Communications and events volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

Join to West Central London Mind as an Engagement & Communications Volunteer!

Location: Hybrid (Online & Monck Street Office, London SW1P 2AE)

Time Commitment: Flexible – 1–3 days a week

Supervised by: Phoebe Norburn / Charlotte Fletcher

Are you creative, enthusiastic, and passionate about mental health?

West Central Mind is looking for an Engagement & Communications Volunteer to help us raise awareness, support fundraising, and connect with our community.

What You’ll Do:

• Create and support social media content and ideas

• Keep external listings and websites up to date

• Help engage local organisations and corporates for support

• Manage our grants and funding opportunities spreadsheet

• Assist with event setup and support fundraisers

• Promote WCL Mind online and offline

• And other exciting tasks to support our team!

What We’re Looking For:

• Friendly, welcoming, and positive attitude

• Organised, reliable, and proactive

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Comfortable using digital tools and social media

What You’ll Gain:

• Make a real difference in your community

• Join a passionate and friendly team

• Receive training, support, and development opportunities.

How to Apply:

If you’re interested in this role, please send your CV and a short note about why you’d like to join us

• Deadline: 16th February 2026

• Interviews: 24th/25th February 2026

Apply now and help us make a difference!

Who are we?

We’re a leading community-based organisation dedicated to providing outstanding mental health support and clinical interventions across London. Our experienced clinically-led teams are focused on directly addressing a range of mental health needs in our communities. We combine innovative solutions with decades of local community knowledge and help people to live the life they choose.

We collaborate with the NHS, Local Authorities, Corporate Partners and community stakeholders to deliver essential services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community. We are an independent charity raising our own funds and managing local service delivery, regulated by the Charity Commission.

We believe that people living with a mental health challenge should be empowered to live their lives according to their own choices, irrespective of the impact of their mental health.

Our Services

With over 25 distinct services, the availability and scope varies across different boroughs and target demographics. Whether by borough or by group, you can explore our comprehensive range of services for adults and children & young people.

Collaboration

Collaboration lies at the heart of our work and we often collaborate with other local Mind charities. By pooling our resources and expertise, we amplify our collective impact to address the diverse needs of our communities. These collaborations enable us to deliver services at scale throughout London, transforming outcomes to improve people’s lives.

Our Values

• Open: We’re inclusive, accessible, community ​focused and open to change.
• Experienced: Our teams bring knowledge, expertise, and lived experience. They capture reliability, history, and professionalism – both individually and as a collective.
• Unstoppable: Our mindset is active and forward thinking whilst also showing us as the change makers, campaigners, and activists that we are.
• Together: We walk alongside the people we support. We’re here to fight for everybody’s mental health.

Ready to join the action and build our local LGBTQIA+ Pride?

Role: Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Role Overview

We’re looking for an engaged and organised individual to be our new Marketing & Communications Coordinator!

The Marketing & Communications Coordinator will support the Marketing & Communications team on its work to promote Maidstone Pride's brand and how we share our story.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of Maidstone Pride’s Marketing & Communication Strategy

• Help the creation and posting of communications across our channels (e.g Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube).

• Help create and maintain consistency in Maidstone Pride’s brand, voice, and messaging.

• Monitor social media engagement alongside the Marketing & Communications Manager.

• Support and maintain a consistent brand identity across Maidstone Pride.

• Support the promotion of Maidstone Pride and its activities.

• Support the development of relationships with local media, partners, and sponsors.

• Build positive relationships with local media, partners, and sponsors.

• Ensure all communications are accessible, inclusive, and align with our aims and objectives.

General Responsibilities

In addition, all volunteers have the following general duties:

• All Volunteers and representatives of Maidstone Pride are expected to portray a positive image, both internally and externally, by displaying high standards of service, integrity, punctuality, politeness, and professionalism.

• To observe and uphold the requirements of the Maidstone Pride constitution, and act always in accordance with its governing documents and policies, including equal opportunities.

• Any other tasks that would be deemed suitable within this role as directed.

Communication Support Volunteers are an essential part of our work for reaching and supporting different communities. Our partners in the community hold events across the UK and online. Your support will help assist communication by translating between English and British Sign Language (BSL), ensuring attendees have a positive experience! You will provide informal communication support (this is not a qualified interpreter role). You may be on your own, or as part of a team so you’ll need to be enthusiastic and motivated.

