Guide Dogs Northern Ireland

This meet... Vadar 👋

Vadar is a 21-month-old Golden Retriever x Labrador puppy raised in Herefordshire, who joins GDMS Jacqueline Dowey following early training in Forfar 🦮

We hope you'll join us in wishing him well on his life-changing journey 🐾

[Image shows Vadar in close-up, sitting in his pen staring at the camera with his beautiful brown eyes]

Today, 6 October 2026, is the 95th anniversary of the UK's very first guide dog partnerships 🐾

Four German shepherds - Flash, Folly, Meta and Judy - completed their training with Muriel Crooke and Rosamund Bond in Wallasey on the Wirral on this day in 1931 and three years later, the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association was formed 🦮

We couldn't continue to do what we do without our incredible staff and volunteers. Join the Guide Dogs NI family now at guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer

[Visual Description: The image is made up of a half black and white image, and an image in colour. The black and white portion shows a man with one of the first German shepherd guide dogs, back in 1931. The colourful half of the image shows a woman, present day, holding the harness of her German shepherd guide dog.]

Are you passionate about improving the lives of those living with vision impairment through campaigns and policy change? 🐾

Come and join us as a proactive and purpose‑led Policy and Campaigns Manager for Northern Ireland and be part of something life‑changing - helping people with sight loss live the life they choose 🦮

You'll develop and influence policy, lead impactful campaigns, and build strong partnerships with government bodies, local authorities, and key stakeholders to advance Guide Dogs' strategic objectives. You will be an expert in policy development, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, political influencing, and campaign leadership, with the ability to turn insight into action and drive meaningful change in policy and practice. You will play a vital role in ensuring everything we do enables us to deliver on our purpose and exceed expectations.

This is an office-based role with flexibility for hybrid working. Ideally the successful candidate will live within a reasonable travelling distance of Belfast, as regular travel across Northern Ireland and attendance at meetings and events will be required. Occasionally you may be required to attend meetings and events across the UK.

If this sounds like the role for you, or you'd like more info, visit the webpage at the following link >> https://bit.ly/PPACNI

[Image shows a close up of guide dog Clyde sitting and smiling, looking off to the side, outside the Crowne Plaza hotel where many a party conference takes place]

Meet Heather 👋

Heather is a black Labrador x Golden Retriever who is 2 years and 4 months old 🐾

She was puppy raised in Edinburgh and joins GDMS Claire Carse from early training in Forfar 🦮

Want to join the Guide Dogs NI family, just like Heather? Visit guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer to find out the exciting opportunities in your area!

[Image shows Heather, sitting in the office, looking upwards just beyond the camera lens]

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]