A charity that helps people with sight loss is hunting for volunteers in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield who could help change someone’s life.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Helen Rowe and Siobhan Meade out and about.Helen Rowe and Siobhan Meade out and about. (Image: Archant)

Helen Rowe, who runs the My Guide service for Hertfordshire, has spoken out about how much of a ‘great feeling’ it is to give up a little of your time to help those who have sight loss.

My Guide is a service that trains volunteers so that they can then enable the visually impaired to get out and about in their local community, to enjoy walks, join groups, gain confidence, and to help them learn new routes.

Siobhan Meade, who uses the service, was born with extremely limited vision, only in one eye.

Now 33, she has been totally blind since 1999.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Siobhan Meade and Helen Rowe out and about.Siobhan Meade and Helen Rowe out and about. (Image: Archant)

After being a guide dog user since 2003, her second dog Mac retired last October. Since then, she has relied on the My Guide Service to get out of the house.

Siobhan, who is the fundraising and marketing co-ordinator for Herts Vision Loss in Welwyn Garden City, said: “No words I could use would ever come close to describing how grateful I am to Helen Rowe, my My Guide Ambassador for helping to reduce the isolation I am experiencing while waiting for a new Guide Dog.

“The moment Mac left my house, I felt like an animal in captivity but the My Guide Service means I can get out and live my life.

“It’s a real partnership. I would recommend the life-changing My Guide Service to anyone who cannot leave their home alone, or who may have difficulty with everyday mobility.”

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Siobhan Meade and Helen Rowe out and about.Siobhan Meade and Helen Rowe out and about. (Image: Archant)

Helen added: “As Siobhan’s volunteer My Guide, I have a greater appreciation of the difficulties a visually impaired person can face.

“We have a fantastic relationship and it’s such a great feeling knowing that I’m helping Siobhan to do things she might not be able to do without sighted assistance.”

The charity is in need of volunteers who could help someone like Siobhan for two to three hours per week.

My Guide offers full training and the opportunity to change someone’s life.

If you would like more information contact Helen Rowe on 01189 838889, by emailing Helen.rowe@guidedogs.org.uk or register by visiting http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/supportus/volunteering/register-now/#.WOUFEBEzU5s.