PCSO Rebecca Williams and PCSO Peter Kerswell
A group of Cardiff PCSOs have taken time to better understand the issues facing blind and partially-sighted people who rely on guide dogs.
Ely Neighbourhood Policing Team welcomed representatives from Guide Dogs Cymru to Western Leisure Centre to take part in a training session and to learn about the difficulties experienced by visually impaired people particularly in relation to irresponsible parking outside schools.
It is estimated that 6 in 100 people in Cardiff are registered as either blind or partially-sighted.
PCSO Rebecca Williams, who is funded by the Welsh Government and organised the session, said: “Working in the community particularly here in Ely where there is an elderly population, a number of care homes, and schools, it is important that we understand the issues experienced by blind and partially-sighted people.
“What stood out for me was the guidance on how best to approach, interact and guide, blind and partially sighted people.
“I would like to thank Guide Dogs Cymru for this informative and beneficial training session.”
Guide Dogs Cymru is currently developing a tool kit for PCSOs which will help them in their work to prevent irresponsible parking by parents outside schools, currently a major issue for blind or partially-sighted people.
The training session enabled the PCSOs to give feedback on this tool kit.
They also tried on different glasses to give them the experience of the many conditions that can affect sight such as diabetes and tunnel vision.
Nathan Foy, an Engagement Officer with Guide Dogs Cymru, said: “It is great that we have a strategic relationship with South Wales Police to provide advice to officers working in the community and to improve their understanding of the difficulties that irresponsible parking outside schools can cause.
“I must thank PCSO Rebecca Williams who supported me and my guide dog Mason. Without her hard work this session would not have taken place.
“I hope this will be the first of many training sessions with South Wales Police.”
