How to Help

Sources of funding are many and varied. They range from formalised sources of funding (such as applying to organisations that offer grants to voluntary bodies, as well as contracting with the local authority) through to the organisation of fundraising events and to the help that individuals can provide via donations and leaving legacies.

Ways you can support the Society

As an independent local charity, we work hard to raise as much money as we can from a variety of sources for our worthwhile and very necessary services. This is particularly important, as we have to raise funds through our own initiative. Financial help, from whatever source, and for however much someone can afford, is always gratefully received and put to good use.

 

Supporters can make a donation in the following ways:-

Donate on-line!

You, or family and friends, can now donate securely on-line. Donations can also be Gift-Aided through this service. It is quick and easy - so don't delay

Donate Online

By Post

Cheques made payable to 'Isle of Wight Society for the Blind' can be sent by post to Millbrooke House.
Please print off the Donation Form (pdf) and send to IWSB.

Gift Aid

One area where you can help increase our finances is to Gift Aid donations to the Society.

If anyone is an Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax payer, Gift Aid enables the Society to reclaim up to 28p for every pound donated from the Inland Revenue at no cost to the giver. This means that £10 can be turned into £12.80 through Gift Aid donations!

To qualify for Gift Aid the donor must pay an amount of tax and/or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax that the Charity will claim on the donation in the tax year.

Please download and print off a Gift Aid Form (pdf).

Standing Order

This allows regular donations to be made to the Society (usually monthly or annual) through a bank account direct to the Society's bank account, allied, if a taxpayer, to Gift Aid to make the donation go further.

Please download and print off a Bankers Order Form (pdf)

Legacy

We are sure you will appreciate that we cannot continue to provide our services without the generosity of our supporters. Our supporters matter and do make a crucial difference. One way they make a difference is through a gift in their Will; which is also called a Legacy or Bequest.

If and when the time is right for you, after you have provided for your family and friends; it would help us if you could consider leaving us a gift in your Will. Gifts in Supporters' Wills provide a large percentage of the Society's income; so we could not carry out our vital work without them! Always take legal advice before making or altering your will. Supporters who leave us a gift really make a difference!

Please contact the centre for further information on any of the above items.
Telephone:01983 522205
E-mail: enquiries@iwsightconcern.org.uk

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Volunteer

At Isle of Wight Society for the Blind we have a great team of volunteers, currently about 100 strong, who support us in our work with the local visually impaired community. Our clients need the attention of people who care. If you have some time to offer to help enhance the service we provide to our 1000 or so clients, why not consider volunteering for IWSB?

Volunteering can offer you not only the satisfaction of knowing you are helping to improve the quality of our clients' lives, but also the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and have some fun too. We provide full support and offer a comprehensive training programme to all volunteers.

Whether you are retired and looking for a worthwhile task to occupy an hour or so a week, a student looking for experience in the not-for-profit sector, unemployed and looking for a meaningful way to fill some time, or a part- or full-time worker looking to put something back into the community, we may have something to suit you, so why not come and join our friendly team?

Volunteering Opportunities

Home Visiting

Home Visitors give support to our visually impaired clients by making regular visits for an hour or so a week to members in their own homes, providing company for those who may be socially isolated. IWSB provides full support, and also covers any expenses incurred.

Ways in which Home Visitors provide support can include:

Helping out at clubs and coffee mornings

IWSB runs weekly clubs at Millbrooke House for our visually impaired clients, and we are always happy to welcome volunteers to help us run them. The clubs provide an opportunity for our clients to meet for a chat, have a cup of tea and a biscuit, participate in various activities, and enjoy some entertainment. For some, this is the only time they get out of the house.

Driving the Minibus

We are always grateful for volunteer Drivers for the Minibus - duties being organised on a rota basis.

Escorting

Escorts are required on the Minibus that brings those who need transport and also accompanying clients on walks and outings.

Helping with fundraising

You may like the idea of joining in with our fundraising activities, such as helping with collections etc. and other events.
We have an active fundraising committee who will give you a warm welcome.

Administrative work

Volunteers are required to answer the office phones and during certain busy periods, we are grateful for help in the office with tasks such as envelope stuffing when we send out our newsletters, photocopying and making up information packs.

Talking Newspaper

Readers are required for the Talking Newspaper - this is also organised on a rota basis.

How do I become a volunteer?

Expenses are paid and volunteers give as much or as little time as they wish. They come from many backgrounds; the main qualifications are a kind heart and time to give others.

Volunteering with us is both worthwhile and fun!

Interested? Give us a ring on 01983 522205 for more information or to make an appointment to see the Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Please note that all volunteers working with vulnerable adults need to have an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check carried out. We are sure you will understand the need for these sensible precautions.

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Fundraising

The Society is a registered charity and much of its work is dependent upon public support.

We are an independent organisation and do not receive funding from the RNIB or central government. Although we receive some funding from the Isle of Wight Council for our Rehabilitation services, we depend upon the efforts of our Fundraising Team to generate much needed financial support.

Community Fundraising

One way of helping us fund our work is to take part in a local event with your friends, neighbours or work colleagues. It might be a coffee morning, a car boot sale or a larger scale event such as a dance or race night.

There are a huge number of tried and tested means of raising money in the community. With a little time and thought your idea can be converted into a new, exciting and up-to-date event.

Here are a few examples:

Please contact the centre on 01983 522205 or e-mail enquiries@iwsightconcern.org.uk if you wish advice or help to organise an event.

Store Collections and Other Fundraising Events

Our Collection Days are a great source of income and help to raise IWSB's profile in the community. This type of event is always supported by our team of dedicated volunteers; we appreciate all they do for us.

Over the next year, we are organising more collections around the Island. Anyone wishing to help or come along on the day and support us will be most welcome.

Please contact the centre on 01983 522205 or e-mail enquiries@iwsightconcern.org.uk

Charity Collection Boxes

Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves. Collection boxes work on this principle; capturing small change which adds up to significant amounts for the charity.

We need to place collection boxes in suitable locations on the Island and this is where you can help.

If you know of a suitable location where we could place a collection box, please contact us on 01983 522205.

Stamps

Most of us receive letters through the post especially around the Christmas period, so why not donate the stamps to IWSB. We can turn the unwanted stamps into revenue.

Please contact the centre on 01983 522205 or e-mail enquiries@iwsightconcern.org.uk and we will arrange collection if required.

Mobile phones/Used Ink Jet Cartridges

We are collecting at the Centre old mobile phones and used ink jet cartridges for recycling. Please contact the centre on 522205.

Bric-a-Brac

Any good quality bric-a-brac or unwanted presents that we can use in our sales would be appreciated. Please contact the centre on 522205.

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