Herts Vision Loss

17/06/2026

⭐VISION LOSS ADVISOR - Job Opportunity⭐

Location: 2 Brownfields, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 1AN
Hours: Part-Time – 25 hours per week
Salary: £14.00 per hour
Contract Type: Permanent
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Role: To support all HVL clients as required. Provide comprehensive assessments and ensure the needs of the users and family members are met. Deliver the community home visiting scheme, monitoring volunteers and client matching across Hertfordshire.

Scope: The key purpose of the role is to provide appropriate support to people who are blind and visually impaired, their careers and families and other professionals within a specified geographical area.

About Herts Vision Loss

Herts Vision Loss (HVL) is a local charity dedicated to supporting blind and visually impaired people across Hertfordshire. We provide practical assistance, information, advocacy, social opportunities, and specialist support to help individuals live independently and confidently.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate, and highly motivated Vision Loss Advisor to join our team and help deliver vital services to visually impaired people, their carers, and families across Hertfordshire.

Purpose of the Role

The Vision Loss Advisor will provide practical and emotional support to blind and visually impaired people, ensuring their individual needs are assessed and addressed appropriately. The successful candidate will coordinate community-based services, facilitate volunteer support, develop outreach activities, and promote HVL services throughout Hertfordshire.

This role involves a combination of home visits, community engagement, partnership working, volunteer management, and office-based support.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Support and Case Management
•Visit clients, carers, and family members to provide advice, guidance, and support.
•Complete assessments of need and develop appropriate support plans.
•Match clients with suitable volunteers for home-based support.
•Maintain and manage an active caseload within a designated geographical area.
•Signpost and refer clients to relevant statutory and voluntary sector services
Community Engagement and Service Delivery
•Facilitate Sight Information Points across Hertfordshire.
•Organise and deliver Low Vision Exhibitions and information events.
•Support information points within klocal eye clinics and low vision services.
•Establish and facilitate support groups for people of different ages and needs.
•Promote HVL services through community events, exhibitions, roadshows, and awareness campaigns.
•Deliver educational sessions within schools to promote peer support, inclusion, and respect for people with sight loss.

Volunteer Coordination
•Support the recruitment, training, supervision, and retention of volunteers.
•Monitor volunteer activity and ensure effective client-volunteer matching.
•Provide ongoing support and guidance to volunteers.

Administration and Record Keeping
•Maintain accurate client records and case notes.
•Collect and record statistical information for monitoring and reporting purposes.
•Support office-based services including Sight Line, the Resource Centre, and information services.
•Ensure compliance with organisational policies, procedures, and data protection requirements.

Partnership and Service Development
•Work collaboratively with health professionals, local authorities, schools, charities, and community organisations.
•Identify opportunities to expand and improve services.
•Seek and contribute to funding opportunities and project development initiatives.
•Represent HVL professionally within the wider community.

Leadership and Mentoring
•Provide support and leadership within the office environment when required.
•Deputise for the CEO or Team Leader as requested.
•Support the recruitment and mentoring of students, interns, and volunteers.

Key Challenges

The post-holder will be expected to:
•Balance a diverse range of responsibilities across a large geographical area.
•Deliver services efficiently while making best use of time, travel, and resources.
•Increase engagement with hard-to-reach communities.
•Support service development within financial constraints.
•Keep up to date with emerging technologies, assistive equipment, and best practice within the sight loss sector.

Please note that the duties outlined above are not exhaustive and may be amended to meet changing organisational and service needs.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria

•Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
•Strong organisational and administrative abilities.
•Ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload effectively.
•High level of self-motivation and ability to work independently.
•Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
•Experience of networking and developing relationships with external organisations.
•Flexible and adaptable approach within a small and dynamic charity environment.
•Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and supporting underrepresented communities.
•Ability to support the day-to-day running of an office environment when required.
•Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle and appropriate insurance for business use.

