Activity volunteer roles in croydon, greater london

Borough Market is London’s oldest food Market. It was established on the south bank of the Thames around 1,000 years ago and has occupied its present site for over 250 years. Borough Market was formally registered as a charity (076940) in the Charity Commission’s records on 6th August 1999.

Its main charitable purpose is “the provision of a market as a public amenity for the benefit of the public”. In delivering our charitable objectives and strategy, the trustees of Borough Market are required to manage the Trust’s investments efficiently and to bring about the regeneration and refurbishment of the Market and its estate. Trustees need to act as a ‘critical friend’, providing vital checks and balances, and be committed to supporting the Market in its ambition to be the best in the world.

We are delighted to be advertising for a new trustee to boost a balanced Board that reflects our activities and the community in which the Market operates. We are particularly keen to recruit an individual who has knowledge of and experience in the food industry, food supply chain sustainability and food policy.

We want people who can demonstrate real enthusiasm and love of the Market, and a desire to make a difference and give back to the community.

We particularly welcome applications from people with a strong connection to the local area of Southwark, whether through residence, work, volunteering or community involvement. Preference will be given to candidates who live within the local area or have lived in the local area in the past.

We want a Board that is representative of our local community, so we encourage applications from candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups who have the right level of skills and experience including lived experience but not necessarily at Board level.

Candidates should be aware that trustee roles are subject to meeting Charity Commission eligibility criteria. Individuals should not apply to a trustee position or serve in that position if they do not meet the criteria or have been disqualified. More information on Charity Commission auto-disqualification is available through the Gov website.

Please see attachments for the full job description and application pack.

We’re currently recruiting Outreach, Events & Fundraising Volunteers to join our amazing and dynamic volunteer team at elop!

elop is an award-winning LGBT Mental Health and Wellbeing Charity with 29 years’ experience of supporting LGBT+ communities across London and Essex borders.

Joining our LGBT+ Volunteer team you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who value & appreciate the benefit of giving back to the community and enjoy the opportunity to work with others to raise much needed funds to support our work at elop.

Supported by staff or lead volunteers, our volunteer teams plan & deliver events, organise & host varied fundraising initiatives such as karaoke nights, drag bingo, and comedy events.  If you’re someone who enjoys talking to people and have a friendly disposition, then you’d be well placed to help us reach new audiences, promote our work, and raise money.

About Care4Calais 

Care4Calais is a volunteer-led charity delivering essential aid and support to people seeking asylum living in the UK and Northern France. We provide direct aid and advocate for a fair asylum system, including safe routes to claim asylum.

The UK Direct Aid team delivers essential support through practical services; such as running distributions, delivering English classes and casework-style support through drop-ins. The UK Direct Aid team also provides services to promote wellbeing such as trips and sports activities.

UK Area Lead Volunteer

We are looking for a compassionate, organised, and motivated Volunteer Area Leads to oversee a team of volunteers and the delivery of essential services and activities in their area. You must be committed to anti-racism and social justice, particularly for people seeking safety.

We are looking for Leads in the following areas:

• North London (including Brent, Barnet, Camden and Harrow)
• West London (Ealing/Acton)
• Reading
• Oxford
• Surrey (Redhill/ Reigate)
• Bedfordshire 
• Southampton
• Birmingham
• Nottingham
• South Yorkshire
• West Yorkshire

Responsibilities include:

• Organising activities (distributions, drop-ins, conversation clubs)

• Monitoring WhatsApp groups

• Attending and leading meetings

• Sharing updates and resources with volunteers

• Partnering with local organisations and councils

• Attending training

• Ensuring best practice and reflecting Care4Calais objectives

• Monitoring group funds and purchases

• Recording services and support provided

• Ensuring your group reflects Care4Calais’ values and messaging

What you will get

• Comprehensive training to equip you in your role; including safeguarding training, Induction Training, Activities and Distribution Training and Boundaries and Resilience Training. 

• Support from a wonderful team

• Opportunity to develop skills including casework, team management/leadership, admin, organisational, delegating, networking, funding bids, sourcing donations, and building partnerships in the sector

• Greater understanding of the UK asylum system

There are a range of activities that you can organise, including the following:

• English classes/ conversation clubs 

• Drop-ins - help with requests and signpost to support.

• Distributions - provide essential items like clothing, shoes, and toiletries. 

