Army veteran Andy Cole has found a new purpose in life after discovering volunteering opportunities with Sight Scotland Veterans.
Read more about Andy's positive experience volunteering with us below.
If you're interested in volunteering yourself, get in touch with our Sporting and Partnership team on 0800 035 6409 to find out more about exciting opportunities for veterans.
Andy served for 25 years in the Army including tours of Northern Ireland and Bosnia. After leaving the Army, Andy spent five years working as a chef at Sight Scotland Veterans’ Hawkhead Centre, beginning in 2017. He explains: “It was the best job I’ve had since leaving the Army. The centre has such a great atmosphere, brilliant staff, and fantastic camaraderie between all the veterans. The charity is providing such an important service, and I was so proud to be part of it.
“Losing your sight is so tough. People need support, a place where they feel comfortable, where they can regain confidence and independence. At Hawkhead, veterans are with others who understand – there’s the banter, the safety, the support. It’s a wonderful service. When we moved east, it was hard thing to give it up, I still miss it."
Now semi-retired, Andy was looking for ways to keep active beyond his love of golf.
That’s when Sight Scotland Veterans’ Sports and Partnership team got in touch and suggested volunteering.
Through this, Andy met fellow veteran Allan Mustard, who had recently taken up blind golf after losing his sight. Andy became Allan’s “spotter” on the course, and the pair immediately clicked.
“We hit it off straight away, and I’ve travelled all over the UK with Allan supporting him. He plays for Scotland now at blind golf, and it’s such a joy to see how his confidence has grown. We’ve built a great relationship, our families have met up, and honestly, it’s made such a difference in my life too, never mind Allan’s. It’s so rewarding.”
Andy has also been supporting fellow veteran Ian Young, who has Retinitis Pigmentosa and is regular at the Linburn Centre, to get back into fishing.
Andy says, “Ian loved fishing but had lost his confidence. He just needed someone to go with him for support. Volunteering makes such a difference to people, but you get so much out of it as the volunteer too. You’re helping someone, but at the same time, you’re helping yourself. I love this charity and I’m so proud that I can do my little bit to help. Anyone thinking about volunteering should just go for it. I can’t recommend it enough.”
Volunteer with Sight Scotland Veterans
If you're a veteran with a passion for sports and the outdoors, an interest in health and wellbeing, and a desire to work with and help fellow veterans, get in touch with us today.
Call the Sporting and Partnership team on 0800 035 6409 to find out more.
You may also be interested in
Veterans activities and events
Sight Scotland Veterans run a range of events and activities all across Scotland for veterans with sight loss or visual impairments. Find more details of the sports, events, support groups, and other activities you can get involved with today.
Veterans News and Stories
Whether you're a veteran with sight loss, or want to help veterans with sight loss, keep in touch with what's happening in our world with the latest news, stories, and blogs from Sight Scotland Veterans.