FORWARD: Spring/Summer 2024 Guide Dogs presents the Spring/Summer 2024 issue of Forward, the official Guide Dogs magazine. Introduction This document contains every part of the print version of Forward, and in the same order as that used in the print edition. Guide Dogs Forward The Guide Dogs magazine Spring/Summer 2024 Meet Angharad and her guide dog Sarah These “inseparable” friends are one of Wales’s youngest partnerships Inside: Guide Dogs Shop products we think you’ll love My Time to Play service goes from strength to strength Introducing the volunteers who repair our collection boxes On the front cover is a photograph of 20-year-old guide dog owner Angharad sitting on a beach with her yellow Labrador guide dog Sarah. Both are looking at the camera and Angharad is smiling while she strokes Sarah. Contents Regulars – Welcome from the CEO 5 Regulars – News 6 A round-up of what’s been happening at Guide Dogs Regulars – Guide Dogs in the Media 10 Find out where we’ve made the news Regulars – Star News 11 Features – My Time to Play service goes from strength to strength 12 Features – Guide Dogs Shop – feel-good gifts for everyone 13 Features – There’s life in the old (life-sized collection) dogs yet 14 Features – Fund Race gets top marks 15 Features – A guide to Guide Dogs 16 Features – Putting a stop to it 18 Features – Kath is worth her weight in gold to Guide Dogs 19 Features – Angharad’s story 20 Features – Andrew hits his stride 23 Features – The sky’s the limit for Hannah 24 Regulars – A Day in the Life Of… Kim Cordy, Habilitation Specialist 25 Regulars – Thank You to our Supporters 26 Regulars – On the Campaign Trail 29 Regulars – Letter & Caption Competition 30 Gary thanks Guide Dogs for 30 years of marriage Regulars – In Good Company 31 Promotions 32 Contact details – arising from the articles in this edition of Forward 33 Included here are seven photographs. The first is of people at a buddy dog event, in the foreground is a couple tickling a yellow Labrador’s tummy. The second is of celebrity fitness coach Joe Wicks at the Paws on the Wharf art trail, standing next to the For the Love of Dogs sculpture. The third is of Habilitation Specialist Kim Cordy assisting a young girl with her reading. The fourth is of retired guide dog Spencer sitting in front of the seafront statue of the late comedian Eric Morecambe. The fifth is of a dog investigating the contents of a Sophie Allport pet treat tin. The sixth is of guide dog owner Morven Archbold and her yellow Labrador guide dog Pilot on a country walk. The seventh is of guide dog owner Angharad at the beach with her mum Lynda and guide dog Sarah. Subscription enquiries: You’re receiving this copy of Forward magazine as one of our valued supporters. Forward is available in standard print, Braille, large print and audio CD formats. It’s also available online as an accessible PDF, as a plain text document and as audio files at www.guidedogs.org.uk/forward. If you no longer wish to receive this magazine, or if you wish to change the format in which it’s sent to you, please contact us on 0800 953 0113 or via guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk. Editorial contributions: Send your stories to Forward by email to forward@guidedogs.org.uk or addressed to “Forward magazine” by post to the Head Office address below. Unfortunately, due to the volume of ideas we receive, we cannot acknowledge every item. We reserve the right to edit or refuse. Founding Editor: The late Captain Nikolai Liakhoff MBE FRZS Registered Head Office: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading RG7 3YG Tel: 0118 983 5555 Web: www.guidedogs.org.uk Email: guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk © 2024 Registered charity in England and Wales (209617), Scotland (SC038979) and Isle of Man (1334). Any products or services advertised in Forward by third parties are not in any way endorsed by Guide Dogs, and Guide Dogs shall not be responsible for the accuracy of any information contained in such advertisements nor has it investigated or verified any of the information. A welcome from Andrew Dear reader, For me, Forward magazine is both a wonderful showcase of the things that we do across our amazing charity, and also a peek behind the curtain to discover what is happening behind the scenes. Each month we receive many stories, but cannot showcase them all – but I hope you really enjoy the selection we have in store for you. One of our stories this month has, in part, been inspired following a visit by me to the Livingston fundraising volunteers in Scotland in February, where I learnt about their work in the community. During my time there the team were keen to showcase the work of volunteers to restore our life-sized collection dogs to their former glory, after all the wear and tear they endure. Heading back to the office I learnt of others around the country performing similar work, and felt that these amazing volunteers needed some time in the spotlight. I hope that you enjoy learning about them on page 14, and perhaps follow in their footsteps. In these tough financial times, sadly my job sometimes involves being part of a team which has to make some difficult decisions. In this edition of Forward, we wanted to share the news that we will be closing the My Sighted Guide service by the end of the year. This information can be found on page six. One of the areas I get asked about quite frequently is that of our matching process to partner our amazing dogs with a prospective guide dog owner. Prior to joining Guide Dogs I had no idea as to the number of variables the teams consider in the process, and on pages 16-17 we share an insight into that work and bust a few myths along the way. As always there are lots of stories about our volunteers, fundraisers and supporters, including a story that explains the origins of Fund Race for you on page 15. In my first eight months as CEO of Guide Dogs, I am very fortunate to have been able to meet so many of you as I visit sites around the UK, and even more fortunate to be able to learn more about the work done by fundraising volunteers in three groups near to me. The stories I hear are truly inspirational and it’s wonderful to be able to share them with you. I hope you enjoy this latest edition, Andrew Lennox Chief Executive Guide Dogs Included here is a head and shoulders photograph of CEO Andrew Lennox wearing a white shirt and smiling at the camera. News Extra financial help for buddy dog families Our buddy dog service brings a friendly, well-behaved dog into the lives of children with a vision impairment. More than a pet, buddy dogs can help children learn independent living skills, have huge wellbeing benefits and, in some cases, prepare them for guide dog ownership. However, we know that looking after a dog can be expensive. We don’t want current or prospective buddy dog families to worry about unforeseen costs. So, we’ve launched a pilot offering extra financial help to cover unexpected vet bills (families will still be responsible for routine vet care - such as preventative flea treatments). Anyone who’s concerned about being able to cover such costs is eligible - families just need to apply first by contacting buddydogs@guidedogs.org.uk. Included here is a photograph of people at a buddy dog event, in the foreground is a couple tickling a yellow Labrador’s tummy. My Sighted Guide service to be replaced with Community Sighted Guiding We want to let you know how we are changing our sighted guiding services at Guide Dogs. We want to improve the environment for everyone living with a vision impairment, and to make sighted guiding skills as familiar as first aid knowledge. We will be more than doubling the size of the team which delivers training to the friends and families of people with sight loss, and to companies and the wider community so that as many people as possible are equipped to provide sighted guide support. As part of this move towards community sighted guiding, we have taken the difficult decision to close the My Sighted Guide service over the course of this year. We really appreciate the work and dedication which has gone into these partnerships, but it has become increasingly difficult to deliver this service in a fair and consistent way, and to set up and support new partnerships. Our CEO, Andrew Lennox, was recently on Radio Four’s In Touch programme, discussing the closure of My Sighted Guide and how we are preparing Guide Dogs for the future. You can find the recording on BBC Sounds by searching for “In Touch, 30th April”. A place to reflect in memory of Gill Moss Staff and volunteers at the National Centre have clubbed together to dedicate a bench in loving memory of a volunteer receptionist who died in November last year. Gill Moss was also a puppy socialiser and a guide dog mum holder, bringing many life-changing puppies into the world, and she and husband Ray also boarded guide dog mums. Canine Health Administrator Jo Brown, who’s