Desirable Criteria

•Experience in a customer-facing or client support role.
•Experience of organising activities, services, or community programmes.
•Knowledge of assistive technology and equipment for disabled people.
•Understanding of the needs of blind and visually impaired people.
•Experience of providing daily living support or advice services.
•Knowledge of welfare benefits and support systems.
•Experience of working within health, social care, education, or voluntary sector environments.

Closing date: Friday 21st of August 2026

How to Apply

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why we should employ you as Vision Loss Advisor to: [email protected] or give us a call on 01707 324 680.

HVL is committed to being an equal opportunity employer.
Applications to HVL are especially welcome from people living with a Visual Impairment

17/06/2026

✨Internship Programme✨

Join us at Herts Vision Loss (HVL)

Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) and RNIB are collaborating with organisations from both the sight loss and wider charity sector as well as corporate organisations to create new opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to find employment through the Get Set Progress (GSP) Internship programme. HVL is delighted to be offering an internship as part of the Get Set Progress scheme.

About HVL

With over a century of experience, HVL services are designed to meet the practical, emotional, and social needs of blind and visually impaired individuals. Our approach is inclusive and person-centred, focusing on removing barriers to independence, improving wellbeing, and enhancing quality of life. We support individuals of all ages and backgrounds, from children and young people to older adults, through services that are accessible, compassionate, and impact driven.

Our Values

Excellence: We are committed to pursuing the highest possible standards at every level of the charity. We have the expertise, experience, and knowledge to offer a professional yet personal and caring approach.

Community: We are committed to an inclusive, positive environment in which clients, volunteers, employees, and trustees may experience a sense of belonging, respect and worth.

Empowerment: We are committed to encouraging, motivating, and inspiring everyone to enable them to reach their full potential and demonstrate that sight loss need not signify the end of or be a barrier to independence, capacity and worth.

Support: We aim to make a difference in the lives of those we support by putting their needs at the heart of everything we do. We support, trust and empower our clients, volunteers, employees and trustees to further the shared mission of HVL.

Integrity: We are honest, reliable, loyal, and transparent in the way we deliver our services.

⭐Assistive Technology Support Intern⭐

Job description

Role: Assistive Technology Support Intern
Department: Organisation-wide
Reporting to: CEO
Location: Hybrid, Welwyn Garden City HVL office
Salary: Based on Living Wage Foundation rates
Contract type: Fixed Term nine months, full time 36 hours per week.

Purpose of the role:

The Assistive Technology Support Intern will play a key role in supporting blind and visually impaired individuals across Hertfordshire to gain greater independence, digital inclusion, and confidence using assistive technology. This internship is part of Herts Vision Loss’s commitment to increasing lived experience employment and empowering visually impaired individuals to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

Main duties / Areas of responsibility

•Provide one-to-one and group-based training sessions on assistive technology tools such as screen readers (JAWS, NVDA),
magnification software (ZoomText), and accessible features on smartphones and tablets.
•Assist service users in setting up and optimising devices to suit their individual needs and levels of vision.
•Support users in understanding and navigating websites, apps, and digital platforms using accessible tools.
•Document individual user progress and feedback for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
•Assist in raising awareness of assistive technology within HVL’s support groups, community events, and stakeholder sessions.
•Gather feedback from service users on the effectiveness of assistive technology support and recommend improvements.
•Attend regular team meetings and supervision sessions.
•Actively engage in personal development activities, mentoring, and training opportunities provided through the Get Set Progress programme.
•Support colleagues and contribute to a collaborative working environment.
•Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality when supporting individuals.

Person specification

Essential criteria
Important information:
• This role has a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the successful applicant be a person who is blind or partially sighted, in line with The Equality Act 2010.
•Interns need to be able to travel to the TPT Hub in London for development events throughout the course of the internship programme (costs covered by TPT).
•Having not previously undertaken the Get Set Progress internship programme.
•Successful applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK for the duration of the Internship, sponsorship will not be provided.

Essential personal specifications

•Strong Interest in assistive technology that supports independent living for blind and partially sighted individuals.
•Familiar with commonly used technology such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and accessibility features (e.g. screen readers, magnifiers, voice assistants).