• Sports - activities like yoga, football etc., are a great way to improve wellbeing, and for people to connect with others.

• Trips - organise trips to places such as the park, cinema to help boost mood and give people time away from the hotel.

• Wellbeing activities - sessions like crafts and cooking are popular. 

• Workshops - help with housing once someone receives Leave to Remain; familiarise people with life in the UK.

• Events - mark specific days or holidays to get people together and celebrate. 

• Media/ Press/ Engagements - as a volunteer you may be asked to share a story for our social media or help someone with lived experience to share.

• Remote working - support with tasks such as contacting Migrant Help, helping individuals register with GPS, researching local support, or general admin. 

Care4Calais strongly encourages people with experience of the asylum system to apply, and recognises the specific value that lived experience brings to an organisation.

About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents, and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.

Our Employability Project
10am to 3pm, Monday and/or Friday during term-time

Our Employment & Life Skills Project (ELSP) helps adults with learning disabilities or autism to access further education, work experience and visits to mainstream community opportunities. 

What you’ll do
You’ll act as a mentor to the members of the group.  You’ll be helping the group(s) develop a range of life skills, things that many of us take for granted.  These include Maths and English skills, independent living, the use of public transport, social skills and even the sourcing of employment. 

For the people in these groups, these things can be very difficult to develop and achieve without regular support. Through regular support and meetings, members and volunteers develop greater trust, skills, and confidence together.

Come along and get involved!

Requirements

What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 20.

How much time?
The project runs from 10am to 3pm, Mondays and/or Fridays during term-time.
Everyone gets the most out of the project if you come every week for at least a term as you'll build a close relationship with the members you'll have been supporting and will create the most impact.

What we can offer you
ELSP represents a fantastic opportunity for you to share your knowledge and experience built up through a lifetime to a group that is continuing to develop and achieve their targets.

We’ll reimburse your travel expenses and will provide excellent training and lots of helpful support.

By volunteering on our project you'll also:

• Use and develop your skills: time-management, working within a team, problem-solving and adaptability.
• Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others.
• Increase your confidence.
• Meet like-minded people and make friends.
• Gain experience for (other) work
• Give something back to the community.
• Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
• Challenge yourself. 

What about training?
Volunteers must attend training and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.

This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and also gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.

Topics we cover include:

• Autism
• Safeguarding
• Creativity & Participation
• Negotiation & Boundaries
   

When do I need to come?

Volunteers must attend training and complete a DBS check before taking part.

We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting on the 20th September with lots of other dates to choose from.

In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online from mid-Sept.

Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.

Be part of something special and volunteer at MS Walk London. Join an incredible team of volunteers who will be helping to make MS Walk 2025 bigger and better than ever.

The 2025 event will have around 700 participants who will be walking through London on either the 1km, 5km, 10km or 20km route.

Together these participants will be hoping to raise over 100,000 for the MS Society to help support the MS Community.

There are various roles available on the day from making some noise and encouraging our walkers, to looking after the route and handing out medals at the finish.

Join our team of MS Walk volunteers and support everyone who is walking, rolling and strolling to stop MS.

You'll be required on Saturday 27th September 2025 for one day and there are various times throughout the day. Shifts will be from 2-6 hours depending on role and location.

There are no specific skills required just enthusiasm and a can-do attitude.’

Closing date: Wednesday 23rd September 2025

Join us at the Bikeability Trust and help shape fundraising appeals and events, as part of a Fundraising and Events Board, to support greater access to cycles for children.

The Bikeability Trust – Fundraising & Events Board Member (Multiple Roles) 
Location: Remote (occasional in-person meetings) 
Time Commitment: Up to 5 days per year (including preparation and meetings) 
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed) 
Term: 3 years

Overview 

The Bikeability Trust is establishing a new Fundraising & Events Board to strengthen governance around appeals, and to support the Trust in developing a sustainable income stream through our strategic objective of providing increased access to cycles for young people.

Currently a quarter of all 5-to-10-year olds do not have access to a cycle. Through appeals and individual giving fundraising, the Trust aims to raise £25,000 to support families through a bursary-style investment to allow parents to purchase cycles for their children. Not only will this allow children to support their Bikeability cycle training, but it will also give children the freedom to benefit from the impact cycling has on their health and wellbeing.

This is a unique opportunity to join at the inception of a high-impact Board that will provide expert oversight of appeals related to Bikeability delivery, while also advising and supporting the Trust’s leadership team as we grow and diversify our funding model. 

