Guide Dogs Northern Ireland

Congratulations to Rhiannon & Brandon who recently got married and chose Guide Dogs to provide their wedding favours, raising much needed funds for people of all ages living with a vision impairment throughout the UK 💒

We have a range of charity pin badges, handwritten cards, cuddly toys and biodegradable confetti that are perfect for decorating tables and are a wonderful gift for your guests to take home and keep 🐾

As you and your guests sit down to celebrate your special day, you’ll also be supporting our life-changing guide dogs and other vital services for children and adults with sight loss 🦮

If you are interested, check them out at the following link >> https://bit.ly/3F7v7E0

[Image one shows the happy couple and their little girl on a beach with the sea behind them. Brandon is leaning down in a kilt. Image 2 shows one of the wedding favours with one of the dog pin badges inside]

That's the end of party season for a while and we enjoyed speaking to members of the UUP on all of the issues affecting those living with sight loss across NI 🦮

Want to create change but not sure where to start? Sign up to become a Guide Dogs E-campaigner - small actions can make a big impact 💛

Sign up using this link 👉 https://bit.ly/4llvYVM

[6 images with individual descriptions, all of UUP political reps with Guide Dogs NI staff members in front of our stand]

Join the pack. Lend a hand. Change lives. 🐾

Do you love dogs and want to make a difference by volunteering? Join a Guide Dogs pack near you for fun, fundraising and four-legged friends.

As a fundraising volunteer for Guide Dogs, you’ll be part of a team in your local area that shares stories about what we do and raises vital funds to help people with sight loss live the life they choose. From planning events and helping at collections, to placing our iconic guide dog collection boxes with local businesses – you’ll get to hear inspiring stories, meet incredible people and dogs, and see the difference you’re making firsthand.

We’ve got volunteer roles to suit all passions, skillsets and schedules. You can make the role your own and you only need to take on as much as works for you. In return, you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss by raising funds for our life-changing guide dogs and other vital services. You’ll also gain experiences, memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

Join the pack! We’re recruiting for a number of fundraising roles across NI. Find out more about volunteering in your area by following this link: guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer

[Image shows a group of volunteers, dogs and puppies all looking happy!]

LEGO Sale in aid of Guide Dogs NI 🦮
📍 The Village Hall, Hillsborough BT26 6AR
📅 Saturday 24th October
⏰ 9am - 4pm

In memory of fundraising volunteer Ian Armstrong, Ian's parents are kindly holding a LEGO Sale to raise money for Guide Dogs NI, Cancer Focus & Marie Curie 🐾

Originally from Letterbreen, Enniskillen Ian had previously survived a brain tumour at the age of eight, which had left him partially sighted, Ian found a home in Bangor and the Peninsula Fundraising Group, even completing a parachute jump to raise money for Guide Dogs 🦮

In tribute to their son, Ian’s parents Helen McElmurray and Roy Armstrong are holding a massive sale of their son’s Lego sets and boxes, and Magpie Bricks have opened a huge display to be viewed with an option to donate ❤️

Please share with any Lego fans in your life, who would like the opportunity to pick up a few bricks on the day! 🧱

[Image 1 shows training dog Rocket in front of an incredible LEGO display located in Magpie Bricks. Image 2 shows a poster with the event details on it surrounding a photo some of the items on sale]

We had another successful Conference this party season speaking to members of the DUP on a range of issues affecting those living with sight loss across NI 🦮

Inconsiderate Pavement Parking was one of the main topics of conversation, and we look forward to the UUP conference this coming weekend

[8 images with individual descriptions]

Welcome Duffy! 👋

Duffy is a 21-month-old Golden Retriever who has joined us from being puppy raised in Leicester and early training in Forfar 🐾

He is now in advanced training with Claire Carse and we are certain you will join us in wishing him the best in the next phase of his life-changing journey 🦮

If you'd also like to change lives, why not join one of our fundraising groups across Northern Ireland. Find out more at guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer

[Image shows a close up of Duffy standing and smiling at the camera with the light of the sun beaming through his tufts of hair]

Willa has a question for you - do you want to support us this week? 🤔

OPUS gym in Carrickfergus are holding a quiz fundraiser this Friday in aid of Guide Dogs NI 🐾

Owner Rob has a personal connection as his grandfather had guide dog Opal, who was adopted by Rob upon his retirement 🦮

If you can’t make it on the night you can also donate at the following link >> https://tr.ee/l-cWoI9F9F

[Close-up of Willa in harness staring at the camera]

We're so excited to have not one but TWO new My Time to Play groups starting soon that we just had to share these memories from the Belfast group's final summery session earlier this year 🎉

My Time to Play is a free service for children aged 0-4 with a vision impairment (inclusive of additional needs) and their parents, carers and siblings. Delivered by Qualified Habilitation Specialists to help children with a vision impairment develop a broad range of skills through play 🫧

Belfast will start a new block. To join contact Susan on 07467 443586. For the new group in Derry~Londonderry contact Anthony on ‭07471 800685‬ 📞

[8 images with individual descriptions in the captions]

It was great to be at the SDLP Conference this past Saturday 🦮

Here are some of the highlights from a busy day talking all things Guide Dogs, Accessibility and Policy & Campaigns 🐾

Party Conference season isn't over and we're looking forward to DUP and UUP Party Conferences over the coming weeks! 🗳

[Image 1 shows Claire Hanna MP leaning down to pet guide dog Biscuit whilst looking up and chatting to guide dog owner Diane Marks. Image 2 shows Matthew O'Toole MLA. Image 3 shows Diane and Justin McNulty MLA talking. Image 3 shows Diane and Mark H Durkan MLA smiling whilst standing in front of the Guide Dogs stand, with Biscuit at their feet. Image 5 shows External Affairs Manager Brendan smiling with Colum Eastwood MP]