Desirable personal specifications

•Able to explain concepts clearly and sensitively to individuals with a range of technical confidence levels.
•Comfortable speaking to individuals one-to-one or in small groups.
•Works well collaboratively and is willing to support colleagues and volunteers across the organisation.
•Awareness of the importance of maintaining service user confidentiality and appropriate conduct in a support role.

Closing date: Tuesday 14th July 2026

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above vacancy, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why we should employ you as an intern to: [email protected] or give us a call on 01707 324 680.


⭐Youth Support Intern⭐

Job description

Role: Youth Support Intern
Department: Organisation-wide
Reporting to: CEO
Location: Hybrid, Welwyn Garden City HVL office.
Salary: Based on Living Wage Foundation rates
Contract type: Fixed Term nine months, full time 36 hours per week.

Purpose of the role:

The Youth Support Intern will support the delivery of HVL’s Vision in Motion project, helping blind and visually impaired children and young people (CYP) aged 7–25 to build confidence, independence, life skills, and social connections through inclusive activities and youth-led engagement.

The internship is designed to provide valuable work experience, training, and personal development opportunities for a young person with sight loss or lived experience of disability through the Thomas Pocklington Trust Get Set Progress Internship Programme. The intern will assist the Youth Coordinator with planning and delivering activities, engaging with young people and families, supporting awareness events, and helping ensure activities are accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable.

Main responsibilities:

Activity & Event Support
•Assist with the delivery of Vision in Motion activities, including:
•Youth forums
•Inclusive sports sessions
•Practical life skills workshops
•Awareness and advocacy activities
•Help prepare activity materials and equipment
•Support venue setup and pack-down
•Welcome participants and help create a positive, inclusive environment.

Young People Engagement
•Build positive relationships with blind and visually impaired children and young people.
•Encourage participation and peer interaction during sessions
•Support young people to express their ideas and contribute to activity planning.
•Act as a positive role model and advocate for inclusion

Administration & Communication
•Assist with maintaining attendance registers and participant records.
•Help distribute information about activities and events.
•Support communications with young people, parents/carers, and partner organisations.
•Assist with social media content, newsletters, and promotional materials where appropriate.

Community & Awareness Activities
•Support community awareness events and campaigns
•Assist with promoting the Vision in Motion project across Hertfordshire
•Help gather feedback and success stories from participants and families.

Monitoring & Evaluation
•Assist in collecting participant feedback and outcome information.
•Help prepare case studies, photographs, and impact stories (with consent). •Evaluation activities to help improve the project.

Safeguarding & Inclusion
•Follow HVL’s safeguarding, equality, and health & safety procedures.
•Help ensure activities are accessible and inclusive for all participants.
•Maintain confidentiality and uphold GDPR standards

Person specification

Essential criteria
Important information:
•This role has a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the successful applicant be a person who is blind or partially sighted, in line with The Equality Act 2010.
•Interns need to be able to travel to the TPT Hub in London for development events throughout the course of the internship programme (costs covered by TPT).
•Having not previously undertaken the Get Set Progress internship programme.
•Successful applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK for the duration of the Internship. Sponsorship will not be provided.

Essential personal specifications

•Interest in working with children and young people.
•Good communication and interpersonal skills.
•Positive, friendly, and inclusive attitude.
•Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
•Ability to work as part of a team.
•Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office and/or social media platforms.
•Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Desirable personal specifications

•Lived experience of visual impairment or disability.
•Experience volunteering, studying, or participating in youth or community activities.
•Interest in sports, wellbeing, advocacy, or youth participation.
•Understanding of the challenges faced by disabled young people.
•Confidence speaking with young people and families.

Closing date: Tuesday 14th July 2026.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above vacancy, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why we should employ you as an intern to: [email protected] or give us a call on 01707 324 680.

What are the benefits of a Get Set Progress internship for me?

