Volunteer Counsellor - Support Groups

REF: OPP-100346

We are seeking a qualified and compassionate counsellor to volunteer their time to facilitate weekly emotional support groups for people living with sight loss. These groups provide a safe and supportive space for members to share experiences, build resilience, and reduce isolation.


You will lead one or more specialist peer groups, which may include:
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Support Group
• Sight Loss After Stroke Group
• Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Support Group
• Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) Support Group


Each group brings together individuals facing similar challenges, offering mutual understanding and connection. Your skills as a counsellor will help guide conversations, support emotional wellbeing, and foster a caring, inclusive environment.


You will:
• Facilitate a weekly 2 hour emotional support group.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and non judgemental atmosphere.
• Encourage group discussion and peer support while managing boundaries.
• Offer emotional support and signposting where appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality in line with ethical guidelines.


What We Offer:
• Full induction and training related to visual impairment awareness.
• Ongoing support and supervision.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by sight loss.

How often will I be needed?
2 Hours per Week

Key requirements
This role requires 2 references and a criminal record check.

Location

Home based
This role is home based

Additional location information
This is an online/remote role.

Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?
We are looking for someone who is: • A qualified counsellor (minimum Level 4 diploma or equivalent). • Warm, empathetic, and confident in group facilitation. • Passionate about supporting people affected by sight loss. • Comfortable working with individuals who may be newly diagnosed or adjusting to changes in their vision. • Able to commit to 2 hours per week on a regular basis. Experience working with visually impaired people is beneficial but not essential - training and guidance will be provided.

Role

We are looking for someone who is: • A qualified counsellor (minimum Level 4 diploma or equivalent). • Warm, empathetic, and confident in group facilitation. • Passionate about supporting people affected by sight loss. • Comfortable working with individuals who may be newly diagnosed or adjusting to changes in their vision. • Able to commit to 2 hours per week on a regular basis. Experience working with visually impaired people is beneficial but not essential - training and guidance will be provided.

When:

Where:

Work from home

Other:

This is an online/remote role.

Closing date for applications:

01 November 2026

Who to contact:

RNIB Volunteering Team - volunteering@rnib.org.uk

Royal National Institute of Blind People - RNIB

Organisation description:

RNIB, the Royal National Institute of Blind People, is the UK's leading sight loss charity. We offer practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers. We raise awareness of the experiences of blind and partially sighted people and campaign for change to make our society more accessible for all. We want to change our world so there are no barriers to people with sight loss.

Organisation type:

Registered Charity

Company location:

The Grimaldi Building, 154a Pentonville Road, London N1 9JE. , N1 9JE

Our phone number has changed

We are temporarily without a home as we wait to move into our new office in the new year.

This means that our old phone number is no longer in use. Please look out for our new number, which we’ll have in the new year.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

We are still contactable via email on support@stockportvolunteerhub.org.uk