Guide Dogs are currently looking for volunteers in the Shepton Mallet area, who could give a couple of hours a week or fortnight to be a sighted guide and help someone locally living with sight loss, get out and about.

Volunteer sighted guides support the person they are partnered with, to feel part of the community. Whether this is exploring a new café or getting out in nature and enjoying a walk. They offer help as well as friendship to someone who really needs it and are matched on similar interests.

Volunteering with Guide Dogs is a two-way street, hence they will provide comprehensive sighted guiding training, further support to help you feel confident and get the most out of your volunteering experience, as well as cover expenses.

A perfect volunteer sighted guide applicant will:

• Provide sighted guide assistance on a regular basis to people living with sight loss – you will be matched with a suitable partner.

• Agree on when and where you will provide the sighted guide, as part of a mutually agreed activity plan.

• Undertake all elements of My Sighted Guide training (approximately two days).

• Always maintain professional boundaries and adhere to safeguarding procedures.

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Pat Janecka, Volunteering Coordinator at Guide Dogs says: "Volunteering has so many benefits to your local community and the people you are helping, but also to those who volunteer themselves.

"Being a My Sighted Guide volunteer is so rewarding; while gaining new skills, knowledge and experience, you also get to develop a beautiful bond with someone who is looking to get out and about as well as develop their confidence and independence. We'd love to hear from you if you would like to find out more about joining Guide Dogs as a volunteer."

If you are at all interested or have any questions, please email the Volunteering Coordinator, Pat, on [email protected] or head to www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer to apply.