As part of your 9-month internship, you will be part of a large cohort of fellow interns and gain the following:
•Obtain valuable work experience within the charity sector
•Technology support (Including Microsoft Office) and upskilling opportunities
•Online and in-person Training and development opportunities
•Opportunity to present and network with Senior leaders within the Sight Loss Sector
•Opportunities to build relationships with fellow interns
•A personal mentor offering support, advice and guidance throughout your internship
•Help deliver positive changes for people with sight loss

As part of the GSP Internship programme, you will also be enrolled on the TPT Works For Me Employment Programme, where you will gain bespoke employment support, guidance and advice from the TPT Employment Team, some of the skills that you will receive support and guidance around include:
•CV writing
•Job searching
•Cover letter and speculative letter writing
•Application form writing
•Interview techniques

Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) is a charity established to provide services for visually impaired people: our mission is to improve the lives of people living with sight loss. TPT is registered with the Disability Confident Scheme as a Disability Confident employer. Therefore, we believe in treating all employees fairly and we are committed to recruiting equally. TPT’s charitable objective and aim is to support visually impaired individuals back into work. For this reason, we are actively seeking applications from all backgrounds including disabled/visually impaired individuals and people who have lived experience of sight loss. We also guarantee all disabled applicants that reach the minimum appointment criteria an interview. We are happy to accept applications from all suitably qualified people who have the appropriate skills and talent regardless of their age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or marital status.

06/05/2026

⭐Letchworth Volunteering Fair⭐

From protecting green spaces to supporting families, young people and older residents, local organisations are making a real difference every day. This event brings them together in one place, making it easier to explore what’s happening near you and how you could get involved.

Whether you’re curious, ready to try something new, or simply want to see what’s out there - you’re welcome.

Come along. Have a look. Start somewhere.

You don’t need experience. You don’t need loads of time. And you don’t need to decide anything on the day.

This is a relaxed, friendly space where you can:

Meet local groups and charities face-to-face
Discover flexible ways to get involved - big or small
Find opportunities that fit around your life
Ask questions and hear real stories from people already involved

You might leave with a clear next step. Or just a better understanding of what’s happening in your community.

Either way, it’s a good place to start.

Event Details
Location: The Wynd, Letchworth Garden City SG6
Date: Saturday 16th May
Time: 10am–3pm

No booking needed - just come along.

06/05/2026

✨Experience Weft✨

A striking, contemporary art exhibition featuring an installation by blind artist David Johnson, following his exhibitions at the Royal College of Art and the Henry Moore Institute, alongside responsive works by Emma-Louise Dickson, Simon Croft, Harri Harrison, Phil Illingworth and Xavier White, curated by Anna McNay.

All works are audio described, with descriptions available to listen to beside each piece, and many artworks are designed to be explored by touch.

The exhibition runs within the historic barn at St Paul’s Walden Bury from 9th to 16th May.

Full address: The Barn, St Paul's Walden Bury, Hitchin, SG4 8BP

Saturday 9th and Monday 11th - Saturday 16th: Entrance free, 10am-4pm, with an option to purchase a ticket to the gardens.

Sunday 10th: Entrance with ticket to NGS open garden only.

For more information, please visit the link below:

https://www.stpaulswaldenbury.co.uk/

14/04/2026

✨VisionZone 2026✨

When: Thursday 16th April - 11am to 2:30pm
Where: Watford Social Centre for the Blind, 17 Cross Street, Watford, WD17 2QD
Cost: FREE

For more information:
📞 0800 145 6115
🌐 www.lowvisionshop.co.uk

30/03/2026

⭐Vision in Motion - Upcoming Events - 7 to 25 Year Olds⭐

Bell Boating!
This popular event is being run for us once again by the lovely team at Herts Disability Sport
When: 2nd April - Meet at 9.30am. Boating on the lake from 10am until 11am
Where: Stanborough Lakes, Stanborough Rd, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6DF - South Lake Car Park.
Cost: Free

Rolling Blind Ju Jitsu!
An introduction to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu designed for visually impaired participants. The session will focus on safe movement, balance, and simple grappling techniques that build confidence and body awareness in a fun and supportive environment.
You will be coached by Matt who is visually impaired himself and has found Ju Jitsu to be an accessible and enjoyable sport.
Where: Barnwell Upper School, Barnwell, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG2 9SW
When: Wednesday April 8th from 2pm to 3.30pm
Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes – e.g. T shirt, jogging bottoms

