Volunteer Update - February 2026
Deafblind UK Volunteer
Update - February 2026
Welcome to your Volunteers’ Update, designed to provide you with information and updates to support you in your role!
If you have any feedback about this newsletter, or if there is anything specific that you would like to read about then please contact our Volunteering Team on 01733 973 466 or email volunteering@deafblind.org.uk.
A Shout out to all our Student Volunteers!
Next week marks the start of Student Volunteering Week, a national week, led by the Student Volunteering Network, that takes place across the UK. Here at Deafblind UK, we are lucky to have the support of so many student volunteers across so many of our roles. Whether they’re helping with social groups, making wellbeing or befriending calls, or getting involved in events, students help create so many meaningful moments for people who are deafblind. It’s also a lovely way for them to grow their confidence, build new skills, and discover how rewarding volunteering can be.
You can read all about our fabulous Wellbeing Volunteer, Mayowa, and what volunteering means to her in the article here
Our second annual Firewalk fast approaches taking place in London and Peterborough next month.
26 March- St Martin-in-the-fields, London
27 March- Peterborough Cathedral
There are a few places left so if you are fearless enough to face the flames, why not register and raise funds for Deafblind UK. Or if supporting at the event may be less terrifying, we'd be delighted to have you along as a volunteer!
New Year’s Honours: Chair of Deafblind UK awarded OBE for services to people living with deafblindness
We were thrilled to learn that our Chair, Robert Nolan, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to people living with deafblindness. Robert, who is deafblind himself and lives with Type 2 Usher Syndrome, has volunteered with Deafblind UK for more than 26 years and has served as Chair of the charity’s Board since 2018, he volunteers as a Telephone Befriender, and has also previously served as chair of Deafblind Scotland for 18 years.
To read more about this amazing news, click here
Deafblind UK Advisory Group – Your Voice, Your Experience, Your Future
Living with deafblindness brings unique experiences, challenges, and barriers that only those who share this journey truly understand. At Deafblind UK, it’s vital that the voices of people living with deafblindness guide everything we do – from the services we provide to the campaigns we lead.
That’s why we’ve created the Deafblind UK Advisory Group, made up of Deafblind UK members who work together with our staff to make sure our services truly reflect the needs and experiences of people who are deafblind. Membership is open to all Deafblind UK members. We want the group to reflect the full diversity of our community – different ages, backgrounds, and abilities. The group will meet mostly online, with occasional opportunities to meet in person. Members will also have the chance to join other groups focusing on specific interests.
If you are deafblind or you volunteer with anyone who may be interested in getting involved, please get in touch to find out more at advisory@deafblind.org.uk or phone /text our Helpline on 0800 132320.
Volunteer Learning & Training Dates
Deafblind Awareness Sessions
Our series of Deafblind Awareness open sessions continue this year hosted by a new team of Deafblind UK staff members. Each session, the host will be joined by one of our members who will be sharing their story and experiences of their own sight and hearing loss. These sessions are a great opportunity to increase your understanding about the impact of deafblindness and we strongly recommend that all volunteers attend a session if they can.
The next available courses will take place on:
- Friday 6th March 9.30 - 11.00
- Wednesday 18th March 13.00 - 14.30
To register to attend, simply use this link and add your details! https://forms.office.com/e/JQxcHiQJL2
Our Volunteer Survey went out last week and many thanks to those who have taken the time to complete it. If you have opted in to receive the survey and have not yet taken a look, please do spare a few minutes to send us your thoughts. If you would like to complete the survey but had not opted in to get it, please let us know by emailing volunteering@deafblind.org.uk.
Befriending Service and Volunteer Drop In 
Raine's next session will take place on Tuesday 17th February 2-3pm on zoom where Raine will be joined by Volunteer Coordinator, Vanessa Bradley .These sessions are a great way to meet your fellow befrienders and a chance to feedback and share in a group setting. To register for this session, simply click here and you will receive joining details.
Our Befriending Service is availble to any member who may benefit from a friendly chat or email contact each week. If anyone you support or come into contact with through your role might be interested in knowing more, speak to your Deafblind UK contact and we'll do the rest!
