A sight loss charity is appealing for volunteers from Worcestershire.
The charity, Guid Dogs, has launched an appeal for what they call ‘sighted guides’.
These volunteers will help people with visual impairments by guiding them around their local area for a couple of hours a week or fortnight.
Partnerships will be made based on common interests and it is hoped the scheme will allow people with sight loss to build confidence and get back doing the things they love as lockdown restrictions ease.
Beth Wise, My Sighted Guide service manager for Worcestershire, said: “The pandemic has led to many people with sight loss feeling isolated and losing their confidence.
“This has been made worse by many social distancing measures only being marked by visual cues.
“We have several people across Worcestershire waiting for support from a volunteer sighted guide, who are keen to build their confidence again and get back out now that lockdown has eased.”
She added: “Volunteers can give as much or as little time as they like – just a few hours a week can make all the difference to someone.
“If you think you could help someone living with sight loss in your area, we’d urge you to get in touch.”
Volunteers must be 18 or over and an Enhanced Disclosure check is required as part of the role. Full sighted guide training will be provided for new volunteers by Guide Dogs.
To find out more, contact Beth Wise via beth.wise@guidedogs.org.uk, call 0800 781 1444 or visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteering
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