Celebrating Our Volunteers: The Beating Heart of LOOK

While our Mentor Project runs with a dedicated team of five staff members, it is powered by a phenomenal group of over 150 active volunteer peer mentors. These volunteers are the beating heart of what we do. They bring our mission to life through one-to-one connections that support blind and visually impaired young people across the UK.

The Gift of Time

Our volunteers give up their time to support LOOK, and in doing so, they support children and young people with visual impairments and their families. That gift is nothing short of amazing.

Many of our mentors find time around busy schedules—balancing work, studies, or job-seeking. Time is precious, and we know how challenging it can be to give it freely, especially when you’re trying to navigate your own path. Yet, again and again, our volunteers do just that. They show up. They give their time, energy, and compassion—and we are endlessly grateful for it.

Image of two mentors sat either side of LOOK Mentor Project Officer Andrea everyone is smiling.

A group of 13 young people and look mentors outside cheering, they are in two lines, the back line is standing up the front line is kneeling down

Fueling Passion and Purpose

Our volunteers don’t just support LOOK’s mission—they inspire it. They bring fresh ideas, help shape our services, and share their talents in so many unique ways. Some contribute their lived experience through mentoring, while others dive into event support, fundraising, or content creation. Whether they’re rolling up their sleeves or sharing a skill, they’re helping us grow and evolve every step of the way.

What’s more, the LOOK volunteer journey is often a full-circle moment. Every single Mentor Project Officer at LOOK has previously volunteered as a peer mentor. Many of our current mentors were once mentees themselves, continuing the beautiful cycle of peer support that defines us. This continuity—the passing on of wisdom, empathy, and encouragement—is at the heart of our community.

More Than Mentoring

Image of two young people working together to fix a hammock between two trees.

Our peer mentors get involved in all aspects of LOOK. They’re fountains of knowledge in Mentor Learning & Development sessions, they contribute to Parent Support Groups, and they represent LOOK at events and workshops. They show up as their full selves—funny, thoughtful, insightful—and build real connections that create a sense of belonging and understanding.

We laugh together. A lot. Conversations that start with challenging or emotional topics often end with warmth and joy. We’ve got mentors who crack jokes on every call, others who know exactly how to distract us with a good recipe chat (you know who you are!), and plenty who bring hilarious stories of their day-to-day lives. These connections—these moments of laughter and friendship—are what make LOOK such a special place to be.

Many of our mentors have grown up with us. We’ve seen mentees become mentors, students become parents, and young people step into independence. Watching you all grow and thrive is one of the most rewarding parts of our work. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey.

Volunteers Across the Board

Our peer mentors might be our biggest volunteer group, but LOOK wouldn’t be LOOK without every single person who gives their time in different ways. We’re deeply thankful to our sighted volunteers who make our events accessible, safe, and welcoming—from guiding and supporting guests to serving meals and creating joyful spaces.