The Caring Neighbourhood Scheme is a vital part of the service delivered to the blind members of the Society by selected volunteers. The scheme consists of regular one to one contacts between a member and a specific volunteer. These contacts are generally made once each week and may be by personal visit or telephone call.

Some of the contacts have been in existence for many years, but new ones are being regularly established. As far as possible the Society tries to match the volunteer and member. In this way not only is the member provided with essential help and support, but the volunteer derives enjoyment as well as satisfaction from an important 'job well done'.

The practical help is, of course, of the utmost importance to the member, but just as vital is the regular personal contact, which does so much to reduce the isolation and loneliness experienced by the member. Many of the volunteers and members have become close friends, sometimes meeting for lunch, excursions, and outings. Our regular monitoring of the service shows how much the membership appreciate the work of the volunteers, and how much they look forward to each contact.

Each volunteer has regular contact with, and the ongoing support of the Society. In this way problems experienced by the members of the Scheme, which can not be immediately resolved by the volunteer, may be referred to other agencies or organisations, who have expertise which is not readily available to the member or volunteer.

The Caring Neighbourhood Volunteers, although they specialise in this aspect of the Society, also have opportunities, if they wish, to participate in the Society's other activities.