Kathy Mullen, optometrist store director at Specsavers Witney, said: ‘I’ve been an optometrist store director for more than 32 years, and I first heard about Vision Care for Homeless People eight years ago and it sounded exactly the kind of volunteering I wanted to be part of.

‘I started volunteering in Brighton and, in recent years, I’ve supported the Gloucester clinic. For people experiencing homelessness, these clinics offer a safe and welcoming space to have their eyes tested and, where needed, receive glasses. For some, a busy practice can feel overwhelming, so removing those barriers to care is incredibly important.

‘You do hear difficult stories, but it is so rewarding to make a practical difference through clear vision. I remember one man I saw in Brighton who loved to read and had previously had his bifocals stolen. When he received a new pair of glasses, the smile on his face stayed with me.

‘I really love volunteering with Vision Care. It is a hugely rewarding way to use our professional skills to support people in very difficult circumstances.’

Rozie Phelan-Beadle Audiology Director at Specsavers Folkstone said: ‘I volunteer in helping to run hearing care and eye test clinics for people experiencing homelessness. Through these clinics, I provide hearing assessments, advice, hearing aid maintenance and support, and help people access the hearing care services they need.

‘More recently, I have also been involved in health promotion days in partnership with the Rough Sleeper Intervention, Support and Empowerment (RISE) initiative at Ramsgate and Thanet District Council. These events bring together a range of healthcare professionals and support services, including audiology, optometry, dentistry and smear testing, helping make healthcare more accessible to people who may otherwise struggle to engage with services.

‘I choose to volunteer because hearing loss can have a major impact on someone’s ability to communicate, maintain relationships and access support services. People experiencing homelessness often face additional barriers when trying to access healthcare, and I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to receive quality care.

‘Volunteering has been incredibly rewarding. It has given me a greater understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and reinforced how important accessible healthcare is. Seeing the difference that something as simple as better hearing can make to a person’s confidence and ability to communicate and engage with others is hugely fulfilling.

‘The health promotion days have also been a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded professionals who share a passion for improving community health. Working alongside colleagues from audiology, optometry, dentistry, women’s health and other support services has shown me the power of collaboration and strengthened my commitment to making healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.’

During Volunteers’ Week, Specsavers is using these stories to recognise the difference volunteers make every day and to highlight the role professional skills can play in helping people access the care and support they need.