2. How to help

Donations and Fundraising

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure, whether you want to make a once-off donation or set up a monthly payment.

Volunteering

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Society and give essential support in many ways including:

    * Ring round - contacting over 100 clients every week

    * Befriending – making regular visits to visually impaired people in their own homes

    * IT Training - assisting in the weekly computer classes here at MEA House

    * Gardening Club – helping with the Sensory Garden at Exhibition Park

    * Meet & Greet Service at the RVI Eye Department - assisting patients at the clinic

    * Social Groups - guiding and chatting to service users at the groups

    * Drivers/escorts - collecting people for social and group events in your car

    * Grant Applications for individuals - assisting service users to obtain grants for special equipment

If you have a few hours to spare on a regular basis and think you could help in any of these ways, ring Andrea Taylor on: 0191 2327292
or email: andrea@nsbp.co.uk
for more information
Listed below are some of the ways in which volunteers can help the society.

Volunteer Fundraisers

We are looking for volunteers who can help to raise funds for NSBP.
The main duties would be:
• Completing grant application forms to raise funds for NSBP
• Collecting items for tombola’s, fates, raffles etc.
• Selling tickets to the general public and NSBP service users
• Organising and running the sales and tombola’s
You do not have to take on all of the above duties but if you prefer, you can specialize/concentrate on one particular area e.g. running a tombola.

Telephone: 0191 2327292
email: andrea@nsbp.co.uk

Finance and Funding

The Society provides its current services with only 4 full-time and 2 part-time staff and is entirely dependent on voluntary contributions and short term grants. The cost of providing these services is £155,000.

In order, not only to maintain, but to expand our services in response to recognised shortfalls and growing demand, we need to increase and sustain our funding from all sources including:

    * Grants from trusts, foundations and public bodies

    * Sponsorship from corporate donors

    * Direct giving including Gift Aid

    * Legacies

Special events

We need your help. Your donation or legacy will enable the Society to continue and expand our vital work in the community.