The local branch of the charity, Guide Dogs, is urgently looking for new volunteers in the Midsomer Norton area. They are in need of people to join the local fundraising group, which organises community events and collections to help raise much-needed funds.

The charity relies on donations to keep its vital services running and has suffered with the impact of Covid-19 putting a dent in much of their face-to-face activities over the summer.

Guide Dogs has local fundraising groups across the country. This means that people can volunteer in their local communities and make a difference, while getting involved with a fun and positive group.

Much of the activity is currently happening virtually with the hope of getting back out to the community safely when restrictions ease.

Ben Cassells, Volunteering Coordinator at Guide Dogs says: “Volunteering has so many benefits to your local community and the people you are helping to support but also to yourself as a volunteer. Being a volunteer is so rewarding; you gain new skills, knowledge and experience, get to know other people in your local community, make new friends and it has even been proven to improve your health and wellbeing.

“Our fundraising groups are very friendly and welcoming and a great way to meet local people and make a difference to improve the lives of people who are blind and partially sighted.”

There are around 2 million people living with sight loss in the UK. Guide Dogs provide a range of services from the iconic guide dog service, support for children and young people and volunteer-led services, such as My Sighted Guide (a two-legged guide rather than a four legged one!)

To provide these services the charity relies on an army of incredible and dedicated volunteers, and in Midsomer Norton and Radstock they urgently want to grow the group so they can continue to raise vital funds.

Whether you have lots of spare time or just an hour a week, the group has room for anyone interested in getting involved. Full training and support is provided.

To apply, go to https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer or call the local team on: 0345 143 0204.