With the help of volunteers right across Ireland, NCBI (National Council for the Blind of Ireland) is committed to reaching and changing the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired.
Over the course of the Covid19 pandemic, many NCBI service users reported they experienced feelings of isolation and loneliness borne out of the need for people to stay apart as well as not being able to abide by social distancing due to being unable to gauge 2m distances.
Thatâs where the Connection Network comes in! NCBI welcomes registered service users to take part in this service if they are feeling isolated or lonely. We are also seeking more volunteers for the vital service which connects service users with volunteers for regular phone conversations in a bid to build friendships in difficult times.
The experience can be extremely enriching for both volunteers and the NCBI service users they help, as Connection Network volunteer, Kay, can testify.
A key volunteer for Connection Network said: âVolunteering in the Connection Network service has given me a sense of fulfilment and friendship. I enjoy my weekly chats with service users and feel I am part of providing a great service to vulnerable people especially during this pandemic when people are very lonely due to Covid19.â
Another person who volunteered for the service added: âI befriended a service user over the course of a year and although I am no longer in a position to continue with my role, I would like to continue to connect with him. I developed a good friendship with him since we connected through the service.â
Those who used the confidential Connection Network programme also really benefited from it.
Feedback from service users included comments, such as: âKnowing that I had someone on the other end of the phone who wanted to chat has gotten me through the second lockdownâ
Another service user said: âThe Connection Network has been my lifeline over the past couple of months, having a cup of tea and a chat brightens my day.â
If you are an existing NCBI service user, please ask your Community Resource Worker for further details about this particular form of support. If you are unsure of who your CRW is, or are yet to register with NCBI, please call 1800 911 250 and one of our Info Line Team can assist in making a referral for you to have an initial consultation regarding the range of services and supports we can provide.
Those who wish to volunteer for the Connection Network will be provided with training and support from the NCBI Services Team.
If you wish to enquire about volunteering for this important service, please contact Paul Derrig on paul.derrig@ncbi.ie.