Guide Dogs Scotland close regional centres as staff at home give phone support

Guide Dogs Scotland have closed all their regional centres, including Forfar.

The charity is keeping in contact with service users, volunteers and supporters to ensure they remain safe and are supported.

Trainee guide dogs are no longer on site at the Forfar centre and instead are being looked after at home by volunteer boarders and staff.

Wendy Rankin, regional head of operations for Scotland, said: “Our top priority is the welfare and safety of the people we support, our volunteers, staff and our dogs.

“We have continued to follow government advice closely and have a plan which we are reviewing daily.

“Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s speech on Monday, we closed all our regional centres, including Forfar.

“We have put processes in place in case we have to reopen quickly for absolutely essential reasons and continue to take every measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus including strictly adhering to social distancing advice.”

Although regional and community centres are closed throughout the UK, Guide Dogs have staff working from home who continue to take calls and provide support required.

“Boarders are being supported by our fantastic staff who are providing information and advice where necessary over the phone,” said Wendy.

“Both staff and volunteers are doing their utmost at this difficult time to ensure our dogs continue to learn the behaviours and skills needed.”

“Our top priority is the welfare and safety of the people we support, our volunteers, staff and our dogs