Since November last year, i’ve been learning how to use a cane as my eyesight has deteriorated more. Sadly after three sessions, my trainer went off sick and didn’t return to his role so i had to wait to get training again. However, Guide dogs came to the rescue.

I first applied for guide dogs last year, when I was living in Bristol and they said I didn’t need a guide dog yet. I applied again in late December as my eyesight has deteriorated a lot and was struggling to get to places independently. I went through two/three phone calls discussing my eyesight, my needs and what i’m struggling with. They then decided I can have the mobility assessment. This entailed, them watching to see if i can navigate a journey by myself and to see if i’d benefit from having a guide dog. I then went to the next assessment stage to see if I would be able to follow the dog and if it’ll benefit me. Following that i had the pet assessment to see if my dogs would get on with a gudie dog and I passed that!

I got a phone call couple of months ago to say I am on the guide dog waiting list, which I jumped for joy and was so pleased. During my mobility assessment, the lady asked about my cane training and I explained what happened. She spoke to guide dogs and the council and decided to continue my training with her. I can now go out with a cane confident knowing how to use it.

I’m still trying to get more confident with using it during daylight as it’s a new thing and I just get nervous i’m gonna see someone I know. I know it’d be fine but my brain gets to me and I don’t use it.

I tend to use it when i’m in London but the amount of people who do not move out of the way is outrageous. I know I will get more confident and it’ll take time and that’s fine as it is still new to me. But at least I’m on the guide dog waiting list and hopefully I don’t wait too long. I will keep you all updated.

I will be posting a blog about attending to the IFHOHYP study session in Strasbourg soon.