It’s National Volunteers’ Week, so what better way to begin our coverage by shining a light on a volunteer who has given up so much of her time to deliver one of our most popular services.  Making a difference - the very essence of why many people, like our very own Irene Robertson, chose to volunteer. “When you help a person that brings a lot of satisfaction, knowing that you’re making a difference, no matter how big or small it is,” she said. For one of our longest-serving volunteers Irene, it’s one of the major reasons she chose to join our service. Another reason was her mum, as she explains. “I was at Raigmore for an appointment,” she said. “There were leaflets in the reception area and one of those was for Sight Action, as the service was known back then. “I had just retired from work, and I was looking for something to do. Getting involved with a sight loss charity just chimed with me because my mum had macular degeneration and glaucoma. “I went to see Sarah Shaw, who was the volunteer coordinator at the time, and was soon signed up to the talking books.” That was in 2017. Nine years later, Irene is still an integral part of talking books, coming in once a week to send out audio books requested by our service users. As well as talking books, Irene previously helped with the services’ daytrippers – a lunch club that involved 2-3 volunteers going out in the minibus, picking up service users, going for something to eat, then taking them home afterwards. Unfortunately, rising costs meant daytrippers disbanded a few years ago, but Irene stayed on, helping to provide a vital talking books service that continues to be well used. For Irene, the benefits are twofold. “I think both the volunteer and the person receiving the service have to get something out of it,” she said. “From my point of view, I feel I’m making a contribution that helps someone and hopefully that person I’m helping gets the benefit of that.” A weekly visitor to our offices, Irene continues to be a valued member of our team. “It’s a lovely bunch of people,” she said. “They keep me fed and watered when I’m in! The support I get to do the talking books has always been really good. “It’s always fun and a very nice environment to work in!” Thank you for all that you do Irene – we could not do it without you! #volunteersweek

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