This week I was delighted to host Guide Dogs in Westminster Hall at their event for MPs to find out more about this great cause.
It’s always a pleasure to meet their staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to support blind and partially sighted people who need assistance through the provision of guide dogs, mobility and other rehabilitation services.
It was also a pleasure to meet some of their pups! I’m pictured with Amit and Guide Dog Kika.
A number of Crawley residents got in contact with Guide Dogs to ask me to support the charity’s work. I’m pleased to help their campaigning on problem pavement parking – no one should be forced to brave traffic by cars parked on the pavement.
Guide Dogs research shows that 97 per cent of blind or partially sighted people had encountered problems with street obstructions, and 90 per cent of those had experienced trouble with a pavement parked car. This is a major issue for blind and partially sighted people who should be able to walk the streets without fear.
I’ve previously taken part in events that Guide Dogs have organised locally, including putting on a blindfold to experience what it’s like to be visually impaired and travel by bus, being guided around County Mall and Three Bridges with a cane, and walk with a guide dog. This is a cause worthy of our backing and one I’ll continue to support.
Henry Smith MP
Crawley Constituency
House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
01293 934554/020 7219 7043
henry.smith.mp@parliament.uk
www.henrysmith.info