based at the centre, said: “Gill was a valued part of the Guide Dogs family, but she was so much more than a volunteer. She would always go out of her way to help and support in any way she could. We wanted to honour all the amazing time she and her family gave to Guide Dogs, and keep her memory alive. And the bench is somewhere that family and friends can visit to remember her.” Included here are three photographs. The first is of Gill Moss at a Make Every Cuppa Count event, sitting with two golden retrievers. The second is of the bench dedicated to her memory, with the third an inset of the detail of a Labrador’s head carved into the wood. Guide Dogs family loses “kind, gentle and caring” former colleague Former Guide Dogs colleague Andy Guiel passed away in April. Andy worked with love and passion for Guide Dogs, the organisation he had dreamt of working for as a schoolboy. He started as an apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (as the role was then known) in 1973, and created the Education and Demonstration team in 2006, partnering with demonstration dog Delphi to promote Guide Dogs’ work at events across the UK. After he retired in 2019, Andy kept in touch with many of the numerous guide dog owners he had trained over the years. His friend and former colleague Simon Blythe said: “Andy will not only be remembered for his unstinting commitment to Guide Dogs but also as being a kind, gentle and caring man loved by many.” Included here is a photograph of Andy Guiel with yellow Labrador Delphi, demonstrating Delphi’s guiding skills on an obstacle course. Did you know about the dedicated area of our website just for guide dog owners? The guide dog service section of our website has been specially created for guide dog owners and those waiting to be matched, to support you at each stage of your journey. Guide dogs are truly life-changing, but we also know it takes a lot of dedication and effort to develop the skills and knowledge needed for your new partnership. With that in mind, we’ve put together essential information, videos and audio content to provide advice and guidance across a range of topics. Whether you’re preparing to be matched with your first guide dog or you’ve been partnered many times before, there’s always something new to learn and we’re continually updating and adding to the collection. These resources are in addition to the training you’ll receive when you’re matched with your guide dog. Find out more at www.guidedogs.org.uk/guide-dog-service. Included here is a screenshot of the guide dog service webpage. One milestone down, one to go for the Norwich and District fundraising group The Norwich and District fundraising group celebrates its 45th anniversary in November, and volunteers hope to reach another amazing milestone this year – raising a grand total of £1.5million for Guide Dogs. Members got closer to that target with a sell-out Make Every Cuppa Count event in April, raising a massive £1,059.80. Memorable highlights in the group’s history include a service at Norwich Cathedral in 1991, when guide dog owners and volunteers from across East Anglia celebrated Guide Dogs’ diamond jubilee. The group started with just seven members, and now has 30 volunteers in and around Norwich. Linda and Philip Hunt have been members since 1987, with Linda now Fundraising Coordinator and Philip now Treasurer. Linda said: “The icing on the cake would be to reach the milestone of £1.5million raised since the group began, and achieving it in this memorable year will be quite a challenge!” Included here is a photograph of members of the Norwich and District fundraising group with the Sheriff of Norwich, Dr Jan Sheldon, at their Make Every Cuppa Count event in April. Dr Sheldon is kneeling in the foreground with a guide dog and its owner, and there’s an array of cakes and sandwiches on the tables behind them. Eden trip is paradise for families with children with sight loss Our family days out are a great way for families to relax, have fun together and meet other families with a child with sight loss. They also allow children with a vision impairment to build confidence and make lifelong friends. Our Children, Young People & Families team hosted just such an event in May in glorious sunshine at the Eden Project in Cornwall, where families came from as far afield as Birmingham to enjoy a day of support, friendship and fun. Our expert staff were also on hand to advise them about a range of subjects like education support, habilitation and living skills, technology, buddy dogs and more. Visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/familyevents for our calendar of days out. Included here are two photographs. The first is of a mum chatting with a Guide Dogs staff member while her two children take part in a sensory activity. The second is of a mum and dad with their children overlooking the Eden Project’s three biomes. Guide Dogs’ Chairman to step down Jamie Hambro will step down as Chairman of Guide Dogs’ Board of Trustees at the Annual General Meeting in September, having been appointed to the Board in 2015. Association Secretary Phillippa Caine said: “Jamie’s tenure will be characterised by his steadfast integrity, resilience and relentless dedication. He has steered the charity through tumultuous periods, notably navigating a period of intense media scrutiny of charity fundraising, grappling with the fundraising challenges created by the new Data Protection Act, weathering the storm of the Covid-19 pandemic, and more recently, confronting the ramifications of the cost of living crisis in the UK. “Jamie championed the establishment of our Academy, which played a pivotal role in guiding our progress post-pandemic, particularly with our guide dog service. His tireless commitment, evidenced by the substantial time, energy and support he devoted to the charity, will be a lasting testament to his legacy.” Jamie said: “It has been a privilege and very enjoyable to be involved with such an exceptional charity. I wish the new Chair every success in the future.” Included here is a photograph of Jamie Hambro speaking at the 2023 People Awards. Guide Dogs in the Media Guide Dogs on BBC Lifeline We appeared on January’s BBC Lifeline appeal – a monthly televised fundraising drive that highlights a charity’s work. Our appeal, presented by actress Wendi Peters, was a fantastic opportunity to let viewers know about some of our life-changing services supporting people from childhood to adulthood. Three incredible service users shared their stories. Margaret described how our vision rehabilitation team helped her build her confidence to get out and about again after her guide dog Bob died. Then ex-farmer Devante, who struggled to come to terms with his sight loss, told how he re-found his confidence after being matched with guide dog Mack. Lauren, mum to three-year-old Eliza, shared how Habilitation Specialist Lindsey helped Eliza learn about her environment and provided support and reassurance for the whole family. Kind viewers donated generously, unlocking £20,000 of matched funding from our trusted partner Petplan, and together we raised a remarkable £44,822! Our appeal is still available to watch on the BBC’s website – visit www.bbc.co.uk/lifeline and select the “Clips” tab. Included here is a photograph of Devante and yellow labrador guide dog Mack being filmed for the appeal. Beano draws on Guide Dogs’ services to create bespoke audiocomic Guide Dogs is delighted to have partnered with the world-famous comic Beano, creating a bespoke story that celebrates our life-changing services and raises awareness of sight loss. Guide Dogs and Beano created the story “A Buddy For Life”, which includes a real-life guide dog partnership, 16-year-old Hester Poole and Pickle, and a buddy dog partnership, seven-year-old Alex McQueen and Chance. The story, which was included in Beano’s May edition and is still available in various formats on our website, sees Beano’s beloved character Erbert announce his recent sight loss diagnosis after meeting guide dog owner Hester at Bash Street School. The iconic characters subsequently take a trip to Guide Dogs’ National Centre where they meet Alex and buddy dog Chance, and learn about the support we provide to adults and children with sight loss. Alongside the comic story, we launched the very first audio comic strip created especially for people with a vision impairment. We also offered a digital version with a dyslexia-friendly typeface, making the comic fully accessible for everyone to enjoy.To listen to Beano’s first audiocomic and find out more, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/beano. Included here is a photograph of Alex McQueen with golden retriever buddy dog Chance and brother Ross (aged nine) reading copies of the Beano. Photo by Fabio De Paola/PA Wire. Star News How do you take yours? A number of celebrities told us their favourite tea and biscuit/cake combo in April, helping us promote our Make