Guide Dogs UK

Guide Dogs UK Guide Dogs is the UK's leading sight loss charity. We couldn’t continue our vital work without your help. Children and adults. Friends and family. Live well.

Our expert staff, volunteers and life-changing guide dogs help people with sight loss live the life they choose. We’re here to help people with sight loss live the life they choose. Whoever you are, our expert staff, volunteers and life-changing dogs are here to help you:

Live actively. Our people and dogs can help you get out and about with confidence, going wherever school, work, or play takes

you – and knowing that your sight loss won’t hold you back. Live independently. The advice and skills we provide will give you the freedom to live life on your own terms, in your own way, so that you can achieve your hopes and ambitions, and do all the things that make you… you. Our experience and understanding can help you through the emotional challenges of sight loss as well as the practical ones, introducing you to an inspiring community of people with similar experiences and giving you the support you need to be your best self. We have an amazing community of more than 17,000 volunteers across the UK. We’re also almost entirely reliant on donations to continue our life-changing work. There are many different ways you can support us, find out more at guidedogs.org.uk. Please read our Privacy Policy here: guidedogs.org.uk/privacy-policy

29/08/2026

We couldn’t leave the British Masters without asking a few familiar faces one very important question… what would you name a guide dog? 🐾

We caught up with Ashley Cole, Robbie Fowler, Sam Bird and more at The Belfry to hear their answers.

Which name gets your vote? Let us know below! 👇

[Visual description: The video opens at the British Masters at The Belfry, where a Guide Dogs soft golf driver head cover is handed to Sam Bird. Around the golf course, a series of celebrities are asked what they would name a guide dog. Sam Bird says Enzo, Jamie O’Hara says Bonnie, Ashley Cole says Zuma, Carly Telford says Chelsea, Sam Quek says Star, Steve Harmison says Goughy, Darren Gough says Delores, Antony Watson says Denzel, Robbie Fowler says Scholesy and Phil Jagielka says Mike.]

28/08/2026

Guide Dogs helps people with sight loss experience life-changing firsts, unlocking the confidence, independence and freedom to live life on their own terms.

Every first represents possibility. Every achievement builds confidence. Every milestone matters.

This is Life Unleashed.

Visit our website to find out more 👉 https://bit.ly/46d1Mpf

[Visual description: video shows a close up shot of a person tracing their hand along a wall before walking through a doorway with a Guide Dogs Vision Rehabilitation Specialist. The video cuts to show a young person being dropped off at school by their parent, and walking away from the car using a long cane. The next clip shows a person crouching next to a yellow Labrador. The video then cuts to a young child in a living room with their family and a Guide Dogs Habilitation Specialist. The child walks across the room with their long cane and there are close up shots of their family smiling. The next clip shows a person in their kitchen baking a cake with a Guide Dogs Vision Rehabilitation Specialist. The video then cuts to a guide dog owner in a football stadium walking with their guide dog (German shepherd), a person running up a hill with their guide runner, a person leaving their house with their guide dog (Labrador x golden retriever) to go to work, a young person laughing with their friends at school, a person in a field, a person swimming in a lake, a person at a football match, a parent and their child smiling at home, and a person standing outside on a sports court with their guide dog (yellow Labrador x golden retriever) beside them. Audio described version of video: https://bit.ly/4xZ10YG]

A huge thank you to all our incredible volunteers supporting Guide Dogs at the British Masters this week. 💛We’ve had so ...
27/08/2026

A huge thank you to all our incredible volunteers supporting Guide Dogs at the British Masters this week. 💛

We’ve had so many brilliant conversations with our volunteers at the British Masters, hearing what motivates them to give their time and seeing first-hand the passion and purpose they bring to what they do.

Lynne, who has volunteered with Guide Dogs for nearly 10 years, put it perfectly:

“People think Guide Dogs is an animal charity. Of course, it isn’t, it’s a human charity. For me, it was a way of being in touch with the animals, while knowing I was raising money for a human charity at the same time.”

That passion is what makes our volunteers so special. Thank you for everything you do to help us support people with sight loss.

And if you’re at the tournament this week, our brilliant volunteers will be there right through to Sunday, so feel free to stop and say hi to them!⛳

[Visual description: Three photos taken in front of Guide Dogs fundraising stands at the British Masters. In the first, volunteers Keith and Lynne stand smiling with Dann, a golden retriever stud dog, lying in front of them. In the second, volunteer Frances kneels beside Uska, a yellow Labrador puppy in training, surrounded by members of the Guide Dogs social media team. In the third, volunteer Sara stands smiling behind a fundraising table.]

26/08/2026

Come with us to the Husqvarna British Masters⛳

From setting up our stand and welcoming our four-legged stars, to Pro-Am action, familiar faces and plenty of puppy cuddles along the way.

