iSightCornwall is looking for volunteer 'Walking Buddies'
Friday 24th November, 2023
A charity that helps people living with vision loss is looking for more volunteers to become ‘walking buddies’.
The scheme run by iSightCornwall, based in Newham Road, allows blind and partially sighted people to enjoy a simple, guided walk in their local area.
It has been a life changer for 90-year-old Jean Smith, who suffers from a range of conditions, including cataracts and myopic macular degeneration (MMD).
Since Jean was paired with walking buddy Judy Reeve just over four months ago, the two have been out and about all over Jean’s hometown of Falmouth.
Jean says it’s hard to put into words just how much of a difference it’s made to her confidence. But more than that, the two have struck up an incredibly strong friendship.
Today, they are calling on more volunteers to sign up to a scheme that can benefit everyone.
“It’s been life changing for me, as well as Jean,” said Judy, who signed up to be a walking buddy after seeing an advert on a noticeboard in her local supermarket.
“I’ve learnt so much about the local area since through going for walks with Jean and we have such a lovely time. We laugh a lot!
“I would highly recommend it to anyone. I know we’re all busy, but life is short. We should all use the skills that we have and do something rewarding.”
Jean, who has worked for the Post Office and in administration roles for the NHS, has always been determined to get out and about.
Her eyesight is getting progressively worse and although she has a close and supportive family, she doesn’t want to have to rely on them all of the time.
Going for regular walks with Judy means Jean gets her fresh-air fix – as well as the occasional slice of cake.
The pair often call in to a local café on one of their routes, which include trips to the beach, parks and to the shops. Judy has also helped Jean go to appointments at the iSight centre in Newham.
“I never thought something like this would be so good for me,” said Jean. “Judy makes me feel young again!
“I know that I’ve not just got a walking buddy, I’ve got a real friend.”
The Walking Buddies scheme was set up to give people with sight loss the opportunity to get to know some local walks, enjoy the fresh air and - particularly for those who live alone -have some friendly conversation.
It’s just one of the volunteer schemes run by iSightCornwall to help people living with vision loss to enjoy the daily activities and connections many of us take for granted.
The charity also runs a befriending service, where volunteers visit people who may be feeling lonely and isolated.
Carole Theobald, iSightCornwall’s chief executive, said the charity has a growing list of clients waiting for a walking buddy or befriender – particularly in the Truro area.
“We have a waiting list of clients but not enough volunteers,” said Carole. “As Jean and Judy’s story shows, it can be such a rewarding partnership for both the client and the volunteer.
“Many blind and partially sighted people feel limited in the activities they can take part in because they don’t want to go out alone.
“Walking Buddies play a vital role in helping people to overcome these barriers by providing the support they need to get outside for something as simple as a short walk.”
To find out more, see isightcornwall.org.uk