Every Cuppa Count tea party fundraiser. Lorraine Kelly said that she enjoys strong builder’s tea with chocolate digestives, and Deborah Meaden has Miles English breakfast tea with oat milk and a vegan digestive when she’s in the Dragons’ Den. Meanwhile Carol Kirkwood likes a Tetley’s and a Twix for her early BBC Breakfast shifts, and Gyles Brandreth goes for a piece of coffee and walnut cake with every cup of English breakfast tea. Sports presenter Andrew Cotter loves strong breakfast tea first thing and Earl Grey in the afternoon, often with a slice of carrot cake and a couple of dog biscuits for his famous Labradors, Olive and Mabel. Michaela Strachan likes Rooibos tea and a digestive, while Susie Dent always has her builder’s tea with a fresh-cream Victoria sponge in Countdown’s Dictionary Corner. A huge thank you to everyone, across the whole of the UK, who has taken part in a Make Every Cuppa Count event to raise money for Guide Dogs! Included here are four photographs. The first is of Deborah Meaden drinking tea and cuddling her pet dog. The second is of Susie Dent looking at her stripy mug. The third is of Lorraine Kelly holding a mug with her name on it. The fourth is of Michaela Strachan holding a mug and cuddling her pet dog. David ain’t nothing but a Hound Dog In February, star of stage and screen David Bradley performed with his band, Heartbreak Soup UK, at the New Inn in Leamington and raised more than £1,250 for Guide Dogs. David even dressed up as Elvis for the second half, treating the audience to hits including Jailhouse Rock, Can’t Help Falling in Love and, of course, Hound Dog! Included here is a photograph of David Bradley, dressed as Elvis, with the five other members of his band. Joe paw-ses to see our art trail It was a lovely surprise when celebrity fitness coach Joe Wicks visited our Paws on the Wharf art trail in Canary Wharf, London. Joe is pictured with the For the Love of Dogs sculpture, designed by Jess Perrin, and you can find out more about Paws on the Wharf on page 31. Included here is a photograph of celebrity fitness coach Joe Wicks at the Paws on the Wharf art trail standing next to the For the Love of Dogs sculpture. The sculpture is a cream-coloured dog covered in a colourful pattern featuring dogs, their owners, toys and some dog-related words and phrases, such as “lie down”, “woof” and “good”. My Time to Play service goes from strength to strength We introduced our My Time to Play programme two years ago to help babies and toddlers with sight loss (aged from birth to four) build a whole host of skills through fun and supportive group sessions. My Time to Play was rolled out across the UK in spring last year, with our teams holding sessions from Edinburgh to Southampton – if there isn’t one nearby, we also run virtual programmes. These were first trialled during the pandemic, when we saw just how much they helped families to connect and develop their children’s skills. Whether held in person or virtually, each group session is structured around activities such as songs, movement and a sensory story that is brought to life through touch, taste, smell or sound. Over 2023 we ran 39 programmes, with more than 160 sessions helping individual children and families just under 1,000 times. This year, we’re growing and aiming to deliver 60 programmes – that’s 420 sessions, helping individual children and families more than 2,000 times. The sessions provide group habilitation, equipping families with the skills they need to continue developing at home. We also know that the opportunity to talk to other families is key, along with the expert advice from our staff, including signposting and connecting to other services. And the earlier we reach children with sight loss, the greater the impact the sessions and support can have. Magdalena came along to a session with her daughter Ruby and told us: “The sessions were really good. I was excited because I was looking forward to meeting other parents who have children with a vision impairment… Someone who knows what I’m going through. “Because of the sessions, Ruby can now open jars and screw tops and we’ve nearly mastered closing them too. You could see her changing week by week. She’s definitely grown her skills and confidence.” We recently filmed a session and included the footage in our Spotlight film on Loretta Knopp, who manages a habilitation team. You can watch the film at www.tinyurl.com/LorettaKnopp, and Ruby and Magdalena’s story is at www.tinyurl.com/RubysStory. Included here are two photographs. The first is of Magdalena hugging Ruby. The second is of Ruby inside a play tunnel. Guide Dogs Shop – Feel-good gifts for everyone Did you know you can support Guide Dogs by shopping with us? Our website www.guidedogsshop.com has inspiring gift ideas for family and friends, both human and canine! We guarantee 100% of profits go to Guide Dogs - and ordering online saves us money, so the charity gets more from your order. You can also order by phone on 0345 143 0197 (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday). Discover some of our favourite picks that we think you’ll love! Our exclusive Laura Fisher collaboration features beautiful kitchenware and stationery. • Laura Fisher and Guide Dogs teabag tidy - £12 New • Laura Fisher and Guide Dogs boxed mug - £14 • Laura Fisher and Guide Dogs foldable shopper - £5 Included here are photographs of the teabag tidy, which is in the shape of a teapot, the mug, and the shopping bag, which all feature various drawings of dogs on them. New and exclusive cuddly toys. Made from 100% recycled plastic and soft to the touch with adorable, embroidered eyes. • Guide Dogs golden retriever cuddly toy - £8 • Guide Dogs large black Labrador cuddly toy - £15 • Guide Dogs golden retriever puppy purse - £4.50 Included here are photographs of the cuddly toys and the purse. Practical but stylish accessories to help you take care of your furry friends. • Sophie Allport dog walking bag - £22 • Sophie Allport leather lead - from £29. Matching collar available. • Sophie Allport pet treat tin - £27 Included here are photographs of a dog investigating the contents of the pet treat tin, the walking bag, which features various drawings of dogs on it, and of a black Labrador modelling the leather lead and its matching collar. Prices and availability correct at time of going to press. The Guide Dogs Shop © The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (Trading Company) Limited, a company registered in England and Wales (1596945). Trading in support of Guide Dogs, a charity registered in England and Wales (209617), Scotland (SC038979) and Isle of Man (1334). There’s life in the old (life-sized collection) dogs yet Our iconic guide dog collection boxes, found up and down high streets and in other public places across the UK, are a much-loved and recognisable part of Guide Dogs’ history which help us raise vital funds. Keeping these dogs looking their best is no mean feat, and that’s where our small and highly skilled network of volunteer Collection Box Repairers come to the rescue. “There might be ears snapped off, big holes in the side, or missing boxes at the bottom,” explains Jim Grundison, who’s refurbished more than a hundred life-sized collection dog boxes since 2022 at his home workshop in Livingston, Scotland. Jim starts by putting the box on a turntable to assess the damage, then carries out repairs such as filling holes, making a new base or working with another volunteer to weld metal parts such as drawers and frames. Lastly, each dog is primed, painted in Guide Dogs’ colours and varnished. Each box takes about six or seven hours of work, spread across several days as filler or coats of paint must dry before the next step. “I find it very therapeutic,” says Jim. “It’s a nice feeling to see what you’ve created from something that was going to scrap. The amount of money they collect is really heart-warming.” Jim began volunteering for Guide Dogs eight years ago after retiring. He’s also a Driver, Puppy Raiser, Fosterer and fundraises with his family. Jim said: “I enjoy it and see the benefit as several people in our fundraising group have guide dogs.” These sentiments are echoed by Richard Bussien, who became a Puppy Raiser after retiring as a painter and decorator in 2016. He and wife Jill have cared for seven pups but puppy raising was just the start, and Richard has now repaired more than 60 collection boxes in his garage in Norfolk. He’s also a Speaker and Fundraising Coordinator for the Harleston and Diss fundraising group. Richard’s biggest collection box challenge to date was a seven-inch hole in the top of a dog’s head. He said: “I don’t know if someone thought they could get to the money through that hole, but it’s a long way down so I doubt they did! “Some boxes come to me in a very bad state, so it’s extremely satisfying to see the transformation when you restore it. It’s like bringing an old car back to life. “Repairing the boxes keeps