Guide Dogs South West

Three of our dogs on class at the moment are Iggy, Striker, and Snoopy. Here they are training with their new owners, and doing an excellent job of sitting patiently waiting on the train platform.
Find out more about the guide dog service: www.guidedogs.org.uk/services

We're inviting you to a coffee morning to celebrate volunteering and fundraising in the Torbay and Newton Abbot area!
Come and meet members of the team, users of the service, their dogs and our volunteers. We'll be at Templestowe Hotel from 10:30am to 1pm on Wednesday 5th June.
Learn more about what we do and hear about the volunteering opportunities that exist within the area, whilst enjoying a cuppa and a piece of cake!
... For more information contact Krissie Isaac: krissie.isaac@guidedogs.org.uk or 07468 711920.
https://www.facebook.com/events/330184447 696523/
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MHA Monahans in Glastonbury has announced Guide Dogs as their Charity of the Year for 2019/2020!
They will be hosting many events throughout the year, including a big charity quiz at the town hall in October. Guide dog puppy Amelia, and Volunteer Puppy Walker Anne Skinner popped in to visit them this week and there were happy smiles all round!
If you know a local business who might be interested in making us their charity of the year, please get in touch with your local Com...munity Fundraising Development Officer:
Cornwall - Pam Gratton 07468 711920 Devon & Somerset - Krissie Isaac 07468 711920 Bristol & Avon - Tracey Wellingham 07468711990
[Photo shows Anne and Amelia meeting the team at MHA Monahans]
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Did you know there is a Priority Services Register which can provide advance notices of any interruptions to electricity supply and could prioritise you for re-connection in a power cut? ūüí°
More information on the service here: https://www.cse.org.uk/…/advice-…/pri ority-services-register

A glorious stroll along the promenade to finish off the first week of Class ‚ėÄÔłŹ
[Photo shows dog Iggy in harness guiding his new owner along the promenade]

ūüď£Project Youth Action!ūüď£
Embark on a journey of a lifetime with our Youth Action Project and make your mark in your local blind and visually impaired community. Along the way, you will be guided by our workbook to:
- Build valuable skills... - Undertake exhilarating challenges - Create experiences, memories and friendships - Feel engaged and empowered - Gain confidence in your abilities
www.guidedogs.org.uk/youthaction
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We are excited to share that there will be a pop up charity shop for Guide Dogs in Bath from Wednesday 26th June to Saturday 29th June at 15 New Bond Street in Bath BA1 1BA. The shop will be open daily from 10am to 4pm. The shop is being organised by veteran shop organiser Norma Stent and the Bath Fundraising Group. Donations of bric-a-brac and small furniture to sell would be most welcome (no clothes please). Donations can be dropped off at the shop from Monday 24th June onwards or arrangement to drop off in advance can be made by contacting the group on bathguidedogs@gmail.com or by calling 01225 466768

The results are in! Here are the brilliant winning photos from our competition!
Each of our winners will receive a rosette, certificate and goody bag for their dog. The overall winner with the most likes in total will also be receiving a fabulous Spring Hamper filled with goodies for both owner and dog!
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, either by submitting photos, or by voting. If you'd like to make a donation to Guide Dogs, you can still do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/…/GuideDogsS outhWestPhotoComp2019

Puppy Walker Lisa is holding a Vintage Tea Party to raise money for Guide Dogs. The amazing event will be in Lisa's stunning garden in Norton St Phillip and will include a delicious afternoon tea, music, games including 'Pin the Tail on the Guide Dog' and a raffle with lovely prizes including Champagne Afternoon Tea at the Francis Hotel in Bath. Tickets are suggested donation of £5 per person. To book please contact Lisa on Lisasingapore@hotmail.com. Working Guide Dogs welcome but sorry no puppies or pet dogs please.

Come and join us for a fun session of exploration. Our group is focused upon sensory experiences, movement, mobility and shared play in a relaxed atmosphere.
Any children with a vision impairment and under school age are welcome to attend this early year’s group.
Drop in between 10am ‚Äď 12pm
... For further information, please contact Helen Hubbard: Email helen.hubbard@guidedogs.org.uk or call 07766 726111
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New early years group!
Confident Explorers
Come and join us for a fun session of exploration. Our group is focused upon sensory experiences, movement, mobility and shared play in a relaxed atmosphere. Any children with a visual impairment and under school age are welcome.
... Where: Paignton Library, TQ4 5AG When: 10am to 12pm once a month on a Monday
For further information, please contact Helen Hubbard: Email helen.hubbard@guidedogs.org.uk or call 07766 726111
[Photo shows a poster for the group with photos of young children engaging in sensory play]
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Do you have a couple of hours to spare a week?
We're looking for My Guide volunteers across the South West, but in particular we urgently need more volunteers in Yate, Bristol, Bath, Taunton, Yeovil, Exeter, Torquay, Wadebridge, and Redruth.
www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer

We're at the Devon County Show from Thursday 16th until Saturday 18th May!
You can find us in Avenue L next to Devon Churches ūüėĄ
[Photos of stall and of My Guide Volunteer Manager, Serge, wearing his Guide Dog ears!]

Have you ever been walked into a wall or door frame by a well-meaning friend or family member?
Guide Dogs Friends and Family Training might just be for you!
During this session we will deliver a basic introduction to sight loss awareness and sighted guiding techniques. We will also explore different eye conditions using simulation spectacle activities.
... If you would like to refer your family or friends, please contact Serge Chapman on serge.chapman@guidedogs.org.uk or Sally Yigit on sally.yigit@guidedogs.org.uk
[Event photo shows two women walking, with one in blindfold, and the other providing on arm guiding]
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It's Global Accessibility Awareness Day!
Are you a guide dog owner that's been refused entry to a business because you had your dog with you? Sign up to attend our Lobby of Parliament in June and ask your MP to take action to stop this!
https://e-activist.com/page/41150/data/1‚ Ķ

We've still got some space for our Bristol Walk Fest event on Sat 25th May!
Come and take part in a blindfold walk! The first part of the session will include sight loss awareness training, and a chance to hear from a guide dog owner about their experience of living with sight loss. Then we'll show you sighted guiding techniques, and you'll get a chance to go out for a walk both as a guide and in blindfold.
If you would like to attend this event or have any questions about ...it please contact Francesca Rolle, Engagement Officer, on francesca.rolle@guidedogs.org.uk or on 07467443595.
https://www.facebook.com/events/239909856 894549/
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With the weather being so lovely, and it being National Walking Month, why not go out for a stroll?
The South Hams Access Group Path Planning Team have created an accessible audio guide for the Totnes - Dartington Access for All Path. You can access it here: http://www.dogrosesound.org/dartingtonpat h/
Are there any accessible local walks you love near you?