New ways of seeing volunteering

As a charity that makes things for disabled people, Remap are utterly dependent on our skilled volunteers for the success of our organisation. We’re a small charity but we have over 900 volunteers in total, organised into more than 70 groups across the country.

The vast majority of our volunteers are volunteer makers. These are people who give up their time and (considerable) skill to make specialised equipment for disabled people where nothing exists on the market. They make wheelchairs you can literally climb mountains in or help people to knit with one hand – all kinds of inventions that help people enjoy life more.

We’d been involved in a TV programme, the Big Life Fix, where professional inventors were coming up with gadgets for disabled people. I’d guess most of the audience would find their inventions pretty awe-inspiring. Rupert thought it looked “relatively easy”. He’d been making kit for friends in his garage for fun, but the programme helped him to realise the positive impact his skills could have on people in his community. He noted our details, got in touch, and was soon at his first meeting.

At this first meeting, Ian’s case was discussed. Ian is a keen football fan who loves the big match atmosphere and spends his weekends at the stadium supporting his local team. He’s also registered blind, which makes following the action impossible. When Rupert joined us, the Remap team in York had been experimenting with using video cameras to help Ian watch the game, but with little success. Luckily, Rupert works in video electronics, so he immediately saw the possibilities involved and got straight to work.

Six months later, Ian was the proud owner of a futuristic headset that allows him to watch a football match from the stadium in real time. A specialised camera zooms right in to the action in front of him, makes everything ultra-high contrast and sends the enhanced image to a customised VR headset. And because Rupert donated his time and expertise to us, we were able to give Ian the device for free.

But what motivates Rupert to give away his skills for free, especially when he already has a demanding day job?

To volunteer with Remap, call 01732 760209 or email volunteer@remap.org.uk