Can you help? We have visually impaired people in Aberdeen who are looking for volunteers to accompany them out locally. My Guide volunteers help people who are blind or partially sighted get out and about in their local community. Our My Guide service trains and supports volunteers to act as sighted guides, and allows volunteers to make a real difference in the lives of local people. If you’d like to make a huge difference to someone’s life, forge a new friendship and learn a new skill, we’d love to hear from you! We will provide full training on how to safely guide someone who is visually impaired. To apply, please visit https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering-for-guide-dogs/ . If you have any questions or would like some more information before applying, please email myguideeastofscotland@guidedogs.org.uk

There are Guide Dog fundraising branches in NE Scotland in Aberdeen, Arbroath, Auchterarder, Banff, Dundee, Elgin, Forfar, Fraserburgh, Nairn, Perth, Peterhead and Stonehaven. They are always looking for help at events. -Become one of our amazing volunteers, and click on link below to sign up today! http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/supportus/volunteering/register-now -For schools/youth clubs, visit our resources at www.guidedogs.org.uk/learning -Or Name a Puppy: Name A Puppy - Change A Life | Guide Dogs - https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraise/name-a-puppy/

You will be providing a puppy with a vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. This is a full-time volunteering opportunity as a puppy will live with you in your home for around 12-16 months. It should be noted that although it is possible for another Puppy Raiser to look after a dog on your behalf for short periods of time that this may not always be possible. Consideration should be given to your future plans such as holidays abroad. “It’s so rewarding to know that the dog will go on to help people with sight loss gain independence and freedom.” – Chris, Puppy Raiser We rely on volunteers like you to help us improve the lives of people with sight loss. In this role your support will include: • Developing, caring and providing for the needs of one of our puppies using Positive Reinforcement Techniques and following Guide Dogs Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships (PREP) programme • Familiarising a puppy to a wide range of environments including shops and outdoor off lead exercise areas in all climates and seasons. • Teaching a puppy it’s ok to be left alone by gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of 4 hours • Attending regular puppy classes • Regularly meeting with Guide Dogs representatives to discuss your pup’s development • Completing regular on-line questionnaires to help us monitor puppy progress -Ideally you will: • Be able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg) • Have access to a car on a weekly basis for training and vet visits • Have your own home or written permission to have a dog in the home • Have access to a secure area where the puppy could go to the toilet during the day, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night • Be able to access online content and training materials (you will need your own email address) If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible! -Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get; • A dedicated volunteer manager/key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with us. • The challenge and reward of seeing a puppy develop in your home. • The opportunity to learn and develop your understanding in dog body language, learning theory, the human animal bond and the life of a Guide Dog. Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any expenses related to your volunteering with us in line with our policy. -For more details and to apply to be a Guide Dogs - Puppy Raiser please visit: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering-for-guide-dogs/ or -If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further before applying please email Guide Dogs Volunteer Coordinator, Aaron Puckrin at aaron.puckrin@guidedogs.org.uk Thank you.

In this lead, but flexible volunteer role, you will be the key contact for fundraising in your local community. We will offer you the opportunity to chat about what skills and availability you have to support us in this role. A fundraising group coordinator, with the support of others in the team and a Guide Dogs fundraising manager, helps to organise and sometimes attend events, encourages local businesses, schools and groups to name their own guide dog puppy, builds relationships with local networks and most importantly, by giving their time, make a real difference by helping Guide Dogs to provide life changing services to people living with sight loss. The main role of the fundraising group coordinator is to be responsible for coordinating a group of volunteers, with the support of others, to raise funds through events or other activities, delegating tasks to other members of the group as required and being the key contact in the local area. “My advice to people is that they shouldn’t be put off by the word ‘fundraising’. We’re about much more than that as a group. Yes, we do raise money. But it’s also about building relationships, recruiting more volunteers, merchandising, building a community.” – Shirley, Fundraising Group Coordinator If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message at VolunteerScotNI@GuideDogs.org.uk and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible! Tasks and responsibilities • Build relationships and coordinate a group of fundraising volunteers to support you in your role • Raise funds with the support of you team and be the key contact your local area • Organising events (virtually and face to face) and delegating tasks and responsibilities to other volunteers within your fundraising group • Ensuring fundraising policies and procedures are followed; including all supporting roles are maintaining required records. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference in the work of the Guide Dogs. All volunteers are greatly appreciated. For more information please email VolunteerScotNI@GuideDogs.org.uk