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Guide Dogs Northern Ireland

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Guide Dogs Northern Ireland

With your support, we help people across Northern Ireland who are living with sight loss to live the lives they choose.

With your support, we help people with sight loss across Northern Ireland to live the life they choose

02/06/2026

This we cannot wait to bring you all of the winners and nominees from our Annual Volunteer Awards in Parliament Buildings, which took place this morning. We couldn't help but start with the winner of not only our Royal Patron Award, but our Long Service Award - June Best! 🏆

Below is an excerpt from June's nomination by Comms Specialist Mark Quinn and Policy & Campaigns Manager Hannah Lyons:
"June, a former Head Teacher and Education Specialist from Aghalee, was born with partial sight loss and now also lives with Charles Bonnet Syndrome. She has dedicated more than three decades to championing equality, opportunity and independence for people with vision impairment.

"June received her first guide dog, Rosie in 1994. That partnership marked the beginning of over 31 years of voluntary service. From her early days on campaign adventures to her time as Service User Representative and her continued involvement today - June remains a trusted and expert voice, always advocating for meaningful and lasting change.

"June’s impact reaches far beyond Guide Dogs, serving as Northern Ireland’s first ambassador for disabled people, working with the Office of Disability Issues and Department of Work and Pensions, and as Chair of the Independent Mechanism for Northern Ireland. June ensures the voices of people with sight loss are heard at the highest levels.

"Known for her warmth, humour and unwavering determination, June continues to inspire everyone around her. June is also always available to speak to press, to provide a thoughtful quote or to attend Party Conferences. Awarded an MBE in 2019, June is an exceptional ambassador, mentor, colleague and friend. She truly embodies the spirit of the Royal Patron Award."

[Image 1 shows Mark, June and Hannah holding certificates and a bouquet of flowers with Clyde standing at June's feet. Image 2 is an archival photograph of June on the farm amongst bales of hay with harness beside her and guide dog Rosie. Image 3 shows June speaking at the lectern, with guide dog Clyde's head poking out, smiling below]

29/05/2026

Let's give a big welcome to Stoer who has joined us for early training! 🐾

You may remember this 14-month-old Labrador x Golden Retriever, or met him at one of our events, with Puppy Raiser Alana. We're delighted to say Stoer has advanced to this stage and will be working with GDMS Tim 🦮

Good luck Stoer on the next stage of your life-changing journey! ⭐

guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer

[Image 1 is a close-up of Stoer's face. Image 2 shows GDMS Tim Atkinson, kneeling down beside a seated Stoer outside the Belfast office]

28/05/2026

Guide Dogs NI Volunteers! ❤️

This is your friendly reminder from Marshall to check your inboxes for our Volunteer Voices 2026 survey 🐾

As a valued member of our community, we would like to know more about your volunteering experience with us. Our 2026 survey provides an opportunity for you to share your thoughts on volunteering at Guide Dogs 🦮

If you can't find the email, but would like to let your thoughts be heard, comment below or send us a DM, and we can send the link directly to you 👇

[Image shows training dog Marshall smiling, sitting in a garden with green leaves and red flowers behind him]

27/05/2026

Keep your dog cool and entertained in the hot weather! ☀️

As the temperature rises, why not try these fun enrichment ideas to help your dog stay safe and stimulated:
💦 Let them splash around in a dog-friendly paddling pool
🧊 Fill a food-dispensing toy with wet food and pop it in the fridge for a cooling snack
💙 Try a scent game in a shady spot to keep their mind busy without risk of overheating
🖐️ Remember pavements can be warm, so check by placing your hand for 5 seconds to see if it's too much for paws
🌴 If out and about - try and stick to the shaded side of the street

Always ensure they have access to plenty of fresh water and avoid playtime during the hottest parts of the day. You may wish to place additional water bowls around your home.

