flying planes, going to the theatre, and going out for pub lunches, to name but a few!
Has there been any outstanding moments that you wish to share?
Being a passenger in a plane that was piloted by a person with a visual impairment. Incredible!
If you could describe volunteering in a sentence or in one word, what would it be?
REWARDING
If someone was thinking about being a volunteer but wasn’t sure, what would you say to them?
Give it a go! There is so much out there to do and experience.
We can’t guarantee all our volunteers will get to fly in a plane with a SSW member but we do offer rewarding roles with lots of fun added in! If you’d like to volunteer with SSW please do get in touch with us. Call Katie on 01903 235 782 or email her: katie@sswcharity.org.uk