my brain active, while puppy raising keeps me active – we walk miles with the pups. Between all the volunteering roles we fulfil, it’s 24/7 Guide Dogs in our house!” Included here are four photographs. The first is of Richard working on a life-sized dog collection box in his garage, with a completed box behind him. The second and third are before and after images of a tired and battered collection box and the newly restored version. The fourth is of Jim working in his workshop, painting a collection box. Fund Race gets top marks from Miles for school sports inclusion Sharing memories from early school days led to Guide Dogs developing its key awareness campaign for schools and youth groups. Miles Northwood, a Community Fundraising Relationship Manager, mentioned his own school Sports Day memories in a meeting. The Head of Community Fundraising then contacted him to see if his experiences could be incorporated into a new campaign. Miles started losing his sight at 18 months and by the time he started school, he had lost all remaining vision. The Local Education Authority advised his parents to send him to a specialist boarding school, but feeling he was too young for this, they approached their village school. Miles said: “The school were awesome. There was no question about ever being excluded from anything. Whatever the school did, I did. I played football at playtimes, went camping, it was totally normal for me to be involved in whatever the rest of the class were doing.” Miles’ passion for sport shone through, and his school were determined he would be fully involved in Sports Day. Miles said: “The three-legged race was no problem as I had a built-in guide, but they had to find a way to keep me straight when running alone in races.” From Miles’ memories came Fund Race, a track race or obstacle course with a twist. Participants are blindfolded and use a partner or a rope to guide them. This challenge not only provides an event in which people with sight loss can participate alongside their sighted peers, but it also builds empathy in the next generation. Guide Dogs’ Fund Race pack includes an assembly to start important conversations about sight loss and being more inclusive, and the resources to hold this special sporting challenge: a learning experience as well as a fun way to make a difference through fundraising. Every day across the UK, around four children will be registered blind or partially sighted. All children have the right to be involved in every part of school, including sport. Miles was able to pursue his talent, leading to him representing England in Blind Cricket from 1998-2008 and being inducted into the Blind Cricket Hall of Fame. Miles said: “Through sport, I’ve seen a lot of places that I wouldn’t have seen if I’d been able to see.” To find out more about Fund Race, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/FundRace. Included here are three photographs. The first is of Miles as an adult today. The second is of him at his school sports day in the 1980s, holding a miniature cricket bat. The third is of a blindfolded child and an adult dressed in a dog suit taking part in a Fund Race event, using ropes to guide them along a running track. A guide to Guide Dogs Guide Dogs is here to support anyone with a vision impairment, but approaching an organisation can be daunting. We caught up with Maria Rogan, Head of Guide Dog Service Operations, to talk us through what happens from that first call… “Most people’s journey starts with them picking up the phone to us, although some are referred by health professionals. “However contact is made, we’ll arrange what we call a “first conversation” - this is a “person-centred” chat to find out what’s important to you, before discussing which of our services could support you in reaching those ambitions. People often don’t realise that we can help with technology and mobility skills, or even that we can provide sighted guide training to help your friends, family or colleagues feel confident in guiding you. “There can be a lot of information to take in so, once you’ve had chance to reflect, a “second conversation” follows. This is a more practical discussion to understand what your priorities are and agree an action plan with you. If a guide dog is your preferred option, we’ll arrange for one of our Vision Rehabilitation Specialists to visit and complete a Mobility Assessment which forms part of the guide dog application process. They can also support you to learn independent living skills, while putting you in a good position to be ready for a guide dog. “Once it’s agreed a dog is the way to proceed, a Guide Dog Mobility Specialist will visit to complete a Guide Dog Assessment. This looks at whether a guide dog will meet your mobility and lifestyle needs and if you can meet the health and wellbeing needs of a dog. If so, you’ll join the “waiting list” – which isn’t actually a list in a linear sense. We try to prioritise those who’ve been waiting a while, but it’s key to find the right dog for the right person. Our highly trained teams work to really understand people’s needs, considering matches from the start when each dog comes into training. We take this complex matching process extremely seriously and are passionate about making every partnership a success. “Each team holds weekly case reviews which include looking at the people waiting against each match-ready dog in their region, starting with those who’ve been waiting the longest within the priority group (and searching further afield for a suitable dog if necessary). “I’ve been privileged to join many case reviews and I’m in awe of the level of detail and thought that goes into making the right decision - everything from walking speed, temperament and drive of the dog, along with the needs of the prospective owner.” Two recently-qualified guide dog owners shared their own experiences. Morven Archbold lives on the Isle of Mull, Scotland, and waited about a year for her fourth dog. Morven said: “I expected to be waiting for longer but was given a shout to come down to Hamilton to have a walk with Pilot. It went really well and I went on class in Kilmarnock a few weeks later, after he’d visited for an overnight stay. He’s wonderful – a golden boy who seems to be able to cope with anything from sheep, deer, single-track roads and ferries, to our regular visits to Glasgow. I said I’d be fine with most breeds of dog, could travel for training and didn’t have many specific requirements, but was still surprised to be matched so quickly. I’m delighted.” In contrast, Gary Willis from Redditch, Worcestershire, waited around two-and-a-half years to be matched. Gary said: “I didn’t mind waiting for my next dog. My retired dog Campbell stayed with me which made things easier, although I think a gap between dogs can sometimes be useful to come to terms with losing your previous dog and to be ready for your next. I’d kept my long cane skills up-to-date, which really helped. “I like large, cheeky dogs with character that some would find hard to work with. Jury was being fostered by a staff member who called me to say “we might have a dog for you”, so I went along to try some routes. “Jury can be a little monkey but he’s very loveable and intuitive. He likes going on buses, into town and on nights out to my lodge - he’s a great match for me and we’re working together a lot better as we get to know each other.” Maria concludes: “Above all the team are looking to create what we call “sticky partnerships” – where dog and owner “click” and have as smooth a settling-in period as possible. That first few months can be tricky as you get used to each other – whether it’s your first dog or your seventh. “They’re all guide dogs, but they’re all individuals as well. That’s why we prioritise aftercare in the first year, because we know that’s when extra support can make all the difference, setting the dog and the owner up to work together for years to come.” Included here are three photographs. The first is of Maria Rogan with two yellow Labrador puppies in training. The second is of guide dog owner Gary and yellow Labrador guide dog Jury. The third is of guide dog owner Morven and her yellow Labrador guide dog Pilot on a country walk. Volunteering Putting a stop to it Our puppy raisers do an amazing job helping our puppies develop the skills they need to go on to be life-changers – but some behaviours, such as stopping on walks, can present a challenge not just in the moment, but for the future. When they enter training, dogs are taught to walk with positive tension in their harness, so they can lead their future owner through their environment safely. This means their owner will be able to walk confidently with their dog, without having to fumble for rewards to lure their dog onwards with their hands full of shopping, or becoming disorientated by unnecessary stopping. While it is natural for puppies to stop sometimes while they are learning about their environment, it