Guide Dogs Northern Ireland

What an amazing day at our Volunteer Awards, yesterday 🎉

A massive thank you to Minister for Communities NI Gordon Lyons MLA for sponsoring and opening our event 🐾

And a huge thank you to each and every one of our volunteers, without whom we couldn't do what we do, for those living with sight loss across Northern Ireland 🦮

guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer

[4 images in shared post, with individual alt-text descriptions]

This we cannot wait to bring you all of the winners and nominees from our Annual Volunteer Awards in Parliament Buildings, which took place this morning. We couldn't help but start with the winner of not only our Royal Patron Award, but our Long Service Award - June Best! 🏆

Below is an excerpt from June's nomination by Comms Specialist Mark Quinn and Policy & Campaigns Manager Hannah Lyons:
"June, a former Head Teacher and Education Specialist from Aghalee, was born with partial sight loss and now also lives with Charles Bonnet Syndrome. She has dedicated more than three decades to championing equality, opportunity and independence for people with vision impairment.

"June received her first guide dog, Rosie in 1994. That partnership marked the beginning of over 31 years of voluntary service. From her early days on campaign adventures to her time as Service User Representative and her continued involvement today - June remains a trusted and expert voice, always advocating for meaningful and lasting change.

"June’s impact reaches far beyond Guide Dogs, serving as Northern Ireland’s first ambassador for disabled people, working with the Office of Disability Issues and Department of Work and Pensions, and as Chair of the Independent Mechanism for Northern Ireland. June ensures the voices of people with sight loss are heard at the highest levels.

"Known for her warmth, humour and unwavering determination, June continues to inspire everyone around her. June is also always available to speak to press, to provide a thoughtful quote or to attend Party Conferences. Awarded an MBE in 2019, June is an exceptional ambassador, mentor, colleague and friend. She truly embodies the spirit of the Royal Patron Award."

[Image 1 shows Mark, June and Hannah holding certificates and a bouquet of flowers with Clyde standing at June's feet. Image 2 is an archival photograph of June on the farm amongst bales of hay with harness beside her and guide dog Rosie. Image 3 shows June speaking at the lectern, with guide dog Clyde's head poking out, smiling below]

Let's give a big welcome to Stoer who has joined us for early training! 🐾

You may remember this 14-month-old Labrador x Golden Retriever, or met him at one of our events, with Puppy Raiser Alana. We're delighted to say Stoer has advanced to this stage and will be working with GDMS Tim 🦮

Good luck Stoer on the next stage of your life-changing journey! ⭐

guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer

[Image 1 is a close-up of Stoer's face. Image 2 shows GDMS Tim Atkinson, kneeling down beside a seated Stoer outside the Belfast office]