To celebrate Isle of Man Volunteers’ Week, the Manx Blind Welfare Society has launched a Facebook form making it even easier to find out about assisting the charity.

Volunteers’ Week, which runs from March 1st to 7th, will promote the benefits of giving up your time to help causes across the Island.

MBWS provides a range of important services to more than 600 people with serious sight loss in the Island and is assisted by more than 200 volunteers, who give up their time to ensure events go ahead and visually impaired people receive essential support.

The Society is always looking for more people to get involved, which is why it is supporting Volunteers’ Week and why it has launched its new Facebook form. The online form allows people to enquire about volunteering opportunities through popular social network Facebook, but you do not need to have a Facebook account to use the form.

MBWS Volunteers’ Coordinator Debbie Kenyon said: ‘We are always happy to hear from anyone who has time to help out, and often receive phone calls, letters, emails and visits to our headquarters at Corrin Court in Onchan from would-be volunteers.
‘The aim of the Facebook form, which is part of our support for Volunteers’ Week, is to give people another way to get in touch and find out how giving up just a few hours each month could provide invaluable assistance to our work.

‘You don’t have to have a Facebook account to use the form, which is simple to fill in online and submit. All the details you give us are treated in the strictest confidence.

‘When we receive an inquiry, we’ll get back in touch outlining some of the opportunities available. There’s no obligation, it is just a quick and easy way to find out about the volunteering opportunities we have.’

MBWS volunteers get involved in a diverse range of activities, from helping in the Society’s social groups to recording the weekly news service. Full training is given, and there are some checks carried out before volunteers are taken on.

Debbie added: ‘Just a few hours each month can make a huge difference to our ability to deliver important services, so even if you just have the odd afternoon free, please get in touch and find out about the rewarding way you could spend that time.’

To find out more about the MBWS form, visit www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety