Could you help a blind or partially-sighted person to get out and about in Haverfordwest?

Guide Dogs Cymru is seeking volunteers to act as sighted guides in the town. Successful applicants will receive specialist training and a qualification that can be added to a CV.

The opportunity has arisen as part of a scheme entitled My Guide. Trained volunteers are matched with people who are 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.

One woman in Haverfordwest would like to attend an activities group on a Friday from 2 - 4pm, but needs a sighted guide to accompany her. She lives centrally, within easy reach of the bus station.

Identifying the right volunteer is vital, and care will be taken to get the right match of personality and interests.

The successful volunteer will receive specialist training in practical sighted guiding to enable him or her 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.

Steve Kersley, volunteer co-ordinator for Guide Dogs Cymru, 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 must be over 18. To find out more, ring Steve Kersley on 07785 907728 or email [email protected]