Volunteering Opportunity

‘My Guide’ Volunteering Opportunity

Do you want to make a positive difference to peoples’ lives through volunteering?

Want to try something new?

If you answered yes!

Becoming a ‘My Guide’ volunteer in the Airdrie area is a new and exciting opportunity to assist blind and partially sighted people resident in Airdrie to become more independent.

Active Airdrie: Test for Change

Airdrie Locality Disability Support Services, in partnership with Guide Dogs, are involved in a Test for Change to find out if offering people with sight loss opportunities to participate in leisure and community activities will encourage them to take up Mobility Training. This training enables people with sight loss to gain skills required to navigate the outdoor environment confidently and safely using aids such as long canes and guide dogs.

As part of this Test for Change, a small number of blind or partially sighted people will be offered free access to leisure or community activities for a 12-week trial period.

 ‘My Guide’ volunteers will:

• Provide sighted assistance to a blind or partially-sighted person to walk from and to their home and a local leisure or community activity, once per week for 12 weeks of the Test for Change trial.
• Once at the leisure or community venue, if required, accompany the person and participate with them in their chosen activity.

What does the role involve?

• Undertake training to become a ‘My Guide’ volunteer.
• Provide sighted assistance once per week to a blind or partially-sighted person, to walk to and from their home and a leisure or community activity throughout the 12-week trial.
• If required, accompany the person and take part with them, in a leisure or community activity of their choice for the duration of the trial or until otherwise directed by the individual.
• Develop a good relationship with the blind or partially-sighted person, their friends and family and other volunteers that promotes independence and knowledge sharing.
• Provide feedback on progress or any issues that arise to the ‘My Guide’ Ambassador.

What skills or experience are required?

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Working as part of a team with other volunteers and staff.
• Able to undertake your role safely and effectively.
• Act in a non-judgemental way without discrimination.

What will I get out of it?

• If the person you assist chooses an NL Leisure activity, you will be provided with a 12-week NL Leisure pass – allowing free access to your local NL Leisure Centre.
• Providing support to Guide Dogs to enable it to provide guide dogs and other mobility services that increase the independence and dignity of blind and partially-sighted people.
• An opportunity to build experience for your CV.

What support or training will I get?

• Sighted Guide Training (Levels 1 and 2)
• Safeguarding induction and awareness day.
• Payment of all out of pocket expenses.

Will I need to do a PVG check?

Yes

To apply, please visit ‘My Guide’ Service at:

http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/supportus/volunteering/register-now#.WDbf0nncv3g

If you require assistance to complete an application, please contact

Sheena Mackinnon

Email: sheena.mackinnon@guidedogs.org.uk

Tel: 07785 433 227