Guide Dogs NI

Guide dog service
If you’re visually impaired, a guide dog could change your life. We're committed to providing this amazing opportunity to as many people as possible. There's no age limit, and we’re now working with children and young people under the age of 16. You don't need to have lost all your sight – most people who own a guide dog still have some vision. We provide essential equipment and financial assistance for food or veterinary costs, if you need it.

Children and young people
Blind Children UK works closely with Guide Dogs to open up the world for children and young people with sight loss. We deliver a range of services, comprising practical and emotional support, information and advice on a range of issues including education and access.

Skills for Life
Learning to travel safely with a visual impairment is an important skill for people of all ages. Our qualified staff can work with you to develop the skills you need to travel safely and confidently outside your home. This extends to our Skills for Life sessions, which run throughout the year across NI and work with you to identify the barriers you face in getting out and about. These small groups offer a taster of the support available to you, offering assistance and training in accessing technology and other aids.

My Guide (sighted guiding service)

Our My Guide volunteers are specially trained to help you get out and about with confidence. We work with local organisations, businesses, community groups and members of the public, equipping them with the skills and understanding to become effective sighted guides. We’ll work with you to understand what you want to do, and will match you with a volunteer who can help you to go out regularly. My Guide is available to anyone over 18 who is blind or partially sighted and who wants to get out and about, whether or not you want to have a guide dog. It can also support guide dog owners at times when their dog is unable to work.
 

Buddy dogs
Buddy dogs started their life as potential guide dogs but have shown that they are better suited to being a buddy dog instead. They can still play a vital role in improving the quality of life of young people with sight loss. They contribute to their sensory and physical development, enhance their confidence and self-esteem, and improve their communication and mobility skills. Buddy dogs can also help a young person
counter the isolation and depression that is often associated with sight loss.

Campaigning

We campaign passionately on issues that affect the independence and mobility of people with sight loss. We lobby and work with government, local authorities and other organisations so that people who are blind or partially sighted have the same freedom of movement as everyone else. Find out more at www.guidedogs.org.uk/signup

Friends of Guide Dogs
Friends of Guide Dogs is a community of people with sight loss, who help us to ensure that we’re able to support them now and in the
future. When you become a friend of Guide Dogs, you’ll receive lots of benefits, as well as opportunities to give us your feedback through
our online forum and at focus groups. Register today for free at www.guidedogs.org.uk/friends