My Guide

Changing Lives


180,000 blind and partially sighted people find it hard to go out alone. We want to change that.


The My Guide scheme is a partnership between Guide Dogs and local blind societies (including ABA), which helps people with sight loss get out of their homes and back into the community. My Guide aims to reduce the isolation that many people with sight loss experience, helping to rebuild their confidence and regain their independence.



How does it work?

  • ABA, with support from Guide Dogs, recruits volunteers and delivers VISION 2020 endorsed training.
  • ABA identifies local people with visual impairment who may benefit from the My Guide scheme.
  • Service users and CRB-checked My Guide volunteers are then matched.
  • Service users and My Guide volunteers work in partnership for three to six months, setting clear goals together.
  • During the partnership, My Guide volunteers regularly guide service users to social and leisure activities, e.g. the shops, a cafĂ©, or even the local bingo.
  • My Guide volunteers then train up members of the service user's community (e.g. family, friends, members of local clubs) to support their ongoing independence.


We have already successfully matched several volunteers and service users, but we are always looking for more volunteers to participate in the scheme. You will receive all the necessary training and support.


Please contact Runa via info@abaleeds.org.uk or 0113 210 3347 for more information.


Read the latest news on the My Guide project.

Our Latest News