Every hour, another person in the UK loses their sight and if this happens to you, Guide Dogs is there to make sure you don’t lose your freedom as well. There are almost two million people in the UK living with sight loss today, a number which is predicted to double to four million by 2050.
We want everyone who experiences sight loss to be able to live their lives the way they choose and feel confident, independent and supported in the world. A UK-wide charity, we’re specialists in giving people who are blind or partially sighted the means to live life on their own terms and to step out into the world again.
We are looking for volunteers across the Warminster area to become a My Guide Sighted Guide Volunteer.
As a My Guide volunteer you will provide sighted guide assistance on a regular basis to people living with sight loss to help them become more active and mobile in their community.
You could be helping them take a walk in the park, access the local leisure centre or make a trip to a museum.
No experience is needed – help Guide Dogs increase the independence, dignity and wellbeing of people living with sight loss.
Do you have/Are you able to:
- Knowledge of the Warminster area.
- Commit 1 - 3 hours a week for 6 months to 1 year.
- Complete two days training (Sighted Guiding & Safeguarding) in Southampton.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Be patient, flexible and enthusiastic.
- Act in a non-judgmental way, without discrimination.
- Assist with access to services and facilities in the local community.
- Provide feedback on progress and any issues that arise to Guide Dogs.
- Maintain professional boundaries and adhere to safeguarding procedures.
You will need to be comfortable with walking and using public transport.
All applicants must be aged over 18 and all sessions will take place outside of the home and within the local and wider communities.
Volunteering with Guide Dogs you can:
- Meet new people and be part of your community.
- Gain new skills and experiences whilst having fun.
- Grow key life skills in confidence, problem-solving, team work and communication.
- Learn and build knowledge about sight loss and disabilities.
- Become a valued part of Guide Dogs.
- Help Guide Dogs reach more communities.
- Receive Sighted Guide training and Guide Dogs safeguarding training.
- Receive out of pocket expenses in line with Guide Dogs policy.
- Receive continued support, information, training and resources to enable you to undertake your role safely and effectively.
For more information about the My Guide service and the Volunteering role, please visit the Guide Dogs website.