Make a Lasting Impact in the Lives of Others with Travel Hands
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“My vision impairment doesn't stop me from doing things I love or living the way I want to. I love to dress up and go to shops to buy clothes. Travel Hands volunteers assist me and make my shopping experience fabulous.” - Fabiana Chavez, A VIP user of Travel Hands
If you've been considering how to make a meaningful impact in your community, volunteering with Travel Hands is an incredible way to do so. We know you're familiar with the vital work we do—pairing Visually Impaired People (VIPs) with sighted guides to help them navigate their daily lives. Now, let's dive deeper into why your involvement is crucial and how it can enrich your life as much as those you help.
The Urgency of Your Support
Travel Hands has completed over 700 journeys, but the demand continues to grow. Each request for assistance represents a person striving for independence and a more connected life. Your support can help us bridge the gap between the increasing needs and the resources available.
Our VIPs often describe how isolating and daunting travelling can be without assistance. Imagine navigating busy city streets, unfamiliar public transport systems, or even simple routes without the gift of sight. Your presence as a volunteer is more than a guiding hand—it's a beacon of safety and reassurance.
Why Volunteering is a Win-Win
“It would be difficult for me to visit crowded marketplaces. Assistance is required to handle me. Travel Hands is providing good service. Volunteers have patience in handling situations very well.” - Ghowreesan, A VIP user of Travel Hands
Volunteering with Travel Hands doesn't just benefit our VIPs; it's a profoundly enriching experience for volunteers too. Here's how:
Flexible and Detailed: You can accept a journey as per the flexibility of your schedule. The service is active for 7 days a week from 9 am to 9 pm. The journeys are usually up to 3 hours. You will be informed about the journey details; pick up and drop off locations, time, and the time involvement and particular activity for that journey. You can easily accept or decline the requests from our Travel Hands mobile app.
Empathy and Perspective: Working closely with VIPs gives you a unique insight into their world. It fosters a deep sense of empathy and understanding, enriching your perspective on life and the challenges others face.
Personal Growth: Guiding a VIP through their journeys will boost your confidence and patience. These experiences can significantly enhance your personal and professional skills, making you more adaptable and compassionate.
Community and Connection: You'll meet a diverse group of people, from other dedicated volunteers to the VIPs themselves. These interactions build a strong sense of community and belonging, which is rewarding on a personal level.
Mental and Emotional Well-being: Acts of kindness and support have been shown to improve mental health. Volunteering can reduce stress, combat depression, and increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Consider the story of Anna, a long-time volunteer, and her VIP, Tom. Tom, who lost sight in his early thirties, struggled with feeling disconnected from the world around him. Since pairing with Anna, he’s regained confidence and rediscovered his passion for visiting museums and attending local events. Anna shares that the experience has also been transformative for her, providing a sense of purpose and fulfilment that she hadn’t expected.
Or take James, another VIP who frequently travels for work. His volunteer, Sarah, has made his commutes manageable and even enjoyable. James's professional life has flourished thanks to the support he receives, and Sarah takes pride in knowing her contributions are making a tangible difference.
How You Can Get Involved
Becoming a volunteer with Travel Hands is straightforward and rewarding. We provide all the necessary training to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in your role. You’ll learn the best practices for guiding, communication techniques, and safety protocols to ensure every journey is smooth and enjoyable.
Here's what you need to do:
- Sign Up: Visit our website and fill out the volunteer application form.
- Training: Attend our comprehensive training sessions to prepare for your role.
- Get Matched: We’ll pair you with a VIP based on your availability and preferences.
- Start Volunteering: Begin your journey as a volunteer, making a positive impact with each outing.
Join Us in Making a Difference
“I bought some clothes which did not fit me well from Westfield shopping center. Jill the Volunteer assisted me in finding the shop and helped the correct size and brand. Helped me return the cloth. She even took me to a fitting room. Provide which cloth looks better on me. I am very happy to have assistance for my purpose, thank you so much.”- Fabiana Chavez
Like Fabiana, we make a huge difference in the lives of other VIPs. And because of the good word in the VIP community, the need for volunteers is greater than ever. By offering your time and compassion, you can help us continue to provide essential support to visually impaired individuals. Your involvement will help ensure that no one feels confined by their visual impairment and that everyone can enjoy the freedom and confidence to explore their world.
Take the step today. Download the application and sign up as a volunteer. Together, we can make every journey a safer, more inclusive experience for VIPs across the UK. Let's transform lives, one step at a time.
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