Volunteer Update - June 2026
Deafblind UK volunteer
update - June 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.
In celebration of Volunteers' Week 2026, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to every single person giving their time, energy and kindness with Deafblind UK. Whether you volunteer every week, help out occasionally, or have only just started your volunteering journey, you are making a real difference to people living with deafblindness across the UK. Your contribution really does make it all possible and we’re proud to now have more volunteers than ever before supporting us in so many different ways!
Here's what you have to say about volunteering with Deafblind UK.
I enjoy getting out and spending time at the group. Outside of the meetings, we will go on trips and I’m looking forward to our next one in July. I like meeting new people and I feel like I’ve been welcomed into the group – it has really helped with my confidence. I feel like I'm part of a community and that's a nice feeling. Jason, Social Group Volunteer
I volunteer three mornings a week and love being in the shop. It’s such a positive atmosphere. What I enjoy most about volunteering is meeting new people. Some volunteers prefer to be out the back sorting through donations and getting items ready to go out but I like being on the shop floor and being on the till. The best medicine for me has been volunteering. People say they have seen a difference in me. I don’t think I could volunteer anywhere else now. Terri, Retail Volunteer
As I help out in three roles, I like the fact that it’s varied. I also like seeing how the online quizzes bring people together from all over the country as one community. People who come along will say they have never met or spoken to another deafblind person. The Peterborough group I attend has more profoundly deafblind people going along and just being able to bring a smile to someone’s face feels like ‘job done’. And it makes you forget your own worries.
I used to think it was a cliché when you would hear charities talking about not being able to do what they do without volunteers but my experience has shown me that’s not how it is. I know I am helping deafblind people but also the staff team.I would recommend volunteering 100%. I would say to anyone you have nothing to lose but a bit of time. I love what I do. Chris, Helpline Volunteer and Social Group Quizmaster!
Enjoy a stay at our holiday home in Norfolk!
Our accessible, self catering caravan in Norfolk provides a home from home break at heavily discounted rates and is available to volunteers. Hopton-on-Sea is a coastal village nestled in between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft and our caravan is on the Haven Holiday Village; a holiday park with something for everyone. The caravan sleeps six people and is close to the beach. We have the following weeks available at the holiday home at the following prices.
17th July - 24th July - £450.00
24th July - 31st July - £500.00
31st July - 7th August - £500.00
21st August - 28th August - £500.00
If you are interested in getting away for the week and would like to know more, please contact Lyn on our helpline on 0800 132320 or email info@deafblind.org.uk
Cream Tea Jamboree!
As part of our Deafblind Awareness week celebrations (22-28 June 2026), many of us are hosting 'Cream Tea Jamborees' in support of Deafblind UK.
Hosting a Cream Tea Jamboree is a great way to get together with family, friends and colleagues for a comforting cup of tea and sweet treat whilst raising much-needed awareness and support for deafblind people in communities across the UK. In Peterborough, we will be holding a party at our supported housing complex, Rainbow Court, on Friday 26th June between 1-3pm. If you are local and free on the day, we'd be delighted to welcome you!
If you're interested in hosting your own get together at your home, school, club, office or local community space, you can find out more on our website here. We're paired with influencer and visually impaired baker Claire Sisk who is sharing her perfect Victoria Sponge recipe. What's not to love?!
You'll receive a fundraising kit with everything you need and tips on how to be be the perfect host!
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:
- Tuesday 7th July 10.00-11.30am
- Friday 21st August 12.00-1.30pm
To register to attend, simply use this link and add your details! https://forms.office.com/e/JQxcHiQJL2
Befriending Drop In
Raine's last drop in involved a good discussion about different types of calls, getting to know your befriendee and how to prepare to avoid those quiet gaps, It was mentioned that one of the volunteers holds a weekly quiz question as part of her call with her befriendee which sparked another conversation. The next drop in will be after the summer in September so, befrienders, look out for details closer to the date.
If you are supporting or talking to any member of working age who needs a helping hand retruning to the world of work, Lawrencia holds an online Job Club every other Friday between 3.00-4.00pm on zoom.
Upcoming dates are the 12th and 26th June.
Part of our unique Employability programme, designed to guide you through everything you need to know when considering the world of work as someone impacted by deafblindness. We will work with you to develop your knowledge and skills so that you can confidently move towards finding and applying for your dream job!
For further info and to join, email: employability@deafblind.org.uk