For more summer tips, head over to our website 👉 http://bit.ly/4f2BBVT

[Image shows training dog Willa splashing in a paddling pool outside the office]

26/05/2026

This morning we had a Breakfast to say thank you to our wonderful Fosterers! 🦮

These amazing volunteers provide a loving temporary home to a dog in training, typically for a period of 12 to 20 weeks, as they begin their journey to become a guide dog 🐾

So this get together was a thank you for all the early morning drop-offs, evening pick-ups, weekends and everything in between! 🌟

To find out more about the role visit guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer

[Image 1 shows left to right: Claire Carse (GDMS), Anne Norrie (Local Volunteering Attraction Coordinator), Jacqui Gormley (GDMS), Sam Murphy (Partnerships Operations Manager), Tim Atkinson (GDMS holding daughter Betty), volunteer Susan and Victoria Kennedy (Operations Volunteering Experience Coordinator). Front row: Volunteers Ken & Julie, and Kathryn.
Image 2 shows Anne Norrie with volunteers Susan, Ethan and Mark with a Thank You banner behind them and a plate of croissants in front of them
Image 3 shows the kitchen decorated in blue and yellow bunting and lots of breakfast foods on the tables]

25/05/2026

It was a mascot crossover at Balmoral Show as Guide Dogs NI’s Penny met Air Ambulance’s Helimed Ted 🐾

Raising the profile of both charities’ work across Northern Ireland, neither organisation could do what they do without the generosity of attendees to the show, or the volunteers who dedicate their time year-round 🚁

Bring on Balmoral 2027! ❤️💙

[Image shows Guide Dogs NI’s mascot Penny waving to the camera with her arm around Air Ambulance NI’s mascot Helimed Ted, who is giving a thumbs up]

22/05/2026

Thank Dog it's Friday for new puppy Monty 🐾

4-month-old black Golden Retriever x Labrador Monty has been settling in with Puppy Raiser Elaine and puppy Daisy and rehomed dog Finley have been great influences (especially when it comes to finding the most comfortable corner to sleep) 🦮

Good luck Monty on your life-changing journey! 🎉

[Image 1 shows Monty lying outside in the sun on his bed. Image 2 shows Monty lying between Daisy and Finley on the floor as the sun beams through the window. Image 3 shows a close up of little Monty and older pup Daisy sleeping side-by-side]

21/05/2026

This week is

Did you know we offer Sighted Guide Training to businesses, community groups, universities, and charities that provide services to the public?

Sighted guiding is a useful life skill. It will give your team confidence when they meet people who are blind or partially sighted, and the guiding techniques to help them if they need it. In turn, you'll be helping us to transform public spaces in Northern Ireland so that they are welcoming for people with vision impairments.

Are you part of a group or organisation who could benefit from Sighted Guide Training? Visit our website for more information about our different training sessions: https://bit.ly/4uZTivR

[Image shows an Ulster Museum staff member providing sighted assistance to a woman in the foreground with a wicker dragon in the background]

19/05/2026

Meet Rocket 🚀

Rocket is a 14-month-old black Golden Retriever x Labrador who was puppy raised in Scotland and now joins us for Early Training 🐾

This is particularly exciting as Rocket will be the first dog trained by Julie Haggerty, in her journey training to be a Guide Dog Mobility Specialist as part of the Academy programme 🦮

Please wish Rocket (and Julie) the best in the comments below! 👇

[Image 1 is a close up of Rocket outside the van. Images 2 & 3 show Julie kneeling down beside Rocket in front of the Belfast office. In Image 2 Rocket is sitting. In image 3 Rocket lies down squinting, as Julie looks down at him with a smile]

18/05/2026

We had such an amazing time at Balmoral Show again this year! 🎉

Thank you to everyone who stopped by for a chat, to throw money in the buckets or picked up some merchandise 🐾

Here are some of the highlights of an incredible 4 days! Thanks to volunteer Robert for some of the photos! 🦮

[16 images with individual descriptions]

Address

18 Heron Road, Unit 17
Belfast
BT39LE

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+448007811444

Website

http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/

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