Staff at Brierley Community Hub were delighted to be offered a chance to take part in Sighted Guide Training, offered by Guide Dogs for the Blind. Sighted guide training teaches sighted people how to guide a person with sight loss with confidence, skill, and empathy. Packed with lots of useful tips on how to support someone with visual impairment, how to act when they meet them for the first time and how to help them get around better.
This introductory session was arranged following a visit by trainee Guide Dog Sam, and their Puppy Trainer, who visited Brierley Community Hub recently to talk about the important work that Guide Dogs do, and to help Sam interact in new surroundings. Visiting new places, exploring new sights, sound and smells, as well as meeting new people are all important elements of a Guide Dog puppies training programme and we were privileged to be able to be a part of it.
The group all said the training was fantastic, the trainer was brilliant and covered many aspects of sight loss, sight aids and guided walking. On completion the group can be seen proudly showing off their certificates.
We have plans in place to roll out Sighted Guide Training to all staff across our services.
If you would like to find out more about Sighted Guide Training, please visit the Guide Dogs for the Blind website here: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/sighted-guide-training/