is important that this doesn’t become a habit as they grow, as it could lead to delays with their next stage of training or even prevent them being able to qualify in a partnership. How we raise our puppies now shapes the guide dogs they will become in the future. Getting it right while a puppy is young sets them up for success in training and eventually as a working guide dog. Between our expert staff and dedicated volunteers, puppies can overcome behaviour such as stopping and go on to fulfil their potential in life-changing partnerships. Using Positive Reinforcement Training to address puppies stopping * Always keep yourself and your puppy safe. If your puppy stops anywhere on a road, level crossing or similar, get yourselves to the other side in the safest, quickest way possible. * If you think your puppy has been startled and it is safe to do so, give your puppy the chance to recover and then continue on your way. * If you are safe, avoid using food or toys as a lure to getting your puppy to start walking or catch you up. Instead, make a funny noise or show interest in something or someone else. Puppies don’t like to miss out, so your pup may decide to investigate! If they do, you can take advantage of this movement and keep going, rewarding them for walking with you once they are moving. * If you notice your puppy is stopping more frequently, try to identify any triggers in the environment or signs from the puppy that they are about to stop in case there is a pattern. Stopping can start occurring at any stage in a dog’s life for a variety of reasons, including health-related issues, so always seek support from Guide Dogs if you notice this behaviour in your puppy or dog. Kath is worth her weight in gold to Guide Dogs At Guide Dogs, we’re incredibly fortunate to have more than 17,000 volunteers who share their time and expertise to help us create life-changing partnerships. One such volunteer is Kath Mulligan, who’s celebrating her golden anniversary of volunteering with Guide Dogs this year – five decades packed with puppies, fundraising parades and much, much more! Kath became a puppy raiser in 1974, when she and her family met some guide dog puppies at a county show. Kath’s husband was in the RAF, so they moved around a lot and couldn’t have a pet dog, but puppy raising suited them (and their smitten children) perfectly. Kath credits her children’s persuasion at the show for her 50 years of volunteering! Kath’s second pup, a German shepherd named Gay, was delivered by Derek Freeman, then Guide Dogs Breeding Manager, on his way to an appearance on Blue Peter. Derek later selected Gay to join the breeding programme, and Kath became Gay’s breeding dog holder. Gay lived with the family for 10 years and had four litters of guide dog puppies. Kath also joined a group of local volunteers and guide dog owners who decided to start fundraising for Guide Dogs, and she went on to become Chairwoman of the group (a role similar to the existing Fundraising Group Coordinator, for which we are currently recruiting volunteers across the UK). Kath said: “I loved the diversity of organising our events, in particular the Oxford Lord Mayor’s May Day street parade that we won on many occasions with our ingenious ideas, including the “Legend of Father Christmas” in May! I’m still a member and supporting the group to the best of my ability, which at my age mostly entails sitting down and talking about Guide Dogs to the public, something the group will confirm is my forte.” Kath’s 50 years with Guide Dogs are an inspiration, but volunteers don’t need to commit a lot of time to make a big difference. Our fundraising roles are flexible and could be a great place to start. For more information about any of the volunteer roles mentioned, including Fundraising Group Coordinator, visit www.tinyurl.com/BePartOfAFundraisingGroup. For existing volunteers, we’ve made it easier than ever to have a go at something new, so to try fundraising contact our Volunteering Office via volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk or 0345 143 0191 for everything you need to get started. Included here are two photographs. The first is of Kath today, holding a certificate to celebrate her fifty years of volunteering. The second is a black and white photograph of Kath in the 1970s with German shepherd breeding mum Gay. Angharad’s story Before being paired with her guide dog, there were days when Angharad didn’t feel confident or safe enough to leave the house on her own. Born with multiple eye conditions because of a rare syndrome, Angharad only has some light perception. But since being matched with her guide dog Sarah, her confidence has soared, and now she no longer feels singled out as “that blind girl with a cane”. Now it’s more like “the girl with a lovely dog”. Angharad had always known she wanted a guide dog and, at the age of 20, is one of Wales’s youngest guide dog owners. She said: “We’d been talking about it [as a family] for absolutely ages, and I knew when the time was right I would apply. “Walking with my cane, I always felt a lot of stigma and negativity from people. I’d have people sniggering or I would stand asking for help and people would just walk away because of my cane.” Angharad says she found using her cane difficult at times, and it stopped her going out as much as she would have liked. “Bin days were the worst for me with my cane. I would find it was banging into recycling bins, and sometimes people would complain about the noise.” Angharad was diagnosed with a vision impairment soon after she was born and underwent her first eye surgery when she was just a few days old. Mum Lynda recalled: “Angharad wasn’t reacting to light and was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes. She then had a manmade pupil – an iridectomy – and as she was growing up it allowed her to see close up. “Unfortunately though, as she got older, Angharad developed glaucoma as well and has had numerous operations and a partial eye transplant. She now has light perception in one eye which helps her a lot to know when it’s daytime and nighttime.” When she turned 18, Angharad decided the time was right to apply for a guide dog. Lynda added: “As a family we supported her decision to apply for a guide dog because we knew from that moment she was going to get control of her life. “Since the first time guide dog Sarah walked into the house, she and Angharad have been inseparable. I can’t imagine life now without Sarah, she’s made such a difference.” Angharad recalled: “I remember the day I got the call to say Guide Dogs had found me a potential match. It was 9 February 2023, I thought it was just going to be a catch-up call. Then I was told Sarah, a yellow Labrador, was going to be coming out to meet me. I was really nervous to meet Sarah, but also the excitement pushed me through. “We were all feeling very nervous and excited the first time Sarah came to visit. She was travelling from Cardiff so got to us in the afternoon and oh my gosh, it was wonderful. She came straight in the door and up to me first – it was amazing. “The first time going out with Sarah was wonderful. Just to be able to put all my confidence into Sarah and her guiding me. I knew from that point I made the right decision. “Sarah means the world to me because she’s my everything. Wherever she goes, I go. Wherever I go, she goes. If I had to describe the impact of having a guide dog, I would say incredible and life-changing. The best decision ever.” Angharad and Sarah have now been partnered for over a year, and she is a firm fixture in family life. “It’s really nice to have the confidence to go to the café by myself. We have practised it with Sarah so I know I can walk there with her on my own to meet friends and family,” says Angharad. “I also love to travel and visit different places around the country, so Sarah comes with me on the train, on holiday or even to the theatre. When we went to the panto, they found a special office for Sarah to sit in so she had a lovely relax while I watched the performance. Then when it was time to leave, she was ready to guide me again. “I also have a YouTube channel and I love showing life with a guide dog and also rewarding Sarah and showing that she doesn’t work 24/7. She loves having her free runs on the beach.” Mum Lynda added: “The confidence Sarah’s given Angharad has been truly amazing to see. As her mum it has been hard to let go a little bit but with Sarah by her side, I haven’t got any worries. “As a family we can never thank Guide Dogs enough. To see the transformation in Angharad, to be able to live the life she is now choosing to live. From the puppy raisers to the fosterers to all the staff – from the bottom of all of our hearts, we can never thank you enough.” You can follow the adventures of Angharad and Sarah on Instagram at the handle @angharadslife Included here are three photographs. The first is of Angharad cuddling Sarah at home. The second is of Angharad