We are seeking up to five Board Members, each bringing a distinctive area of expertise, who are committed to the Bikeability Trust’s mission: to help more people – especially children – gain the confidence and skills to cycle safely. 

Core Role Description (applies to all Board Members) 

All members of the Fundraising & Events Board will: 

• Provide fair, impartial, and timely oversight of fundraising appeals organised and developed at the Bikeability Trust relating to planning, delivery, quality assurance and monitoring and evaluation. 

• Ensure decisions are consistent, well-evidenced, and uphold the integrity of the Trust’s values and mission. 

• Offer strategic guidance to the Trust’s internal working group on income generation, particularly through the fundraising and events income generation channels 

• Contribute to, through support and network-sharing. and attend high-value donor or partnership events, helping to inspire support, generate funds and promote the impact of the Trust’s work. 

• Support the Trust in developing new partnerships, making connections, and identifying potential funding opportunities. 

• Champion the values of the Bikeability Trust and uphold the highest standards of integrity and governance. 

Individual Specialisms 

Each Board Member will also bring expertise in at least one of the following strategic areas. Please indicate your area(s) of specialism in your application: 

• Cycling Sector 
  Deep understanding of the UK cycling landscape, from active travel policy to delivery and innovation in cycle training. You will provide insight into emerging trends, help shape influence of the Trust’s appeals and fundraising in the sector, ensuring we are achieving our strategic outcomes. 

• Health & Wellbeing 
  Experience in public or community health, mental wellbeing, or physical activity promotion. You will advise on impact measurement, support our case for wider health-related sources of income generation through appeals, and help position Bikeability within wider wellbeing agendas. 

• Charity Leadership (Director/CEO level) 
  Strategic leadership experience in the third sector, particularly fundraising. You will offer guidance on governance, income generation through appeals and individual giving, and sustainability, drawing on your experience in navigating funding environments and board dynamics. 

• Active Travel & Transport Policy 
  You will help align the Trust’s appeals and fundraising offer withing the wider active travel and transport sphere, advising on strategies and collaborative funding bids and positioning. 

• Corporate Partners & Commercial Growth 
  As an existing corporate partner of the Trust. you will support support in raising awareness and encouraging participation and involvement in the Trust’s fundraising and appeals function, building even stronger B2B and B2C relationships. 

To Apply 

Please submit a CV and short cover letter outlining your interest in the Fundraising & Events Board Member role and which specialism(s), skills and experience you can offer. Please submit your application by Monday 15th September. 

We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in cycling and governance. 

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

Volunteer Role: Charity Shop & Arts Space Assistant
Location: NICOLA Arts, Wandsworth Rd, Lambeth, London
Organisation: NICOLA Arts

About Us:

NICOLA Arts is an artist-led charity shop in the heart of Lambeth. We’re more than just a shop — we’re a creative hub where local artists can display, sell, and create their work. Through our in-store exhibitions and collaborative projects, we aim to build a supportive, accessible space for creatives and the wider community.

Role Overview:
We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to help support the day-to-day running of our charity shop and creative space. This is a varied role that combines retail tasks with hands-on support for artists and exhibitions. It's a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in the arts, community work, or gaining experience in a creative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sort, price, and label donated clothes and items
• Assist customers with queries and purchases
• Operate the till and handle payments (training provided)
• Keep the shop tidy, welcoming, and well-organised
• Support artists working in the on-site studio
• Assist with setting up and manage in-store art exhibitions and events
• Post flyers locally for promoting our new shop

What We’re Looking For:

• Friendly, reliable, and proactive individuals
• An interest in the arts, creativity, or community engagement
• Good communication and customer service skills
• Willingness to learn and get stuck in
• Previous retail or creative experience is a bonus, but not required

What You’ll Gain:

• Experience working in a unique arts and retail environment
• Opportunities to connect with local artists and creative projects
• Training in retail and event support
• A chance to make a real difference in the Lambeth community
• References for future roles or education

Time Commitment:
Flexible shifts available – we’re happy to work around your schedule. Whether you can offer a few hours a week or more, your time and support will make a big difference.

How to Apply:
To express your interest, pop into the shop or apply online

Looking for a rewarding opportunity to support young people in your community whilst developing your own skills and experience? 

