A Norfolk sight loss charity has appointed a new volunteer engagement co-ordinator to boost its volunteer support.

Sophie Chapman-Smith will handle volunteer recruitment and management for Vision Norfolk’s hospital-based Eye Clinic Liaison service and its Community Outreach service.

She previously served as a volunteer officer at the Norfolk & Norwich Festival and held similar positions at the Build Charity and the Norfolk Deaf Association.

She said: "Volunteers are the lifeblood of almost every charity, and they enable organisations such as Vision Norfolk to deliver so much more support to the people who need it the most.

“Volunteering is also a hugely rewarding thing to do in itself. It can really boost people’s confidence, give them new skills which they can carry forward into their careers, or simply be a fulfilling way of giving something back to the community.”

Vision Norfolk has four Eye Clinic Liaison officers based at eye clinics in the county’s hospitals in Norwich, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn, and Cromer.

They provide emotional and practical support to patients at the point of diagnosis, supplemented by a volunteer team.

The Community Outreach service works to empower individuals with sight loss to lead independent lives in their own homes, providing practical assistance such as transport to medical appointments, befriending, and emotional support.

Those interested in volunteering with Vision Norfolk can reach Ms Chapman-Smith on 01603 573000 ext 328 or via email at sophie.chapman-smith@visionnorfolk.org.uk.