What does it mean to support others while living with sight loss yourself?

For Suraj, a Galloways Lived Experience Ambassador, it’s about connection, confidence, and giving something back.

You can listen directly to Suraj’s conversation with our Volunteer Coordinator, Joseph or read the transcript below.

“You can connect in a different way”

“Since becoming a lived experience ambassador, I’ve had the chance to be involved in lots of different events—things like health promotion events and Disability Pride in places like Preston and Ashton.

What I really value is being there alongside Galloways staff. It feels like a partnership—they bring their professional knowledge, and I bring my lived experience of sight loss.

You can actually see the difference when people realise they’re speaking to someone with a visual impairment. The conversation changes. There’s a moment where it clicks, and then you can connect in a different way.

Sometimes it’s just about having a conversation and listening to someone’s story—but that can mean a lot.”

Giving something back

“For me, it’s not really about what you get from it—it’s about coming in with the mindset of being of service.

We live in a world where we expect something from everything, but when you just go in wanting to give something back, it’s a different feeling.

You leave knowing you’ve done something worthwhile—and that stays with you.”

Confidence, opportunities and new experiences

“What surprised me is how much comes from it naturally.

I’ve had opportunities I never expected—going to events, helping on reception, even attending a concert I didn’t know anything about beforehand.

Volunteering puts you in different situations, and over time it builds your confidence. Even something as simple as standing at a stall and speaking to the public helps you grow.”

“Just say yes”

“A lot of the time, I don’t even know exactly what I’m going to—I just say yes and figure it out when I get there.

And I like that. It’s about showing up, being open, and giving what you can.”

Interested in volunteering for Galloways?

Head to our volunteer vacancies to see if we have a role to suit your interests and skills or contact our Volunteer Coordinator. We would love to hear from you!