The Guide Dogs charity is seeking out people who want to make a difference to the lives of visually impaired people in the Watford and Rickmansworth.

The charity is recruiting volunteers to spend a few hours a week helping blind or partially sighted people get back into the community.

My Guide, a pilot service being run in partnership with Guide Dogs, helps people with sight loss get out of their homes to reduce the isolation that many people with sight loss experience, giving greater choice and access to the community.

Andrew Eldridge: "My Guide volunteers will make a very real difference to the lives of people in our area.

"Losing your sight is an extremely difficult experience, that leaves many people feeling isolated and alone.

"This is an opportunity to have a real and positive impact, helping somebody rebuild their life and get out and about again." 

The scheme matches blind and partially sighted people with a volunteer for three to six months.

Volunteers will spend a few hours a week, possibly guiding their partner to the shops, a café or maybe a sports event or any other activity the blind or partially sighted person wants to take part in. 

My Guide volunteers will receive some simple training, endorsed by VISION 2020, which will give them the skills to confidently guide blind and partially sighted people.

Almost anyone can become a My Guide volunteer, as long as they are over 18 and able to commit to a minimum of two hours per week.

They will also need to agree to a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

To find out more about the service or being a volunteer please contact Jennifer Oddy on 0845 372 7429 or email jennifer.oddy@guidedogs.org.uk.