Spend the day with us at The Belfry! 🐾

[Visual Description: The video opens with a member of the Guide Dogs team standing at the British Masters wearing a Guide Dogs tabard, with the text ‘Day In The Life At British Masters!’ on screen. She smiles at the camera before the video cuts to a British Masters flag blowing in the wind. Anton Du Beke is shown out on the course, followed by a wide view across the golf course. The video cuts to the Guide Dogs stand, where visitors gather alongside a golden retriever. Guide Dogs leaflets and information are shown laid out on the stand before the video cuts to Anton Du Beke and Chris Hughes spending time with two golden retrievers. The dogs are then shown around the event as crowds make their way across the course. A golden retriever walks through a fenced area before another dog meets Nick Faldo. Anton is shown talking on the course. The video then cuts to a spectating area. Chris and Anton are shown having a conversation before moving on to a member of the public taking a putt in. A member of the Guide Dogs team walks through the event carrying a collection bucket. A close-up shows a golden retriever smiling towards the camera. The video moves inside the tent, where a member of the public is trying the golf simulator while members of the Guide Dogs team and dogs stand nearby. Outside, a black Labrador sits on a paw-print mat as Chris interacts with them. Four members of the Guide Dogs team then walk beneath a ‘To The Course’ sign before a black Labrador and yellow Labrador joins golfers for a photo. Chris crouches down to greet and stroke two golden retrievers, followed by another wide view across the golf course. The video cuts back to the black Labrador and two golden retrievers spending time with visitors. The video cuts to a close up shot of a guide dogs club cover the video then cuts to Sam Bird teeing off. Two golden retrievers receiving plenty of attention and cuddles from Anton and Chris. The video ends with members of the Guide Dogs team standing together in front of the Guide Dogs stand, smiling towards the camera.]

Could you run half a marathon blindfolded? 🏃That's exactly what Sarah is doing in aid of her daughter, Indiana, who was ...
25/08/2026

Could you run half a marathon blindfolded? 🏃

That's exactly what Sarah is doing in aid of her daughter, Indiana, who was diagnosed with a vision impairment the day after she was born.

Sarah will complete the 13.1 mile Great North Run blindfolded, and guided by her friend Lucy.

"We are not runners, but we will give this our all. It’s going to be a huge challenge for me, especially being blindfolded, but I’m so excited to do it." said Sarah.

Sarah and Indiana attend our My Time To Play sessions, where Indiana started at six months old. Now nearly two, these sessions have helped Indiana grow in confidence, meet new people, and enjoy different textures and food.

Sarah and Lucy have already raised over £1,100, smashing their goal of £500! We're wishing both the best of luck for the day! 💛

[Visual Description: Image one shows Sarah and her guide runner, Lucy, wearing Guide Dogs branded running tops. Sarah is wearing a blindfold and Lucy is guiding her with a tether. They run along a path together. Image two shows Sarah in her Guide Dogs top holding Indiana, her daughter. They're smiling at the camera.]

24/08/2026

"Inaccessible street design can create so much anxiety as a blind person and guide dog owner." – Dr Riley

For Riley, Paul, and many others with a vision impairment, inaccessible streets aren’t just an inconvenience. They can make everyday journeys more difficult, stressful and, at times, unsafe.

We're calling on you to help make our streets more accessible. Write to your representatives using our prewritten email to encourage them to visit Guide Dogs during their party conference.

Together, we can help make sure our streets work for everyone.

Follow this link to send your message today 👉 https://bit.ly/4imZL0F

[Visual Description: Dr Riley speaks to the camera. Over the top of him talking, an image shows him sitting between his retired guide dog and his current guide dog, Casper. As he speaks, clips of inaccessible street design are shown. A cyclist bikes past a floating bus stop. The video then cuts to Paul, who also speaks to the camera. As he talks, a photo of him with his guide dog appears. Some more clips of floating bus stops are shown as he speaks, and then an image of his guide dog, Pyrgo, is shown. The video ends with a screen recording showing the prewritten email people can send to their MP.]

Sunny, Stanley or Buzz?You’ve seen their faces. You've come to know their personalities. If one of these three has stole...
23/08/2026

Sunny, Stanley or Buzz?

You’ve seen their faces. You've come to know their personalities. If one of these three has stolen your heart, now’s the time to make it official!

Our current adorable recruits will only be available to sponsor for the next few weeks. Soon, we’ll be introducing a whole new bunch of pups for you to fall in love with.

Sponsor your favourite now and follow their journey as they grow from tiny pup to life changer. https://bit.ly/4x7Ksxr...

