GUIDE Dogs Cymru is holding a series of events in Pembrokeshire from January 21-25 to recruit volunteers for an ambitious new project.

The charity is aiming to help blind and visually impaired people in the county get out and about by pairing them with specially-trained volunteer guides.

The scheme, entitled My Guide, will create a unique 'hub' in Pembrokeshire that could be replicated in other counties throughout Wales.

My Guide works by matching a trained volunteer with a person who is blind or partially sighted, in order to help them reach their mobility goal. This could be as simple as walking to the shops or a social club, or practising routes they have learnt with their rehabilitation officer. The aim is to increase mobility, confidence and independence.

The charity's My Guide Ambassador for Wales, Kylene Rafferty (pictured), said identifying the right volunteers is vital, as the scheme involves working closely with adults who have a visual impairment.

She said: "We will take care to get the right match of personality and interests. For example, a blind or visually impaired person may wish to work towards going to the football every week. A volunteer might only give an hour a week, but it needs to be a regular commitment."

She explained why Pembrokeshire was chosen to pilot the project in Wales.

"Statistics show the county has an ageing population, and many eye conditions are age-related," she said. "It's also quite a rural area, so it can be difficult to get out and about.

"It's about helping people to be independent."

Volunteers will receive specialist training in practical sighted guiding to enable them to form a successful and confident partnership with a visually impaired person. Further training will focus on improving communication skills and overcoming barriers to independence.

Kylene Rafferty, herself a trained sighted guide, said: "Volunteers say they get great satisfaction from helping a visually impaired person to become more mobile. They are giving something back to their community, and will also learn new skills that they can apply in day to day life. These are skills that transfer well to the workplace, and the qualifications can be added to a CV."

Would-be volunteers can find out more at a series of special events:

• Milford Haven Library (Cedar Court), Tuesday, January 21, 11 am - 3 pm.

• Tenby Market (High Street), Thursday, January 23, 11 am - 3 pm.

• Pembroke Dock Market (Melville Street), Friday, January 24, 8.30 am - 2 pm.

• Oriel-y-Parc (St. Davids), Saturday, January 25, 11 am -3 pm.

There will also be sighted guided demonstrations at the events in Milford Haven Library and Oriel-y-Parc at 12 noon and 2 pm.