supporting, developing and representing community groups,
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering

Volunteering Opportunity Details

  • Befriender
    with Seescape

    Volunteer Opportunity No. VO103185 - Created/last updated: 06/07/2026



    Print
    Opportunity


    About this opportunity:Seescape support over 3500 people with severe visual impairments in Fife. They are looking for enthusiastic and sociable volunteers to join them as they try and prevent our vulnerable members from becoming lonely and withdrawing from their community. Social isolation is extremely common with people who lose their sight however as little as an hour of someone’s time every week to give some company and companionship can go a long way to combat that.

    Their current befrienders often describe their experiences as being thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming. Many feel their own lives are enriched by volunteering in this way and it gives a shape and structure to their own week. This may appeal to those in retirement, semi-retirement or people who have spare time on their hands and would like to give something back to the community.

    Takes place:
    morningsafternoonsevenings
    Mondays
    Tuesdays
    Wednesdays
    Thursdays
    Fridays
    Saturdays
    Sundays
    Minimum age:16
    Maximum age:100
    Training provided:A full induction and ‘Sighted Guide’ training will be provided. Regular training days will be held where volunteers are given input as well as group discussions and case studies highlighting best practice
    Out of pocket expenses paid?
    Yes - Travel expenses will be reimbursed at 45p per mile for travel by car or public transport rates.

    Experience required:Volunteers should be trustworthy, reliable, caring, empathetic, positive and patient. They should have a good level of common sense, strong social skills and be a good listener. No prior experience of supporting those with visual impairments is required.

    Restrictions on who can volunteer
    No restrictions were specified.

    Application process:Application Form; Induction/Training; Informal Chat; PVG membership required; References

    Taster available?No, not for this opportunity.

    Travel DetailsBefriending tends to take place at the client’s home or in public spaces such as cafes, although telephone befriending also suits some volunteers. Travel is kept to a minimum and geography is considered when matching clients with volunteers.

    Saltire AwardThis opportunity is compatible with the Saltire Awards for volunteers aged 12-25.

    What Now?

    To enquire/register an interest in this opportunity call us (FVA) on 0800 389 6046, e-mail us, or fill out this form:

    Please tell us what age group you are in:
    Are you looking to improve your employability prospects by volunteering?    

      You can print these opportunity details.

    Go to main volunteering opportunities page

Suggest an update/report an error/enquire about this page

Other Opportunities

Here are some shortcuts to other, similar opportunities:

Seescape has the following, additional volunteering opportunities:
  - Social Group Volunteer
  - Walking Group Volunteer
  - Trustee

Type of volunteering: Befriending / Mentoring
Opportunities which benefit Sensory Impairment


Go to main volunteering opportunities page

What is volunteering?

Find out more about volunteering
View our introduction to volunteering page or contact us to find out more - our experts love helping people of all ages and backgrounds to become volunteers.

Register your opportunity
If you are an Organisation that would like your opportunity to be shown on our website, promoted by us, and for our staff to be aware of it when matching potential volunteers, please submit an Opportunity Registration Form,

Help and Support

Call us to arrange an appointment
Give us a call on 0800 389 6046 to arrange an appointment to chat with our staff about what opportunities are available. Meetings can be arranged outside of the office in some cases.

Register with us
Fill out our registration form and a member of staff will then get in touch with you to discuss volunteering options to suit you.

Volunteering Bulletin

If you volunteer or you're interested in volunteering then sign up for our free e-mail bulletin for volunteers - it only takes a few seconds. We send out bulletins roughly every two weeks and you can unsubscribe at any time.



Volunteer with FVA!

Click here to find out more about volunteering with Fife Voluntary Action.