Our volunteers: a local effort with a national impact

Tucked away on the west coast of Scotland, overlooking the harbour town of Oban, sits a compact working cabin. It’s in here, surrounded by parcels, labels, laughter, and cups of tea - that three remarkable volunteers work alongside our Service Delivery Manager Steven Poole, helping bring accessible audio devices to people living with sight loss all over the UK.

This International Volunteer Day, we’re shining a spotlight on these three wonderful women whose dedication impacts far beyond the walls of the Oban cabin.

Every device that leaves British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) and lands in someone’s home - every Alexa device, digital radio or kids audio book player - has likely passed through the hands of one or more of our volunteers. For the past year, those volunteers have been Tricia, Beth, and Jean, responsible for packing and sending out the majority of the thousands of pieces of equipment we distribute each year.

The team behind the boxes: “Making a real difference to someone’s life”

Tricia has been volunteering with BWBF for more than a decade. Over the years, she has helped with everything from exhibitions to presentations and supporting our service users on the phone. Today, she oversees all the labelling of the devices that go out to people with sight loss.

Before retiring, she worked as a doctor’s receptionist, a care worker, a rehabilitation assistant for people living with sight loss, and an activities coordinator for a local blind society. Helping people is woven through her life, and she brings that same care to her volunteer role with us.

What motivates Tricia is “making a real difference to someone’s life.”

She first discovered BWBF while reading the Oban Times, where we had placed a small advert for volunteers. At the time, the gentleman she cared for was listening to the paper through a talking pages app

“I have seen first-hand the joy people get from listening to stories,” says Beth.

Now she volunteers one day a week - packing devices, chatting with the team, and, as she puts it, “putting the world to rights.”

For Beth, the impact of volunteers is undeniable.

“If smaller charities didn’t have volunteers, their reach would be so limited. Through volunteering, we can help a lot more people in the world.

“So much better than sitting at home”

Jean, in her 70s, has lived in Oban for many years and brings a vibrant energy to the team.

After 50 years working in accountancy, and a fast-paced and often stressful career, retirement left her looking for something meaningful but calmer.

“I have a low boredom threshold,” she says with a smile. “I like to keep busy and have some focus.”

She heard about BWBF through a friend and joined in April 2025. “It’s brilliant what you do. You help anyone who is blind or has a visual impairment, including children, which I think is so generous.”

Now, she turns up each week, packs devices, has a laugh, and says the simplicity is part of what she loves.

“It’s stress-free. We do something purposeful, and we have fun.”

For Jean, volunteering is as much about wellbeing as it is about giving back.

“It gives you focus. So much better than sitting at home. It’s brilliant for your mental health and your physical health.”

Our volunteers do more than just pack devices. Every box sent out means someone given access to greater independence, connection and joy.

Why volunteers matter

BWBF is a small charity with a huge mission: to ensure people living with sight loss have access to accessible audio - free of charge. Volunteers extend our reach in ways we could never achieve alone. With their input, we can send more devices and reach people faster and our service delivery team can support more individuals.

A heartfelt thank you

On International Volunteers Day, we want to say a huge thank you to Tricia, Beth, and Jean, and to every volunteer who supports BWBF across the country.

Your time keeps people connected.

Your kindness keeps communities strong.