Guide Dogs Birmingham Mobility Team were delighted last November when at Guide Dogs National People Awards Mohammed Rashid from Sparkhill was awarded overall volunteer of the year 2016 after winning his category (inclusive and embracing).
Mohammed faced and overcame many challenges over 3 years to become a Guide Dog Owner. As a Muslim living in inner city Birmingham family, friends and the community had reservations over him having a guide dog and he had to face his fear of dogs too. Now he is an ambassador for Guide Dogs in a community that previously had little or no awareness of guide dogs work. He volunteers as a fundraiser, a campaigner, and gets involved at community events. He has just recently done his speaker training as he wants to talk to schools and groups within his community. All of this because he is determined that anyone who would benefit from a Guide Dog is given the opportunity to have one. For example at an event in Handsworth over 230 people attended many of the children were afraid of dogs, through Mohammed’s patience, caring and inclusive approach many were able to at least touch his Guide Dog Solo before they left and some simply didn’t want to leave!
After receiving his award Mohammed said “The award to me means a sense of appreciation for the work that I have done for Guide Dogs.
It also makes me want to do more as I the award shows how much I am appreciated.
I believe that this is a little I can give back to guide dogs for what they have done for me which has given me a new lease of life and changed me and my level of independence forever.”
The New Year has also seen Mohammed’s volunteering exploits expand – he has been on several radio stations talking about his experience after BBC WM found out about his award and invited him into the studio last month. An appearance on BBC Midlands today followed and you can see that film by clicking on the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/midlandstoday/videos/vb.21263239760/10154876010759761/?type=2&theater
Sue Bushell Community Engagement Officer for Guide Dogs Birmingham Mobility team said “I nominated Mohammed for the award as I know how challenging this journey to independence was for him and he could have just sat back after getting his guide dog and got on with life supporting his family. But he wanted to give something back to the Guide Dogs charity in terms of fundraising, and also make other people aware of the life changing difference a guide dog can make to someone who is blind or partially sighted, particularly within the Asian community where he knows many people could benefit from our services. We know a dog isn’t for everyone but many people don’t realise we have a service called my guide where we recruit and train volunteers to get blind or partially sighted people back out and about into the community who want to be independent but haven’t got the confidence to go out on their own. Having Mohammed there at community events explaining how we helped him is a wonderful way to get our message across.”
If you are interested in finding out more about guide dog services or volunteering opportunities, then please contact the Birmingham Mobility Team on 0345 143 0194 or email Birmingham@guidedogs.org.uk
