My Sighted Guide
Ongoing opportunity
What is the role?
Who are they?
What can I gain?
Where?
When can I volunteer?
Any requirements?
ROLE DESCRIPTION
If you would like to make a life-changing difference to someone in need in your community whilst building experience and knowledge of sight loss and developing your existing skills then this opportunity is for you!
The aim of this opportunity is to support a person with sight loss to safely navigate the environment, building self-confidence and increasing social interaction whilst maintaining dignity and promoting independence.
The role involves providing sighted guide assistance on a regular basis to people living with sight loss to help them achieve their goals (commonly weekly). The lengths of partnerships vary, from 6 weeks to 12months+ and your availability will be matched with a suitable customer. Activities can vary from going for a walk and a cup of coffee, to browsing the shops, going to an exercise class or something more adventurous! It all depends on what you are comfortable doing in your parentship.
No experience is necessary, but you will be required to undertake all elements of My Guide training (approximately 2 days) and have an Enhanced Disclosure Check (This is something we will take you through and it won't have a cost).
Full training will be provided for volunteers. Volunteers will receive an induction to Guide Dogs and initial training for their role as well as ongoing support through their key staff contact.
Guide Dogs volunteers are required to observe Covid protocols while undertaking the My Sighted Guide role including wearing a mask and regular hand sanitising as this role involves physically guiding someone so cannot be socially distanced. We encourage partnerships to meet outside or in venues where social distancing is possible.
ABOUT THIS ORGANISATION
We are Guide Dogs and we’re here to help people with sight loss live the life they choose. Our ambition is a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full.
We don’t just provide life-changing guide dogs, we also provide advice, skills, emotional and practical support for people and families living with sight loss to help them live actively, independently and well.
www.guidedogs.org.uk
WHAT COULD YOU GAIN?
Skills in communication and organisation as well as the opportunity to meet new people and learn how to support those with sight loss living in the community. Partnerships often develop into lifelong friendships which can be really rewarding.
WHERE?
East Kilbride and Glasgow
WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?
Ongoing
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SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Patience and flexibility
- Able to undertake your role safely and effectively
- Act in a non-judgemental way, without discrimination
REQUIREMENTS FOR STARTING THE ROLE
The details of two references who have known the volunteer for two years and do not live at the same address are required to apply for the role. Once initial reference and ID checks are completed, the volunteer will be interviewed for the role to ensure it is a good fit and then they will receive full training as well as a ‘Welcome to Guide Dogs’ event as part of their induction.
Safeguarding training will be given along with training on how to safely guide someone with sight loss.
After training is complete, a match will be made with a customer and staff will ensure it is a good fit before any commitments are made.