Volunteers wanted for Guide Dogs pilot scheme

National charity Guide Dogs is recruiting people in the area to help people with sight loss get out of their homes and regain their confidence and independence.

The My Guide scheme matches blind and partially sighted people with a volunteer for three to six months.

Volunteers will spend a few hours a week, guiding their partner on trips out to activities that the pair will agree at the start of their relationship.

Journeys could be to the shops, to a café or maybe a sports event or any other activity the blind or partially-sighted person wants to take part in.

The volunteer will also help them to establish lasting relationships with community members who can, in turn, help them get out more.

Pam Stringer, sighted guide ambassador for Guide Dogs said, "The scheme will help to change the lives of people who have become isolated as a result of their sight loss. 

“Volunteering to become a sighted guide is a valuable skill for individuals and it's a tangible way of making a difference to a blind or partially sighted person's life today."

To sign up for the scheme or to request help from a volunteer, call

0845 372 7424 or visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/myguide