Become A Volunteer Visitor

The LA’s Volunteer Visitor (VV) programme has been operating for over 20 years and its volunteers make a unique contribution to the limb loss community by providing peer support. Our Volunteer Visitors, who are amputees themselves, share their own lived experience with those who have had or are about to have an amputation. It is a free, non-clinical service.

Our trained and vetted Volunteer Visitors are experienced amputees who deliver peer support by sharing their experience, knowledge and understanding of limb loss with any amputee who feels they could benefit. It’s often the little things they know about limb loss that make a big difference to other amputees.

Volunteer Visitors are all amputees of two or more years and members of the Limbless Association. They are happy to share their experience of limb loss, supporting individuals either pre- or post-amputation.

Thanks to National Lottery community funding, the VV programme has been further enhanced to support more amputees. It also gives training and support to many more volunteers so they can provide this peer support.

All our volunteers undergo an Enhanced DBS check, receive essential training and have access to a range of development opportunities in their roles.

When someone, who may be pre- or post-amputation, is referred to us, they will be matched to a volunteer. This Volunteer Visitor will make a ‘visit’ by phone or virtually, listening to and advising the amputee on many aspects of living with limb loss. Our volunteers also liaise with the LA, complete reports and may signpost amputees to other relevant services.

Our volunteer visitors must be:

• Over 18
• At least two years post-amputation
• Emotionally ready to help fellow amputees
• Able to access phone and/or internet to make ‘visits’
• Happy to provide two references
• Willing to undertake a DBS check every three years
• Committed to our induction and training programme.

If you meet all of these essential requirements and are interested in becoming a Volunteer Visitor, please complete the form at the bottom of this page and we will invite you to our next VV Information Session.

Not only will you be joining a growing community of volunteers who have experienced limb loss, but we hope the role will also provide you with a sense of achievement in knowing that you are making a difference by supporting other amputees on their limb loss journey. There are also many proven benefits to volunteering including:

• Increasing your own knowledge and confidence
• Development of new skills
• Enhancing your career prospects
• Connecting with others and making new friends
• A sense of satisfaction
• Contributing to a cause you believe in
• Accessing volunteer training, development and support – roll over each icon below to find out more about the training and support available.

You’ll be supported by our Volunteer Visitor team, as well as VV Mentors. With access to regular one-to-one and group support, there’s always someone available to guide you in your role. Where required, you will also be able to claim expense reimbursement, with prior approval (in line with our expenses policy). 

Our Volunteer Visitor programme is an essential support service to ensure no amputee need cope alone.

The first step in applying to be a Volunteer Visitor is to watch our VV Information Session. In this video, you will learn more about the Limbless Association, the role of the Volunteer Visitor, the benefits of peer support and the training and development offered to all volunteers.  Once you have watched the Information Session you will then be able to complete an application form and progress through the recruitment process.