Introduction to VI Skiing!
Discover the thrill of the slopes with confidence. If you have never had lessons or even tried skiing before and have always wanted to give it a go, this initiative offers a supportive, inspiring and affordable pathway onto the snow. You’ll also get the opportunity to meet a Paralympian who will share their Winter Paralympic stories and motivate you to take part!
17 May – The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead St Albans Hill, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9NH
Location: Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead
Cost: £10 for taster session.
See below for details of continuing skiing lessons.
For more information and to book your place go to:
https://www.victa.org.uk/victa-calendar/introduction-to-vi-skiing

Places are limited so please book early. If you are interested please contact Tracey at [email protected] or [email protected]!

When:10 May - The Snow Centre Manchester, 7 Trafford Way, Trafford Park, Urmston, Stretford, Manchester, M41 7JA17 May - The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead St Albans Hill, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9NH Who: 7 to 25 year olds Location: Snow Centre, Manchester Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead Cost: £10 for taste...

09/02/2026

⭐Half Term Fun⭐

Visually Impaired Cricket with Luke Heskett from Hertfordshire Cricket!

We would like to invite you to join us for a session of cricket aimed specifically at children and young people with a vision impairment. However, sighted friends or siblings are also welcome.

When: 11am on 16th February 2026

Where: Barnwell Middle School, Shephall Green, Stevenage, SG2 9XT (not to be confused with Barnwell upper school in Barnwell.)

Cost: None

To book a place email Tracey Hunter at: [email protected]

Hertfordshire Cricket runs visually impaired cricket in a range of venues in Hertfordshire, with summer sessions at Hemel Hempstead Town Cricket Club. Mixed age (children and adults), experience, ability and gender, from beginners to international players.

12/12/2025

⭐Herts Vision Loss is part of the Co-op Local Community Fund⭐

If you’re a Co-op member, you can choose us as your local cause and help make a real difference every time you shop.

This support means so much and will help us continue empowering people living with sight loss in our community.

To find out more about our project and to choose us as your cause, visit https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/100235

Thank you, Co-op, and thank you to everyone who supports us!💙

11/12/2025

✨We’re Hiring! Counsellor / Therapist – Join Herts Vision Loss✨

Herts Vision Loss is looking for a compassionate and experienced Counsellor / Therapist to join our team and make a meaningful difference to the lives of blind and visually impaired people across Hertfordshire.

Closing date: 16th of January 2026
Location: Welwyn Garden City (with flexible working)
Hours: Part-time or sessional
Salary: Competitive, based on experience.

About the Role:
We are seeking a skilled professional to provide emotional and psychological support to visually impaired adults, children, and families. This includes one-to-one counselling, family support, remote sessions, and group workshops.

You will be part of a supportive, passionate team committed to improving wellbeing, resilience, and quality of life for those adjusting to sight loss.

We’re looking for someone with:
• A recognised counselling/psychotherapy qualification (BACP/UKCP etc.)
• Minimum 3 years’ counselling experience
• Strong understanding of mental health, grief, and life adjustment
• Excellent communication, empathy, and ethical practice
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Desirable: Experience working with visually impaired or disabled clients, but training and support will be provided.

Benefits:
• Flexible working
• Supportive and inclusive environment.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A role where you can truly change lives.

How to Apply:
Send your CV and covering letter to:
[email protected]
Deadline: Friday 16th of January 2026

11/11/2025

⚽Join Herts VI Futsal Club!⚽

Are you aged 16 or over and looking for a fun way to stay active, make new friends, and try something new?
Pop along to the Sight Impaired Futsal Sessions, which are open to all skill levels!

📅 First Session - Tuesday 11th November 2025
🕡 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ

This is a fantastic opportunity to discover futsal, build your fitness, and be part of an exciting new team!

👉 Contact Danny to book your spot or to enquire about future sessions:
📞 07946 600922
📧 [email protected]