At ReachOut, we believe that socio-emotional skills are overlooked foundational skills which improve success at school and the everyday, personal lives of children. Our aim is to transform outcomes for young people constrained by circumstance by building their socio-emotional skills. We define these skills as empathy, responsibility, problem solving, initiative, teamwork and emotion management.

We exist because not all children have the opportunity to just ‘pick up’ socio-emotional skills. Just like with maths or English, socio-emotional skills can be influenced by a wide range of formal and informal learning opportunities, which many children just don’t have access to the services and opportunities necessary to develop these skills. The 9-14 age bracket is a crucial juncture in childhood development, which is why we focus our efforts on this age range. Our approach combines positive peer support with supportive adult role models, allowing us to have the most impact. 

What do volunteer mentors do?  

• Volunteer on our after-school projects that take place for 2 hours a week over 12 weeks during term-time. Choose projects that work around your schedule, with projects at our partner schools running on different days.  

• Our sessions are led by our Youth Development Leads and involve collective mentoring activities from our curriculum and fun group games and activities that develop young people’s socio-emotional skills. The role of our volunteer mentors is to get stuck into session activities, typically supporting a small group of mentees, and helping the Youth Development Lead with facilitating activities with your fellow mentors.  

• Sessions are designed to be exciting and engaging for our young people, so by showing up weekly and bringing confidence and enthusiasm, you’ll be helping your mentees to grow in confidence, develop their skills and have fun! 

Volunteer: The PR Officer of Hidayah plays a vital role in raising the profile of the organisation. The PR Officer will take the lead in managing relationships with external media, agencies, and partners to help Hidayah achieve its strategic aims. The PR officer will work closely with the Chair and two digital trustees, and focus on increasing visibility, strengthening our public image, and supporting advocacy through effective communication.
 

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

• Act as the main point of contact for external media outlets, journalists, and PR agencies on behalf of Hidayah.

• Work with the Chair to help implement their media strategy and PR aims.

• Draft, review and issue press releases, statements, and media content as needed.

• Identify media opportunities that can help platform Hidayah’s work, voices, and campaigns.

• Cultivate and manage relationships with media partners, influencers, and relevant organisations.

• Provide PR advice and guidance to the Chair and help ensure consistent messaging.

• Contribute to the development of key messaging and ensure alignment with organisational policies and values.

• Help monitor media coverage and report back to the Chair on PR impact and reach.

What do we expect from the PR Officer of Hidayah?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Knowledge:

• Experience in PR, communications, journalism, or media relations, ideally in the voluntary, charity or advocacy sector.

• Understanding of media landscapes, both mainstream and community-based, with an awareness of LGBTQ+ and/or faith-sensitive contexts.

• Knowledge of reputation management and crisis communications.

Personality:

• Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to represent Hidayah with professionalism, sensitivity, and integrity.

• Friendly, enthusiastic, dedicated, and committed to Hidayah’s mission and values.

• Creative thinker who can identify innovative ways to promote Hidayah’s work.

Personal Skills:

• Strong writing and editing skills for creating press releases and media content.

• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with external partners.

• Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, equality and diversity in communications.

• Ability to respond to media challenges and opportunities with diplomacy and care.

Administration Skills:

• Organised and methodical in managing media contacts and communications records.

• Competence in using email, social media platforms, and shared systems such as Google Drive.

• Ability to draft reports on PR activity for Board meetings.

• Familiarity with digital tools to track media coverage and public engagement.

How much commitment is required?

We are flexible around your own schedule. One average the role will require 2-4 hours per week. The following commitments are in place for all Hidayah volunteers:

• To be available for media requests or to coordinate timely responses as needed.

• To support Hidayah events through PR activity and promotion. 

• To help with fundraising efforts by securing media coverage for campaigns and initiatives.

• To check and respond to PR-related emails promptly.

• To maintain clear records of media engagement and press materials in the organisation’s shared systems (Google Drive).

What will you be doing?

Depending on your skills and availability, you may support with: 

• Welcoming and engaging women participants into the session
• Helping to set up and pack down the space (chairs, refreshments, sign-in sheets)
• Supporting the delivery of group activities (e.g. creative arts, health talks, mindfulness)
• Listening and signposting women to staff or support services
• Supporting guests with form-filling, where relevant
• Encouraging peer connection and reducing isolation
• Assisting with data collection, light admin or feedback forms 

You will be supported to work within WSUP’s trauma-informed and psychologically informed (TIC/PIE) approach. Lived experience is welcome but not essential. 

