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British Blind Sport ‘scales up’ See My Voice programme

Following the success of the three year See My Voice programme British Blind Sport is delighted to announce that it has been selected by Sport England as one of only five organisations that have been given the opportunity to ‘scale up’ the programme.

British Blind Sport logo

See My Voice was developed to support blind and partially sighted young people achieve leadership skills through volunteering. The programme was chosen for its potential to scale its success from Sport England’s existing pool of volunteering fund grantees. Over the next 18 months BBS will receive support from social impact consultancy, Spring Impact, to pilot their approach to scaling See My Voice and explore new partnerships with other organisations to work alongside to enable young people from different impairment groups and backgrounds to participate.

Since its launch in 2018, the 'See My Voice' programme has supported 159 Young Leaders to contribute over 2650 hours of their time to help facilitate clubs, events and organisations across the UK. They have volunteered in a variety of capacities, including coaching and event coordination to develop skills that will inevitably increase their confidence and enhance their employment prospects.

'See My Voice' helps young people to develop life skills, leadership qualities and a recognised qualification to take with them into future employment and volunteering experiences.

Melanie Piper, See My Voice Lead Officer said:

"This is an exciting time for the project and is a fantastic opportunity for young people to have a positive and lasting impact on the wider sporting community. The scaling up of the programme allows us to offer more meaningful volunteering experiences and support organisations to adopt inclusive volunteering practices nationwide.”

Spring Impact’s Steve Robcraft, Managing Consultant said:

“We are excited to be working with British Blind Sport (BBS) through Sport England’s Scaling Programme to support its ambitious efforts to scale its fantastic See My Voice (SMV) programme. Working with strategically aligned partners will be an exciting opportunity for BBS to expand access to the SMV programme, empowering more young disabled people and influencing host organisations that offer volunteering opportunities to adopt more inclusive practices, with the ultimate aim that disability inclusion becomes the norm within the sports sector and beyond."

Rainbow Mbuangi, a previous Young Leader said: 

“See My Voice’ made me realise I didn’t have a disability. I had a different ability. I would encourage any young person who is looking to enhance their leadership skills to apply for this amazing opportunity!”

British Blind Sport are looking for young people with a visual impairment between the ages of 14 and 19 to volunteer for the year-long scheme, which will begin in September 2021. Applications are now open and will close at 5pm on the 27th of August 2021. 

In addition, if you are interested in becoming a delivery partner or becoming a host organisation for young volunteers, please email Melanie Piper, See My Voice Lead Officer, at melanie@britishblindsport.org.uk

For details about the delivery of the project and the Young Leader recruitment process, please contact Connor Fellows, See My Voice Delivery Officer, at connor@britishblindsport.org.uk

For more information, please visit the British Blind Sport website.