Deaf Connections offers volunteering opportunities to those who want to work with hard of hearing people.

What volunteering opportunities are available?

Volunteering opportunities are available in care homes in and around Glasgow and in NHS Audiology departments in the following hospitals; Gartnavel, Glasgow Royal infirmary, Victoria Infirmary, Southern General and Stobhill.

Click here to see current vacancies.

What do the volunteers do?

In care homes, volunteers work with older, often vulnerable, people to help them with their communication needs in the home. Our volunteers help to improve their communication with other residents, day visitors and care staff.

Volunteers help residents manage their hearing aids i.e. by checking and cleaning hearing aids and components.

Volunteers also give information and advice on equipment and useful services, and deal with any queries on deafness. They can also help improve communication within the home by giving information and advice to care staff and others on good communication tactics.

Many older adults are isolated due to hearing problems. A visit from a friendly volunteer can help to alleviate that isolation and boost confidence.

In audiology clinics, volunteers dispense information and advice on any aspect of deafness as well as helping audiology staff during busy periods.

Who can volunteer?

Anyone aged 16 and over can apply to become a volunteer. We provide full training, equipment and reimburse out of pocket expenses. We particularly welcome applications from hard of hearing people.

What attributes must a volunteer have?

No formal qualifications or experience are necessary. Volunteers must be able to work patiently with hard of hearing people and be comfortable working with older people, or those with additional disabilities or medical conditions.

Volunteers must apply for volunteer posts, attend an interview and undertake all required training. Satisfactory references and an enhanced Disclosure Scotland check are essential.