Guide Dogs Children's Services

Last updated: 03/04/2024

Our experts can help you to live actively, independently and well with sight loss. Whether you’re asking for yourself, a member of your family, or your child, speak to someone from our friendly team today for more information.

Family support

Our team is here to give advice and emotional support from the moment your child is diagnosed with a vision impairment. Our experts can share their experience to build your whole family’s knowledge and confidence and provide tools that are right for your child’s specific needs.

Education support

Our specialist team can offer independent and tailored advice to help your child receive the educational support they are entitled to. From supporting you when you are choosing the right nursery, school or college, to working with teachers and special education staff or advising on assistive technologies.

Tech For All 

At Guide Dogs we believe all children with a vision impairment should have access to technology. Our Tech for All service provides families with the technology they need. This includes Apple iPads, specialist technology and software or our sensory toy bundles to use outside of school (while stocks last). Our expert team can also provide personalised advice about technology to families.

My Life Skills

We’re here to help your child learn invaluable practical skills for life. From supporting physical development and learning in the early years, to navigating streets safely, preparing food, handling money, using technology and managing their appearance they grow older.

My Time to Play

My Time to Play helps children aged 0-4 with a vision impairment develop through play and provides parents with the opportunity to network, share experiences and pick up skills and knowledge to support their child’s development with confidence.

CustomEyes Books

CustomEyes Books are for everyone aged 0-25 with a vision impairment, or dyslexia. Whatever reading format your child needs, we’ll tailor their books to meet their individual requirements; font type and size, line spacing, paper colour and more. What’s more, if the book they want isn’t already on our catalogue of over 4,200 titles, we’ll do our best to add it. All books are available at the recommended retail price, regardless of format.

Family Events

Guide Dogs family events are a great day out where your family can relax and have fun together – and meet other families with similar stories. They allow children with a vision impairment to build confidence and make lifelong friends.

Buddy Dogs

Our buddy dogs bring a new friend into the lives of children with sight loss. By helping to develop their self-confidence, improve relationships and build a greater sense of trust, these dogs can have a hugely positive effect on your child’s wellbeing – and your family, too. Call us on 0800 781 1444 to sign up for a Discovery Session.

Who to contact

Contact Name
Guide Dogs
Telephone
0800 781 1444
E-mail
children@guidedogs.org.uk
Website
Guide Dogs Children's services
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/GuideDogsSouthEast
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/guidedogssoutheast/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/GuideDogsSE

Where to go

Name
Guide Dogs
Address
Hillfields
Reading Rd
Burghfield Common
Reading
Berkshire
Postcode
RG7 3YG

Time / Date Details

When is it on
Our emails and phone lines are monitored Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Other Details

Availability

Age Ranges
Referral required
No

Quality checks

  • DBS check

West Berkshire Council do not promote or endorse any of the services listed in this Directory. For more information on this please read our disclaimer.

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