Supporting Independence, One Call at a Time
- Helen Jane
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
There are moments in life where something simple becomes incredibly meaningful—not because of what you do, but because of what it enables someone else to do.
Recently, I signed up to volunteer with Be My Eyes, a global app connecting blind and visually impaired people with sighted volunteers through live video calls. I wanted to give something back in a way that felt natural, flexible, and genuinely helpful.
This week, I answered my very first call.
The beauty of the app lies in its simplicity—and its impact. Calls can be anything from reading a food label, checking a thermostat, identifying the colour of clothing, or helping navigate everyday tasks that many of us take for granted.
My first call involved helping someone search for a holiday online. The website they were using wasn’t accessible, creating a barrier that most of us would never even notice. Together, we worked through it—turning what could have been a frustrating experience into something productive and positive.
What struck me most wasn’t just the task itself, but what it represented: independence.
Having worked with deaf, blind and visually impaired individuals throughout my career, I understand the barriers that exist. Tools like this don’t just provide help in the moment—they empower people to carry on with their day, make their own choices, and maintain control over their lives.
For me, the experience felt very natural. Thanks to my experience in audio description and interpreting between BSL and English, means I’m used to describing the world in a clear and accessible way. This felt like an extension of that—just in a different format.
What makes volunteering with Be My Eyes so rewarding is its flexibility. There’s no commitment to fixed hours—you simply answer a call when you’re available. Whether you take one call a week or several, every interaction has value. Sometimes, making a difference doesn’t require grand gestures.Sometimes, it’s just being there when someone needs a pair of eyes.
If you are looking for a flexible way to make a meaningful difference, consider downloading Be My Eyes and becoming a volunteer.
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