and Sarah at the beach. The third is of Angharad and Lynda in a café. Andrew hits his stride as a Guide Dogs fundraiser! Andrew Elliker-Reeve has raised an incredible £17,000 for Guide Dogs, but what’s even more amazing is why he started fundraising in the first place. Andrew, from East Yorkshire, lost his sight suddenly and unexpectedly after going into hospital for a double heart bypass in February 2020. Unfortunately, side effects meant Andrew came out of surgery blind, with a stoma and having lost his spleen. He spent three months in hospital before being allowed home and had to slowly build up to walking again; in June 2020 he was able to walk just 100 yards using a walking frame. Andrew said: “When I got home, it was right in the middle of the lockdowns. It was just me and my wife Rebecca. She was absolutely fantastic. She had to learn things immediately as she became a carer overnight. It wasn’t easy. I spent months deciding whether I wanted to live or not. We decided that if we were going to live, we were really going to live.” So Andrew’s long-distance walking challenges were born. He started a blog and a Facebook page called Travelling Blind, which has helped him raise funds for Guide Dogs and recruit volunteer guides. Although not having a guide dog himself, Andrew recognises what a lifeline they are from his own experience of sight loss. He said: “We’ve had amazing support from the public. Travelling Blind was Rebecca’s idea to help with my mental health, but it has done far more than that. A lot of people have been inspired by it. “Travelling Blind is showing how suddenly becoming blind or disabled in any other way does not mean your life and ambitions have to end. We are proving that life can be just as fulfilling, if not more so, but in different ways after such a trauma.” In 2022, Andrew became the first blind man to walk the Yorkshire Wolds Way. Last year, he completed the 109-mile Cleveland Way and he’s currently training for his longest walk yet, a 245-mile stretch of the King Charles III England Coastal Path in September. Andrew’s challenges have led to him naming guide dog puppies Skye, Lewis and Barney, and he’s now hoping to name puppy number four. To find out more about how to Name a Puppy, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/NAP. Included here are two photographs. The first is of Andrew celebrating after completing one of his walking challenges. The second is of young yellow Labrador puppy Lewis. Legacies The sky’s the limit for Hannah with Wendy by her side Many people choose to leave a gift in their Will to Guide Dogs as they know our services and guide dog partnerships can give people with sight loss the chance to live the life they choose. Such a gift helped to provide Hannah’s first guide dog, Wendy, who has been a real life-changer. Hannah was born with bilateral retinoblastoma (Rb), a rare type of childhood eye cancer that meant she had to have her left eye removed and undergo significant treatment to save the very limited vision in her right eye. Luckily she had the support of family and friends to help her through school and then university but when she started working, things were different. “I had a cane, but getting around was hard and stressful – especially on the London Tube where people don’t necessarily realise what you’re doing or why you are moving so slowly.” Hannah decided to get in touch with Guide Dogs and when she met guide dog Wendy there was instant chemistry: “I loved her the moment I met her and was so excited!” With Wendy by her side Hannah was able to fully embrace the world of work and enjoy a lively social life too. “People often use the terms life-changing without giving it too much thought, but having a guide dog like Wendy really is just that!” With her newfound confidence, Hannah also campaigned to become and was elected as a local councillor, something that wouldn’t have been possible without Wendy. “The sky really is my limit now. It’s amazing what having Wendy has helped me to do and how much she has helped me to believe in what I can achieve. I can’t thank those people who have left a gift, or are considering leaving a gift, in their Will to Guide Dogs enough for the opportunity that they have given me.” Hannah and Wendy also feature in our TV advert about gifts in Wills, where you can discover them embracing the world of work together. To find out how gifts in Wills can help people with sight loss live actively, independently and well, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/giftsinwills. Included here is a photograph of Hannah with yellow Labrador Wendy, standing on a canal towpath. A Day in the Life Of… Kim Cordy, Habilitation Specialist Kim Cordy has always loved working with children and young people, and likes nothing more than empowering them to gain their independence. Her role involves working with children and young people (CYP) from birth to age 25, teaching them mobility, orientation and life skills to help them become as independent as possible in their day-to-day lives. Kim first learned about Guide Dogs’ Habilitation Specialist role when she was looking for her next career move in 2017. Kim met a Habilitation Specialist who was supporting a young person that Kim was also working with. Kim said: “I’d never heard of the job at the time, and the way I explain the difference between habilitation and rehabilitation to people is that habilitation is teaching someone about the concept of something for the very first time. “For example, if you were teaching an adult who has only recently lost their sight about a bus route, they already know they have to walk to the bus stop, that there’s a timetable, that they have to get a specific bus, etc. “But a child has no idea of those concepts. You need to teach these concepts with a person-centred approach, depending on their age and the stage of their development.” Kim, a former paediatric nurse, said: “It’s all about giving them a toolbox of transferable skills. Rather than teaching someone how to cross one particular road, I’m teaching them principles they can use to cross any road they might need to.” Day-to-day, Kim’s job involves visiting up to three CYP a day across Bristol, and there’s also some paperwork – emails, setting up visits, records of visits. There are also reports to write about the work carried out with a CYP which are then shared with parents, schools/colleges/universities, and Qualified Teachers of the Vision Impaired (QTVI). Beyond working individually with CYP, the role of Habilitation Specialist can also include delivering other Guide Dogs services such as My Time to Play (on page 12). Kim says she loves how no two days are the same, and that no two students learn the same thing in the same way. She said: “At the moment, I’m working with two children of the same age, who have the same eye condition, but they are very different in the approach needed to teach them the same set of skills.” To find out more about Kim’s role, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/blog/topic/careers-spotlight for a short video about her work, and videos on many other careers at Guide Dogs. Included here is a photograph of Kim assisting a young girl with her reading. Thank You to our Supporters Dear supporters, Hopefully by the time you read this, we’ll all be enjoying a warm and sunny summer! It’s a great time of year to be outdoors, whether you’re raising money for Guide Dogs, or having fun with your friends and family. Or doing both! Here you’ll find the stories of individuals and groups who have definitely had fun while they’ve been fundraising for Guide Dogs. Whatever you’re doing, you’re playing a hugely important part in helping us to provide life-changing services to people with sight loss. I also wanted to let you know that I’ll be leaving Guide Dogs later in the summer, but leave with so many wonderful memories of all the supporters, volunteers, service users and of course the dogs I have met during the last five years. Thank you to everyone for all the support you have given to the Fundraising team. I will continue to cheerlead everyone’s fundraising efforts in the future and my successor will introduce themselves in the Autumn/Winter issue of Forward. Deborah Bourne Director of Fundraising Included here is a photograph of Deborah Bourne wearing a stripy dress and smiling at the camera. Knightsbridge School in London raised almost £35,000 for Guide Dogs after selecting us as their charity for the year, as the school has a personal connection to vision impairment. They first challenged themselves to raise £2,500 to name a guide dog puppy, holding a competition to choose the name Molly. Staff and pupils carried on organising a variety of fundraising activities including “guess the teacher” from their baby photos, bake sales and a Halloween party, and have named three more guide dog puppies. Included here is a photograph of Guide Dogs volunteers with puppies in training and a member of Knightsbridge