Who would you choose? 👇

[Image Description: Three images: Image 1: golden retriever cross yellow Labrador, Sunny, is sat down on a fleece blanket, looking at the camera, with a plush bumble bee toy in his mouth. Image 2: black Labrador cross golden retriever, Stanley, is sat looking at the camera through a blue tunnel. Image 3: golden retriever cross, Buzz, walks towards the camera, behind him you can see a tunnel and colourful plastic toy.]

22/08/2026

Recently, Ellie Simmonds and Richie Anderson visited the Guide Dogs National Centre and met some of our amazing volunteers and puppies. 💛

They went behind the scenes and learnt about the journey our puppies go on, so that they can become future life-changers.

After the tour, they settled on the sofa to test their knowledge of everything they learnt. Do you think you can beat them?

We need 100 Puppy Raisers every month to help raise the next generation of guide dogs. Are you ready to raise? Follow this link, to find out more about becoming a Puppy Raiser 👉 https://bit.ly/4cuFRx2

[Visual Description: The video opens with sweeping shots of the outside of the Guide Dogs National Centre. Ellie Simmonds and Richie Anderson walk into the reception area and settle onto a sofa. On the sofa they each hold a Guide Dogs branded fluffy dog toy. Ellie holds a black Labrador toy, and Richie holds a yellow Labrador toy. On the coffee table in front of them are two Guide Dogs branded mugs. Over the top of them answering the quiz questions, clips of them visiting the National Centre are shown. They meet and send puppies on their way to their Puppy Raisers, interact with Puppy Raiser, Jane, and her puppy, Cherry, who is a black Labrador, and take part in a dog training demonstration with Sophie and Marie. When one of them scores a point, text on screen declares who has won the point. The final score at the end of the video is; Ellie with 4 points, Richie with 3 points.]

Getting from A to B shouldn’t mean putting your safety at risk.For people living with sight loss, pavement parking and s...
21/08/2026

Getting from A to B shouldn’t mean putting your safety at risk.

For people living with sight loss, pavement parking and street clutter are just some of the barriers that can turn an everyday journey into a frightening and dangerous experience, putting their safety and independence at risk.

That’s why guide dog owner Kim is joining us at this year’s party conferences, sharing her lived experience with politicians and calling for change.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity of meeting some of the politicians who can influence change that is needed to ensure people like me who are sight impaired can navigate our streets and towns safely.”

Help us make our streets safer and more accessible for everyone. Add your voice to our Streets Ahead campaign by following this link👉 https://bit.ly/4glmgAq

[Visual description: Two images of guide dog owner Kim with her black Labrador guide dog. Image one shows Kim standing beside her guide dog, who is wearing a Guide Dogs harness, in front of a colourful flowerbed. Image two shows Kim sitting on a bench with her guide dog beside her, wearing a Guide Dogs harness.]

Some mountains are climbed for the view. Lucy climbed the Zinalrothorn to prove what’s possible. ⛰️On 7 August, Lucy Hob...
20/08/2026

Some mountains are climbed for the view. Lucy climbed the Zinalrothorn to prove what’s possible. ⛰️

On 7 August, Lucy Hobson reached the summit of the 4,221-metre Zinalrothorn in the Swiss Alps, alongside her experienced mountain guide, Catalin.

For Lucy, who has severe sight loss, it was an incredible achievement. She described the Zinalrothorn as the most technically difficult mountain she’s taken on, with a challenging approach and exposed ridges along the climb.

“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. I hope it encourages people to take on their own challenges, whether that’s getting to the local shop or summiting a mountain.” 💛

The climb marked the final of three challenges Lucy has taken on to raise funds for Guide Dogs, alongside Mera Peak and the Manchester Marathon. Together, they’ve raised an incredible £3,189.

Behind Lucy’s adventures is her guide dog, Jenny, who Lucy credits with helping her build the confidence to take those first steps towards a life filled with new challenges.

A huge congratulations, Lucy, on an incredible achievement! 👏💛

[Visual description: Image 1: Lucy, wearing a red jacket, climbing helmet and climbing gear, stands smiling on the rocky summit of the Zinalrothorn with her arms outstretched beside the summit cross. Mountains and clouds can be seen behind her. Image 2: Lucy, wearing a red jacket and climbing helmet, climbs a steep rocky section high up on the mountain while attached to an orange rope, with the mountainous landscape far below her. Image 3: Lucy stands smiling in a mountainous landscape wearing climbing gear and a navy and yellow Guide Dogs T-shirt featuring the Guide Dogs logo. Image 4: Lucy and her mountain guide, Catalin, smile at the camera for a selfie on the rocky summit of the Zinalrothorn, wearing climbing helmets and gear.]

Address

Guide Dogs
Reading
RG7 3YG

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Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

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+441189835555

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