A leading sight loss charity is calling for members of the public to help people with sight loss to get out and about.

The ‘My Guide’ service, launched by Guide Dogs, matches volunteer sighted guides with visually impaired people.

Val Humphries, 53, from central Droitwich has benefited from the service and said: “I applied for support from a My Guide volunteer to help me get out and about, make me feel more independent and to do something with someone else too.

“There is also limited public transport in my area, which makes it harder for me to get out on my own.

“I wanted to explore the wonderful canal network near to where I live and this is something that I wouldn’t feel confident about doing on my own because of the narrow path and cyclists who come whizzing past.

“I wanted a service that could fit in around my full time job and this service offered by Guide Dogs is ideal.”

Val and volunteer Lindy have been out together once so far and hope to visit some local National Trust houses and gardens together in the coming months.

“On our first trip out together, we had a fabulous time.

“Lindy is excellent company, we have a good laugh together and have lots to talk about.”

Beth Wise, My Guide Volunteering manager for the Worcestershire area said: “Being a My Guide volunteer is fun, flexible and rewarding and we partner people based on common interests.

“If you could spare just a few hours a week or a fortnight to help a local person with sight loss get out and about, then please get in touch!”

Volunteers must be 18 or over and no experience is necessary.

Full accredited training is provided. Guide Dogs is also required to carry out a full enhanced DBS check for each volunteer.

If you are interested in volunteering as a sighted guide in Worcestershire, please contact Guide Dogs Birmingham on 0345 143 0194 or email beth.wise@guidedogs.org.uk

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