School staff, all stood outside the school. The Huddersfield fundraising group received a cheque for £4,300 from Northern Ladies, a group of like-minded women from across the north of England who organise informal fundraising events for good causes. Northern Ladies chose Guide Dogs as their 2023 charity of the year, presenting the cheque to the group at Bagden Hall Hotel in West Yorkshire. The Huddersfield group also sold Guide Dogs merchandise at two Northern Ladies events, raising more than £300. Included here is a photograph of Northern Ladies presenting a cheque to the group. The Peninsula fundraising group in Bangor, Northern Ireland, celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, with a strong team including an Organiser, Treasurer, Secretary, Merchandise Coordinator, plus coordinators for life-sized dogs and countertop boxes, and lots of willing hands to help at fundraising events. Pictured here at their February monthly meeting at their local coffee shop, the stars of the group are yellow Labrador ambassador dog Duffy and guide dog Rigsby, a black Labrador/retriever cross. The group raised nearly £40,000 last year. Included here is a photograph of the Peninsula group at their February monthly meeting. A guide dog with a top-secret background completed an important mission: meeting the people who chose his unique name. Yellow Labrador Bletchley - named after World War II code-breaking centre Bletchley Park - is the only UK guide dog with that name. Staff at GCHQ, the Cheltenham-based Government intelligence and security organisation, named him, and invited him and owner Rayana Adams in to give a talk. Rayana, from Newport, South Wales, said: “We raised £1,170 on the day by selling Guide Dogs merchandise, and we’ve been asked if we could return.” Included here is a photograph of yellow Labrador guide dog Bletchley posing in front of a large print of Bletchley Park. Cardiff councillor Graham Hinchey and wife Anne raised more than £85,000 during their recent term as Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Cardiff, naming seven guide dog puppies “Diffy”. Cardiffians sometimes refer to their city as “the ’Diff” and the first two puppies, both female, were placed with puppy raisers in Swansea and the Vale of Glamorgan. Graham and Anne have been volunteer fosterers for 10 years, caring for nearly 30 dogs, and they continue to offer practical support to the local fundraising group. Included here is a photograph of young yellow Labrador puppy Diffy. Puppy raisers from across south Wales raised more than £5,000 to name a puppy in memory of one of their own. Linda Killick, from Boverton, puppy raised for five years with husband Bob before her death in 2019. Fellow volunteers held a series of fundraising events to remember their friend. Peter Thomas, a puppy raiser in Barry, said: “As a group, we have tried to maintain Linda’s sense of humour in the knowledge that she was always encouraging everyone she met to enjoy life to the full.” Included here is a photograph of two of Linda’s friends holding a photograph of her. The Carlisle & District branch of the Manchester City Supporters Club met Carlie, a guide dog puppy being raised by member Gary Heaton and wife Lisa, last year and fell in love. So the branch held a special bucket collection at a City match - special because the collection wasn’t directly for Guide Dogs. The money was used to thank the Scottish Borders Hospital for allowing the Galashiels fundraising group, of which Lisa and Gary are also members, to have a Guide Dogs sales table at the hospital every month. The Supporters Club raised £483, which bought guide dog puppy toys for patients in the hospital’s children’s ward at Christmas 2023 and Easter 2024, with some left over for Christmas 2024. Included here is a photograph of three members of Carlisle & District MCSC’s committee inside the Manchester City trophy room, with Gary and Lisa Heaton and their guide dog puppy Iona in the foreground. Les Evans raised £2,500 to name a guide dog puppy in memory of his late wife, Joyce – with a little help from Elvis. Les teamed up with Keith Davies, famous as “Abergavenny’s Elvis”, to organise a sell-out concert at the South Wales town’s Borough Theatre. Les said: “Joyce was a massive Elvis fan from the time I met her, aged 16. She went to quite a few of Keith’s concerts. She also supported Guide Dogs all her life.” Included here is a photograph of Les with Abergavenny’s Elvis. Alex Gosney and his mum Dee raised £502.50 by holding a “Mug of Soup” event in Street, Somerset. The fundraiser sees homemade soup sold in mugs, along with rolls donated by local supermarkets, and homemade cakes donated by supporters and friends. Alex aims to name a guide dog puppy Cookie in memory of his friend, Paul “Cookie” Cook, who died last December. Alex, who has guide dog Homer, and Dee have raised £25,000 and named five puppies, and both also volunteer with the Somerton, Street & Wells fundraising group. Included here is a photograph of Alex Gosney with his yellow Labrador guide dog Homer at a fundraising event. Staff at Exeter St David’s Railway Station presented a cheque for £5,000 to the Exeter and District fundraising group. The money was raised via the station’s two life-sized dog collection boxes and a countertop box, and staff chose to name a guide dog puppy Brunel after Isambard Kingdom Brunel, chief engineer of the Great Western Railway (GWR). Naming a guide dog puppy helped the station win a gold exemplar award, presented by GWR to recognise a station’s community engagement. The station achieved a silver award last year. Included here is a photograph of Exeter St Davids Station Manager, Robin Barrington-Best, presenting the cheque to Tracey Morgan, Customer Ambassador at Exeter St Davids, and Guide Dogs Volunteer Jeanette Thomas with Guide Dog puppy Nordi. On the Campaign Trail Pavement parking: a historic win but more to do Vehicles obstructing footpaths and pathways cause huge difficulties for people with sight loss. Guide Dogs’ Campaigns team made history at the end of last year when, after years of campaigning, Scotland became the first nation in the UK to introduce country-wide pavement parking prohibitions. It’s now up to each council to implement the measures, and we’re encouraging local authorities to meet their duty on this issue. Elsewhere, it’s been four years since the Westminster government consulted on pavement parking, yet no further progress has been made. That’s why we recently wrote to party leaders asking them to prioritise this. We’re calling on the Department for Transport to publish the consultation response and set out plans to tackle unfair and unsafe pavement parking. Almost 60,000 people demand Open Doors for Guide Dogs Guide and other assistance dog owners must be allowed to use the vast majority of businesses and services, and illegal access refusals need to end. That was the message delivered directly to the Prime Minister in Downing Street in April on International Guide Dogs Day by our volunteers and staff. Despite it nearly always being against the law to refuse a working guide dog, more than 80% of guide dog owners have reported being turned away. More can be done to ensure staff know the law, and to make it easier to take action when access refusals take place. In response to our campaign, the Government has set up an assistance dog working group, including Guide Dogs, that will produce recommendations to help end access refusals. Making street design more accessible We know some bus stop designs and cycle infrastructure are posing barriers to independent mobility for people with sight loss. For this reason, we’ve partnered with University College London (UCL) on new research to better understand how accessible these aspects of the built environment are for vision-impaired and other disabled people. The research involves focus groups and trials of different types of street design, such as floating bus stops and routes shared by pedestrians and cyclists, taking place both at realworld locations and at UCL’s PEARL laboratory. The research findings will help us understand the impact of new designs, giving us the evidence we need to advocate for more inclusive solutions. Included here is a photograph of a car parked on a pavement preventing a lady using a powered wheelchair with a black Labrador guide dog from getting through. Letter and Caption Competition Thank you to Guide Dogs for 30 years of marriage! In May 1992, a lovely lady called Julie Jarvis and I were training at the Leamington Training Centre (as it was then), me with my first dog, Reo, and Julie with her second dog, Warwick. Through many chats in the minibus while waiting for our turn to work with our dogs, and in the evenings, we found we had a lot in common. Once we qualified with our guide dogs and went home, we would exchange telephone calls and spent Christmas together that year. Like our guide dog partnerships, the bond between us grew, and