Guide Dogs Children & Young People Services
We are Guide Dogs. And we’re here to help people with sight loss live the life they choose.
Children and adults. Friends and family. Parents and professionals. Whoever you are, our expert staff, volunteers and life-changing dogs are here to help you.
We’re here to give advice and emotional support from the moment your child is diagnosed with a vision impairment. Our team of experts has many years of experience working with children and their families, and can introduce you to a range of services based on your child’s needs, such as:
Education support
Our specialist team can offer independent and tailored advice to help your child receive all the educational support they are entitled to. From helping to choose the right nursery, school or college, to working with teachers and special education staff or advising on assistive technologies.
CustomEyes books
No child should miss out on the joy of reading – and we can produce books in large-print, tailor-made to suit your child’s eye condition. We have a range of books available, including non-fiction, popular fiction titles and annuals. We can also provide National Curriculum revision guides for home and school.
Technology advice service, including grants
Our grants help cover the cost of sensory equipment and assistive technology (also called access or adaptive technology), which can empower children, helping them become independent learners through apps and games. We can also offer advice on technology and software that can help children and young people access information and online resources on their own.
Early diagnosis family support
Our specialist team can offer information, advice and guidance from the early stages following diagnosis. Further help can include health and welfare advice, practical and emotional support and signposting to other organisations and services.
Family events
Every year we host a UK-wide programme of family activity days. Here your child and their siblings can play and take part in activities together – alongside other children with sight loss. Meanwhile, parents can share experiences, support each other and access specialist advice from our team. We also host an early diagnosis weekend to support families at this critical time.
Life skills
We’re here to help your child learn and practise tasks that are important to daily life, confidently and safely. We support children and young people of all ages. From supporting physical development and learning in the early years, to navigating streets safely, preparing food, handling money, using technology and managing their appearance as they grow older. This training programme (also known as habilitation) will give your child invaluable practical skills for life. We also offer tailored courses for children with additional and complex needs: these include early motor skills, sensory development, body awareness and wheelchair mobility.
Guide dogs for children and young people
A guide dog could give your child the confidence to get out and about safely. Whether it’s to go to school or college, to a regular exercise class or to meet up with friends, they provide life-changing practical support every single day.
Buddy dogs
Our buddy dogs bring a canine friend into the lives of children with sight loss. By helping to build your child’s confidence in themselves and trust in their surroundings, these dogs have a positive effect on your whole family’s wellbeing.
We’re here for you, whenever you need us.
Cornwall COVID-19 Status:
Regular revisions to Government guidance may mean the information listed is subject to change. Age UK Cornwall and the IOS are continuously working with the community and members on Cornwall Link to keep the information as up to date as possible. While we do this in response to changing guidance, we would suggest you use the contact details in the listings to speak, and confirm, with organisers directly.
We thank you for your patience while we work on these updates. Please see our community COVID-19 Help page for more information on the regulations.
A Message from Cornwall Link:
This listing has been added by someone in our community to help others. This person has agreed with the T&C’s of the website. We are not responsible for the quality of the information or service listed. We ask people to stay safe and alert when using services. You can read our Safeguarding and community resources for information on connecting with people and help listed on Cornwall Link.
Ring our helpline if you need help to get the support you need. Call 01872 266363 - Monday to Friday – 9am to 4:30pm.