A VOLUNTEER with the Pars has teamed-up with a Kingdom sight loss charity to help encourage others to help with their life-changing work.

Retired policeman Graham Ross, who is Dunfermline Athletic's disability access officer, has been appointed as a co-ordinator with Seescape.

Formerly Fife Society for the Blind, the organisation supports more than 3,500 people every year, running weekly groups and activities for people with sight loss to get together, have fun and make new friends.

They also offer a befriending service that helps people connect, and get out and take part in things they enjoy, to help tackle isolation and loneliness associated with being blind or partially sighted.

Seescape has issued an appeal for more volunteers to come forward to help and Graham, who was also the Scottish Police Federation's welfare and wellbeing lead, said: "Our big priority is to recruit people for our befriending service.

"We have a waiting list of people who would like to have a befriender to help and encourage them, but, at the moment, we have more people waiting than volunteers.

“In my previous roles, I really learned that if you have a disability, you don’t need to be sitting alone in the house. It is important to get out and enjoy yourself.

“One of the things I saw as a police officer was the impact of mental health on people’s lives. It was a massive part of my job and you would see more and more people who were struggling.

“Volunteering is something that really helps with mental health. Not only does it help charities like Seescape tackle isolation and loneliness, it also really helps people who volunteer as well. It is a win-win."

Lesley Carcary, Seecape’s chief executive, added: "We are delighted to welcome Graham to Seescape and we know he will play a really important part in our efforts to recruit and support our wonderful volunteers who do so much to help people in Fife who are impacted by sight loss.

"We know that loneliness and isolation are really big issues for the people we support, and people missing out on opportunities to socialise or do the things they enjoy because of a lack of volunteers is really hard.

"Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet new people, boost your skills and give back to your community. If you can spare an hour or two a week, we would love to hear from you."