Why volunteer for InFocus?
Volunteering at our charity here in Exeter means helping us to ensure young adults with vision impairment and complex needs can live full and independent lives.
Volunteers play an important role at InFocus, helping us achieve our aims by supporting the work we do at our college, as well as our charity shops across Exeter and Devon. We are always looking to recruit new volunteers who can help with a variety of tasks.
We need you to help in lots of areas including:
- working in our charity shops in Exeter and East Devon
- supporting our gardening and horticulture projects in Exeter and West Hill (near Ottery St Mary)
- spreading the word about what we do as a fundraiser or community champion
You’ll be working alongside other volunteers and staff who will help guide you on your journey. You may also be asked to assist with some administrative duties. In return, you will:
- meet new people
- learn new skills
- gain valuable work experience
- make friends
- build your confidence
- be part of a community outside of your friends and family
- have fun!
How to get involved
There’s plenty of ways to get involved with InFocus. You may be asked to support our fundraising activities or help out in one of our charity shops. If you have a broad range of skills and experience we may need your help in other areas.
Take a look at our current Volunteer Vacancies. You’ll then need to complete a short application form and return to our reception team. Some of the roles might start with an informal chat or visit to one of our sites before you complete the form.
When we receive your completed application form, you may asked to come in to discuss the role and have an informal interview.
If you and the volunteer manager both decide that the opportunity is right for you, we will offer you the role pending final checks before you start. You can also sign up to our newsletter for the latest volunteering vacancies and information.
Do I need any references or background checks?
We will ask for two references.
Some roles are conditional subject to an enhanced DBS certificate and registration with the online update service. For example, if you are based at our main site in Exeter or if you will be working directly with young people that our charity supports.
It’s also a requirement for all staff who work in a college or education environment (including volunteers working in roles on any part of our Exeter campus) to have read part one the statutory guidance document Keeping Children Safe in Education. A copy will be provided for you at induction.
Useful links and documents
Some answers to your questions
Are there any age restrictions?
You will need to be 18 years of age or over to volunteer at InFocus College and the social enterprise charity shops.
Do I need any specific skills?
No, you don’t need any specific skills to help our young people. Some roles may ask for preferred skills but we would give you training and help you develop these skills whilst volunteering.
If you have any particular skills which you feel would be useful such as an interest in playing music, enjoying sports, being creative etc. then please let us know. You help is greatly valued in every way.
Will I be paid expenses?
You will be entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable expenses so that you are not left out of pocket. You will need to provide receipts, bus tickets etc. and complete a simple claims form which we will assist you with.
Can I volunteer while claiming benefits?
Yes you can. People are allowed to volunteer while claiming state benefits, including Job Seekers’ Allowance, Incapacity Benefit and Income Support, just so long as the rules are followed. People claiming benefits must complete form ES672VJP to notify their advisers that they are volunteering.
There are no limits to the amount of time you can volunteer as long as you continue to meet the conditions of the benefit or tax credit you are receiving. Don’t be put off volunteering because you are claiming benefits. InFocus can provide you with information to reassure the Jobcentre about the nature of your volunteering role.
How much time can I give?
The amount of time you give as a volunteer depends on you and which role you undertake for us.
Some people volunteer every day, others volunteer for just a few hours per week and some decide to volunteer for one-off events and activities.
We try to match your availability as far as we can and any time that you can give, no matter how small, is always very much appreciated.
I am visually impaired, can I volunteer at InFocus?
Volunteering enriches lives and can provide a vital route to employment and more independence for blind and partially sighted people therefore we welcome your interest. If you are blind or partially sighted, we will look for ways to help you get involved.
We also provide work experience for our students, like helping out at one of our charity shops. This allows them to learn new skills, such as using an accessible till and exploring new environments.
Who can I ask to supply references?
We ask for two references from people you have known for at least two years and aged 18 or over. They must not be a family member, partner, boyfriend, girlfriend nor live in the same household as you. If you have been employed or volunteered before we would usually ask that one reference is from this source.