Living a full and active life means being able to get around, with confidence, on your own. Too often, when someone loses their sight they also lose their ability to do just that.  The emotional impact of sight loss can be devastating, with shock giving way to anxiety and depression. At the same time, environments which once seemed normal and friendly – like town centres, stations and shopping malls – become unfriendly and difficult to negotiate. The future can look limited, and horizons narrow.

Every day Guide Dog’ staff come into contact with hundreds of blind and partially-sighted people, working hard to understand their individual needs and enable them to get their lives back on track. Often that means matching them with a guide dog – a relationship which transforms lives day after day. It also involves fighting alongside them for their right to travel freely on public transport, to access goods and services without fear of discrimination and to get the support that they need.

The ability to get around is vital in order to live a full life. We empower blind and partially-sighted people to do just that and we rely entirely on the support of people like yourselves to fund our guide dog services.

“Before I had my guide dog, Theo, I did not have the confidence to go out but now, with him, I can. He’s given me freedom and he’s somebody who is there whenever I need him. He’s wonderful dog but it’s not just down to him – it’s been a team effort. To finance its life transforming service, the charity relies on donations from individuals and organisations; I’m so grateful for their generosity and support. A whole new world has been opened up to me – thank you.”   – Katie Meakin, guide dog owner, Coventry

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