Julie moved into my home in Milton Keynes in March 1993. We married on 2 July 1994 and our daughter, Victoria, was born the following year. So I’d like to thank Guide Dogs for introducing us! I’m currently waiting for a new guide dog, and Julie uses her long cane to get about. We moved to Exmouth in Devon in 2016, where we’re enjoying semi-retirement and lots of time for long walks and day trips. Kind regards, Gary Ankin Included here is a photograph of Gary and Julie on their wedding day. Caption Competition Volunteer Jean Endersby was enjoying a visit to Morecambe in Lancashire when she took this photo of retired guide dog Spencer, who seemed quite unimpressed by the seafront statue of the late comedian Eric Morecambe! Included here is a photograph of Spencer sitting in front of Eric Morecambe’s statue. What would you caption this photo? Send your suggestions to: Forward, Communications Team, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG or email forward@guidedogs.org.uk with your name, address and a daytime phone number. The winner gets a £10 Marks & Spencer voucher. The last competition winner is Ashley Howard from Hull, with the caption “I know I heard them order chicken in a basket when we were in the pub, but I can’t find it!” Congratulations, Ashley! Included here is a photograph of yellow Labrador guide dog puppy Carol lying on the floor with her head inside her toy basket. Competition rules: This competition is open to anyone resident in the UK, except employees of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, their families and anyone connected with the competition. No purchase necessary. Proof of posting cannot be accepted as proof of delivery. No responsibility can be accepted for entries delayed, damaged or mislaid or wrongly delivered. Illegible entries will be disqualified. Only one original entry is allowed per envelope. The winners will be notified by either post or telephone and the results will be published in the next issue of the magazine. The winners must agree to the publication of their names, photographs and any publicity, if requested. In all matters concerning the competition the Editor’s decision is final. No correspondence can be entered into. Entry implies acceptance of the rules. The closing date for the competition is 31 August 2024. In Good Company Players of People’s Postcode Lottery support our future life-changers through the puppy raising stage Having previously funded the first stage of our guide dog puppies’ lives from birth to eight weeks, players of People’s Postcode Lottery have now supported the next stage in their journey – the puppy raising stage. Thanks to players, our puppies have been supported by volunteer puppy raisers in their homes. Our volunteers have the crucial role of caring for the physical, behavioural and emotional development of our future life-changers from the age of around eight weeks to 14 months. By the end of this time, our puppies are socialised and prepared to step into formal guide dog training. Funding raised by players and awarded by Postcode Animal Trust supported approximately half of our puppy raising programme from April 2023 to the end of March this year, equating to around 316 puppies who will go on to become part of the next generation of guide dogs. Included here are two logos with the wording “Supported by players of PEOPLE’S POSTCODE LOTTERY” and “Awarded funds from POSTCODE ANIMAL TRUST”. An accessible art trail unleashed in Canary Wharf! PAWS ON THE WHARF In March, we unleashed Paws on the Wharf, an accessible art trail throughout Canary Wharf. In partnership with event organisers Wild in Art, supported by Citi and hosted by Canary Wharf Group and the Canal & River Trust, we unveiled 25 guide dog sculptures in a trail of discovery. Each sculpture was decorated by a talented artist, creating a free exhibition celebrating our amazing life-changing dogs. Our aim was to raise vital funds and awareness, and encourage important conversations around accessibility. We wanted our event to be the most accessible outdoor sculpture trail to-date. To achieve this, we partnered with NaviLens – an exciting accessible technology. By using the NaviLens app, people could scan codes on our sculpture plinths and listen to audio content about the sculpture. We also hosted sighted guide and sensory tours, thanks to the support of our Accessible Events Partner, United Airlines. These tours supported people to experience the trail with additional multi-sensory elements such as touch and smell items relating to the sculpture designs. Other accessible features included providing digital trail maps and alternative format guides. The route was step-free and designed in “areas” featuring clusters of sculptures, so people could choose to visit as much of the trail as they wished. Trail goer Amy said: “I enjoyed the art trail because it was accessible - a lot of artwork just isn’t accessible to me as a blind person.” Find out which celebrity visited Paws on the Wharf in Star News on page 11. Included here are the following logos: • Presented by Guide Dogs | WILD IN ART • Supported by Citi • Hosted by CANARY WHARF GROUP Included here is a photograph of a lady with a yellow Labrador guide dog and her daughter touching the Dot to Dog sculpture. The sculpture is a blue dog with purple and blue spots inspired by colour blindness tests. Some of the spots are raised, forming letters from the Braille alphabet. Photo by Matt Crossick/PA. Promotions The following are three advertisements that are presented in different places in this issue of Forward. 1. ROYAL CANIN INCREDIBLE DOGS INCREDIBLE NUTRITION Royal Canin are enormously proud to support Guide Dogs. By partnering together, we are helping thousands of people with sight loss live the lives they choose whilst also helping to make a better world for pets. Discover more at www.royalcanin.com ©ROYAL CANIN® SAS 2024. All rights reserved Included here is a photograph of a golden retriever sniffing the air. 2. Guide Dogs “I’m not a person that likes technology… but when you practise and realise how helpful it is, then it just makes more sense.” Alba, guide dog owner From supporting day-to-day tasks in the home to helping you navigate when you are out and about, technology can be life-changing. Find out how technology can help you at www.guidedogs.org.uk/tech. Included here is a photograph of guide dog owner Alba using a smartphone. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (209617), Scotland (SC038979) and Isle of Man (1334). 3. GIVEACAR CAR DONATION SERVICE DONATE YOUR CAR FAST | FREE | FOR CHARITY DONATE YOUR CAR IN 3 EASY STEPS STEP 1 Fill out our donation form on our website or call us to submit your details and choose a charity STEP 2 We’ll determine the best option for your vehicle and arrange free collection STEP 3 You’ll receive a receipt from us letting you know how much your car raised for your charity We offer free nationwide collection Free Collection | Any Car | Nationwide Contact us to find out more 0207 736 4242 www.giveacar.co.uk In support of: Guide Dogs Contact details This is a list of phone numbers and contact details arising from the articles in this edition of Forward magazine. ROYAL CANIN Visit: www.royalcanin.com How technology can help you Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/tech Extra financial help for buddy dog families Email: buddydogs@guidedogs.org.uk Our CEO Andrew Lennox on Radio Four’s In Touch programme Visit: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds and search for “In Touch, 30th April” Guide dog service section of our website Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/guide-dog-service Our calendar of family days out Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/familyevents Guide Dogs on BBC Lifeline Visit: www.bbc.co.uk/lifeline and select the “Clips” tab Beano’s first audiocomic Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/beano My Time to Play – Spotlight film on Loretta Knopp Visit: www.tinyurl.com/LorettaKnopp My Time to Play – Ruby and Magdalena’s story Visit: www.tinyurl.com/RubysStory Guide Dogs Shop Visit: www.guidedogsshop.com Phone: 0345 143 0197 Fund Race Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/FundRace Volunteer roles Visit: www.tinyurl.com/BePartOfAFundraisingGroup Fundraising Email: volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk Phone: 0345 143 0191 The adventures of Angharad and Sarah Instagram: @angharadslife Name a Puppy Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/NAP Gifts in Wills Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/giftsinwills Kim Cordy’s role and a short video, and videos on careers at Guide Dogs Visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/blog/topic/careers-spotlight Caption Competition Post: Forward, Communications Team, Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG Email: forward@guidedogs.org.uk GIVEACAR Phone: 0207 736 4242 Visit: www.giveacar.co.uk Close.