Volunteering Case Study - Pip

I was drawn to volunteering after I found that I had time on my hands after retirement.

I have close relatives with visual impairments, and I felt I could contribute something to those less fortunate than myself having had firsthand knowledge of those without sight or other disabilities.

I decided to investigate through the volunteer agency and The British Wireless for the Blind Fund were advertising for volunteers and decided that it was the job for me.

My job is database orientated which suited me fine owing to my circumstances and medical condition. I spend most of my time filling in details on a database for those applicants who are entitled to have a radio on loan or for those requiring replacement sets.

I do filing. (Yuck but has to be done) But I do recognise the same forms I filled out for the database, which is nice as it means I see the job through to completion.

I also do welcoming letters to new recipients, there can be as many as 3000 per year so you can imagine that the paperwork involved is constant. Once you think you are getting the pile down another lot comes along which is challenging to say the least.

The office is a vibrant place which suits my nature with lots of banter.

Since I have worked here, I have found that the Charity runs on little money so I like to do my bit for this Big Society everyone’s talking about but I don’t do it for that. I just want to give something back with satisfaction of my own accord.