Homeless vision charity calls for more volunteers

Volunteers are urgently needed by Vision Care for Homeless centres in Leeds, Exeter and Manchester as the clinics get back to providing service as usual. The charity is seeking optometrists to test occasionally at the Birmingham and Leeds clinics on Mondays, and Manchester on Wednesdays.

DOs, plus team leaders are sought, VCHP General Manager, David Brown said –
“Many in the profession are re-assessing their lives post-lockdown and may be looking to use their skills in a benevolent and relatively easy way – we would love to hear from them.”

The regional team leader roles require about ten hours of administrative volunteering a month and the charity is interested to hear from anyone with leadership qualities who can help ensure the clinics are well managed and resourced.

“It is a great opportunity for someone who is used to dealing with the administration of a practice. Ideas on raising funds and building links in the local community would also be very welcome,” added David.
“We have tremendous support from the optical community and particularly from the suppliers who do a great job in helping us with frames, lenses and glazing. Thanks to the industry support our test rooms are well kitted out and so it is a very rewarding role to fill, where volunteers can make a direct impact on the lives of local homeless people,” added David.

“Giving as many homeless and vulnerable people as possible access to our service is one important function of the lead teams. It is a chance for someone who really wants to make a difference by co-ordinating outreach and building links in the local community,” added David.

VCHP’s Manchester clinic reopened in September.

Pictured are Brian Meehan, volunteer clinic manager and Jane Laitt, volunteer optometrist.

To find out more visit www.visioncarecharity.org