Travel Hands, a London-based charity that supports Visually Impaired People (VIPs) through assisted journeys with trained sighted guides, is calling for more volunteers as requests for help continue to rise across the city. With over 1300 journeys completed, Travel Hands aims to ensure no visually impaired person is left without safe travel options, especially during medical, urgent, or emotionally stressful situations.
A Real Story That Shows Why Volunteers Matter: Nazima’s Journey
One of the most powerful examples of the charity’s impact is the journey of Nazima, a VIP who recently booked Travel Hands for a medical appointment.
Her guide that day was a new volunteer; it was his first ever journey.
The two travelled together to the hospital, where he guided her carefully through the building and took her to the correct department for her appointment. Everything went smoothly until, during her medical check-up, Nazima experienced a sudden and severe asthma attack. She lost consciousness, and the medical team rushed to stabilise her.
After several hours of treatment, Nazima regained consciousness, confused, frightened, and worried about what had happened. One of her first thoughts was whether her volunteer had already left. The journey was supposed to take only a couple of hours, and she feared she might be alone with no one to help her return home.
But to her shock, and deep relief, her Travel Hands Guide had waited the entire time, sitting outside her room for hours without leaving.
When she was discharged, the volunteer:
● Reassured her
● Booked a taxi for her without being asked
● Ensured her safety and comfort
● Helped her gather her belongings
● Accompanied her home
● Only left once she was safely inside
Nazima described it as an unforgettable act of humanity:
“I couldn’t believe he waited for me. He didn’t know me, it was his first journey, and still he stayed for hours. It made me feel protected, valued, and not alone.”
Stories like hers demonstrate what a single guide can mean to someone facing vulnerability.
How Travel Hands Works
Travel Hands connects VIPs to trained, verified volunteers called Travel Hands Guides for everyday journeys, hospital visits, walks, groceries, events, exhibitions, and more.
Volunteers are fully supported through:
● Training module
● Short knowledge quiz
● Mandatory Enhanced DBS check
● Real-time customer support during journeys
(If a volunteer or VIP faces any issue, the team is available immediately.)
Once these steps are completed, volunteers can begin guiding safely and confidently.
Why More Volunteers Are Needed Now
“London can be overwhelming even for sighted people, imagine navigating it without vision,” says Ishan Jha, Founder of Travel Hands.
“Every volunteer gives a VIP the confidence to live actively and independently. With rising requests for support, we urgently need more people to step forward.”
How Londoners Can Help
Travel Hands welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, including:
● Students looking for meaningful experience and community service
● Professionals wanting to give back
● Retirees looking to stay active and connected
Volunteering is completely flexible, guides choose the date, time, and journeys they want to support. No previous experience is required; just empathy, patience, and reliability.
Latest Engagements
Latest Engagements & Partnerships (One-Line Version)
● Macmillan: Supporting visually impaired patients with safe travel to cancer-related appointments.
● JPMorgan Chase – Force for Good: Received digital and strategic support through the Force for Good programme.
● VIP A: Developing an AI audio assistant to help VIPs book journeys easily through voice.
● Corporate Volunteering: Teams from JPMorgan Chase and Sainsbury’s joined us for guided journeys and accessibility events.
● Universities & Corporates: Delivered sessions promoting accessibility, inclusive design, and volunteering opportunities.