News
As Christmas approaches, it’s a time when many of us think about giving back to our communities. While donating money or gifts can make a difference, giving your time can be just as valuable.
Volunteering is a wonderful way to support a cause you care about, meet new people and make a positive difference in someone’s life. And with the festive season just around the corner, there’s no better time to get involved.
At Bradbury Fields, we’re always grateful for the people who generously give their time to support blind and partially sighted people across Merseyside. From helping people access activities to supporting their independence, our volunteers play an important role in everything we do.
Five Reasons to Volunteer This Christmas
1. Make a Real Difference in Your Community
For someone living with sight loss, everyday activities such as travelling to a social group or attending a community event can present additional challenges.
By volunteering, you can help remove some of these barriers, giving people greater opportunities to stay active, independent and connected.
Sometimes, something as simple as offering a lift or a friendly conversation can make a significant difference to someone’s day.
2. Help Tackle Loneliness and Social Isolation
Christmas is often associated with spending time with family and friends, but for some people, the festive period can be particularly isolating.
People living with sight loss may experience additional challenges when travelling independently, accessing social activities or maintaining connections within their community.
At Bradbury Fields, our social, recreational and wellbeing activities provide opportunities for service users to meet others, build friendships and enjoy new experiences.
Volunteers help make these opportunities possible, ensuring more people can participate and feel connected.
3. Meet New People and Build Connections
Volunteering isn’t just about what you give; it’s also about what you gain.
Joining a local charity provides opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds, develop friendships and become part of a welcoming community.
4. Develop New Skills and Experience
Volunteering can help you build confidence, improve your communication skills and gain valuable experience.
It’s also an opportunity to develop a greater understanding of sight loss and the importance of accessibility and inclusion.
These experiences can be beneficial both personally and professionally, while allowing you to contribute to something meaningful.
5. Start Something Meaningful Before the New Year
You don’t need to wait until January to make a positive change.
The weeks leading up to Christmas are a great opportunity to explore volunteering and find a role that fits around your existing commitments.
Even a few hours of your time could make a lasting difference, and what starts as a festive act of kindness could become something you enjoy throughout the year.
Volunteer Opportunity: Minibus Driver at Bradbury Fields
We’re currently looking for a friendly, reliable and caring Volunteer Minibus Driver to join our team in Liverpool.
Transport can be a significant barrier for people living with sight loss, particularly those who also have mobility difficulties.
Our minibus service helps service users travel safely between their homes, The Bradbury Centre and activities taking place in the local community.
By volunteering as a driver, you’ll play an important role in helping people access the activities, friendships and support that contribute to their wellbeing and independence.
What Does the Role Involve?
As a Volunteer Minibus Driver, you’ll help with:
- Home collections and drop-offs: Collecting service users from their homes and safely returning them after activities.
- Community outings: Transporting service users to events, day trips and activities organised by Bradbury Fields.
- Passenger safety: Ensuring passengers are safely seated, wearing seatbelts and supported throughout their journey.
- Friendly assistance: Offering a welcoming and respectful experience, including clear communication and appropriate guidance for passengers living with sight loss.
- Safe and responsible driving: Following road traffic laws, transport procedures and health and safety guidance.
Most importantly, you’ll help make sure that sight loss doesn’t prevent someone from enjoying the activities and social connections that matter to them.
How Much Time Do I Need to Give?
We understand that everyone has different commitments, which is why we offer flexible volunteering opportunities depending on your availability and the needs of the charity.
You could help with morning collections, afternoon journeys home, transport to community activities or occasional outings and day trips.
What Will You Gain?
Volunteering with Bradbury Fields gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while becoming part of a friendly and supportive team.
You’ll meet new people, gain valuable experience and have the satisfaction of knowing that your time is helping blind and partially sighted people remain active and connected to their community.
Make a Difference This Christmas
Christmas is a time for kindness, connection and community, and volunteering is a wonderful way to bring those values to life.
At Bradbury Fields, every volunteer contributes to our mission of supporting people living with sight loss across Merseyside.
If you’re looking for a rewarding way to give back this festive season, why not consider joining our team?
Interested in becoming a Volunteer Minibus Driver?
We’d love to tell you more about the role and how you can get involved.
Call our reception team on 0151 221 0888 or email Amy at aatherton@bradburyfields.org.uk for more information.