VCHP calls for volunteers

Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP) has issued a call for more volunteers to support its clinics as they return to providing service as usual.

The charity is seeking volunteer optometrists to occasionally test at its Vision Care for Homeless centres in Birmingham and Leeds on Mondays, and in Manchester on Wednesdays.

Dispensing opticians and team leaders are also needed. The regional team leader roles require approximately 10 hours of administrative volunteering a month.

General manager for VCHP, David Brown, commented: “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 charity receives “tremendous support” from the optical community and industry suppliers, Brown shared, adding that, as a result of this, clinics are “well kitted out.”

“It is a very rewarding role to fill, where volunteers can make a direct impact on the lives of local homeless people,” Brown said.

Discussing the team leader role, he shared: “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.”

He added: “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.”

More information about Vision Care for Homeless People can be found on the charity website.