Guide Dogs is looking for people in Patchway who can give a few hours a week to support a person with sight loss to get out and about in their local community, building self-confidence and promoting independence.
Richard Gardiner, a sighted guide volunteer in Bristol, said:
“Giving [guide partner] David the freedom to explore and gain confidence in his local area is an amazing and rewarding experience.”
“Being a sighted guide has become a really important part of my life and has such a positive impact on those with sight loss.”
Guide Dogs sighted guiding service matches up volunteers with people with sight loss who have similar interests, so they can go out and do things that they both enjoy. They usually meet up once a week.
Partnership officer at Guide Dogs, Maeve Kearney, said:
“This a fantastic service that enables volunteers to help people who are partially sighted or blind to take part in activities that they may not have been able to previously. Many people living with sight loss experience isolation or loneliness, and I have seen first-hand how having a sighted guide can help turn their life around.”
Guide Dogs provides full training and support for all volunteers. To apply, go to the Volunteering page on the Guide Dogs website and enter your postcode.