What are we looking for?

Skills and Qualities Needed 

• Friendly, empathetic and non-judgemental
• Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Comfortable working in a trauma-informed, women-only environment
• Good listening and communication skills
• Reliable, consistent and open to feedback
• Ability to work as part of a diverse team
• Commitment to inclusion, safety and empowerment of women
• Any well-being qualifications/experience that could help in delivering and developing ideas to provide to the women (not essential)

Lived experience (e.g. of homelessness, violence, migration, or mental health issues) is welcomed and respected. 

What difference will you make?

WSUP is a grassroots charity supporting people experiencing hardship and/or housing instability across Royal Borough of Greenwich. We work with people facing poverty, homelessness, substance misuse, trauma, and health inequalities. Our support is holistic, inclusive, and rooted in lived experience. 

WSUP is committed to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces, particularly for women who may have experienced trauma, discrimination or marginalisation. This includes our Women Wednesday programme – a women-only community session offering practical support, creative wellbeing activities, peer connection, and access to health and housing services. 

Before you apply

This will be starting on Wednesday 5th November 2025. You can apply after this time and during the 5 months. 

If you would like to volunteer with us, please send us an email as per instructions below.

We will then send you an initial contact form, an invitation to come in to WSUP and then a final application where references will be sent for, and then a DBS check will be provided by WSUP. 

The Structured Intervention Support (SIS) service offers support for people with high and complex needs.

You will be assisting service users who experience mental distress in one-to-one settings:
-help to resettle in the community on discharge from hospital
-help to develop strategies to improve their quality of life and reduce their dependence on statutory services
-provide personalised key work support to enable people with complex mental health needs progress and maintain independent living.

We are looking for volunteers who can support people with activities for a minimum of 1 day per week. Activities such as:

-Escorting people to appointments/outings/activities or events
-Organisational and administrative tasks – help with budgeting; understanding/applying for welfare benefits; letter writing and form filling; arranging activities/appointments; planning the use of other services such as shopping.
-Supporting people to maintain their homes – reporting/organising repairs; organising a move; signposting and referring to services and activities.
-Ad-hoc support

Fundraising team leader volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

 As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· keeping financial records from fundraising events

· encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you! 

As a Puppy Raiser, you'll provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.

There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.

What you'll be doing:

• Engaging with our world-class training programme to prepare your puppy for the next stages of becoming a guide dog.
• Providing care and support for your puppy at home e.g., loving, grooming and feeding him or her. 
• Socialising your puppy and introducing him or her to a variety of environments to increase confidence – this can be as simple as taking your puppy with you to the shops, office or park as you go about your everyday life.
• Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone - gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of four hours.
• Taking your puppy to monthly puppy classes, and interacting with other puppy raisers in your community whilst refreshing your training and sharing tips.
• Meeting with your volunteer manager as frequently as needed to discuss any changes or issues with your puppy.
• Completing short questionnaires about your puppy’s development.

You'll ideally have:

• A loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training). If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these.
• Someone at home who is physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
• Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling.
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in the property if you rent your home. 
• A safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet.

What you'll get:

• The satisfaction of knowing you're supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of watching a mischievous puppy learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• The opportunity to participate in our bespoke world-class training programme – this can help you train your own dogs or advance a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to have a loveable, canine companion, proven to reduce feelings of stress and improve fitness – you’ll be out walking rain or shine!
• The chance to be part of the inspirational Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people and interacting with a community of puppy raisers in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

s a volunteer you'll have access to our world-class training programme, to implement with your puppy in training, a great bonus for any dog owner! This is delivered in an interactive and engaging manner, using a mixture of different learning techniques virtually e.g., videos, documents and e-learning modules. Examples of the modules you'll have access to include:

• Food manners
• Greeting new visitors
• Being home alone
• Settling in new environments

You'll receive plenty of support from your volunteer manager who will help you work through these training modules with your puppy. We also offer puppy classes for puppy raisers in the local area to get together, share stories and provide refreshers on training techniques. 

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs for the puppy and other materials needed for the puppy’s training. We will also pay an optional allowance of up to £100 a year to offset additional costs, and we have working agreements with certain bus and train operating companies, letting you take your puppy on short training journeys free of charge.

Minimum age of applicant: 18.