About you

• Aged 18 years and over
• BSL signing skills at level 3 or above (with or without a formal qualification)
• Able to adapt your communication methods depending on individual needs and environments
• Willing to get involved in activities to encourage people to participate
• Communicate effectively within your role and as part of a team

When and where

• Events will vary regionally and may take place during the day, evening, or weekends as a one-off or regular occurrence
• You’ll decide where and when you’d like to volunteer - we don’t expect anyone to travel far from their home

What you will do

Your tasks will depend on who you are supporting and what kind of event they’re running, but they may include:

• Assisting two-way communication for children and adults with varied communication methods
• Translating between English and British Sign Language (BSL)
• Completing agreed tasks on time and responding to any changes on the day
• Identifying tasks that need doing and any issues that need reporting
• Using your initiative to respond to situations and help out without being asked
• Presenting the National Deaf Children’s Society and our community partners in a positive way
  

What will you gain from the role?

Other volunteers have told us that training and volunteering has given them: 

• Increased confidence and new skills
• A broader understanding of childhood deafness and the issues faced by families 
• A sense of achievement by making a positive difference

Support and training
You will be provided with:

• Basic training to help keep yourself, others, and data safe
• A named point of contact for support
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses such as travel costs
• Clear information about what to do and who to contact if you are worried about something

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of families, children and young people. You will be asked to complete a Basic DBS check, complete a self-disclosure form, provide references, and complete our essential training.

Events Volunteers are an essential part of our work for reaching and supporting different communities. Our partners in the community hold events across the UK and your support will help ensure they run smoothly, and attendees have a positive experience! You may be on your own, or as part of a team so you’ll need to be enthusiastic and motivated.

About you

• Aged 18 years and over
• Reliable and good at organising your time
• Good attention to detail
• Friendly and polite with good communication skills
• Self-directed and motivated

When and where

• Events will vary regionally and may take place during the day, evening, or weekends as a one-off or regular occurrence
• You’ll decide where and when you’d like to volunteer - we don’t expect anyone to travel far from their home

What you will do

Your tasks will depend on who you are supporting and what kind of event they’re running, but they may include:

• Completing agreed tasks on time and responding to any changes on the day
• Engaging with families and sharing your expertise if appropriate (either professional or lived experience)
• Supporting with different areas, e.g. signing people in, helping with directions, sharing information
• Identifying tasks that need doing and any issues that need reporting
• Using your initiative to respond to situations and help out without being asked
• Presenting the National Deaf Children’s Society and our community partners in a positive way
  

What will you gain from the role?

Other volunteers have told us that training and volunteering has given them:

• Increased confidence and new skills
• A broader understanding of childhood deafness and the issues faced by families
• A sense of achievement by making a positive difference

Support and training
You will be provided with:

• Basic training to help keep yourself, others, and data safe
• A named point of contact for support
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses such as travel costs

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of families, children and young people. You will be asked to complete a Basic DBS check, complete a self-disclosure form, provide references, and complete our essential training.

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) is a nonprofit organization empowering rural communities across Nigeria through sustainable agriculture, climate action, ecosystem restoration, youth development, and community resilience.

We aim to reduce poverty and promote environmental stewardship in some of Africa’s most vulnerable regions. We are seeking a skilled volunteer to use storytelling, media engagement, and strategic communication to drive social and environmental impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement communication strategies to raise awareness of RUWAI’s work.
• Create compelling content (articles, social media posts, newsletters, press releases, donor reports).
• Manage and grow RUWAI’s social media platforms and online presence.
• Support the design and dissemination of impact stories, campaign materials, and advocacy content.
• Liaise with media, partners, and stakeholders to promote RUWAI’s initiatives.
• Assist in organising communication for events, project launches, and campaigns.

Ideal Candidate:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in social media management, content creation, event planning, fundraising, or journalism.
• Knowledge of environmental and rural development issues is a plus.
• Graphic design, photography, or video editing skills are an advantage.

What You’ll Gain:

• Meaningful experience contributing to real impact in rural communities.
• Exposure to grassroots development and climate advocacy.
• Networking opportunities and professional growth.
• Reference letter and recommendation upon successful completion

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER @ REMIX

Tell the story. Build the hype. Amplify the movement.

REMIX is a youth charity with energy. We’re bold. We’re positive. We’re community-first. We back young Londoners with confidence, skills, networks, and opportunities to rise — on their terms, in their voice, with their power.

Now we’re looking for a Communications Manager who can help us share that energy with the world — someone who can turn our mission into messages that land, inspire, and spark movement.

We want someone who is:

• A natural storyteller with a feel for youth culture and community

• Creative, vibrant, and full of ideas that cut through the noise

• Confident writing for social media, newsletters, and campaigns

• Excited by branding, messaging, and building a public voice

• Passionate about using communication to uplift young people and shift systems

What you’ll actually do:

• Shape REMIX’s tone of voice and keep it youthful, bold, and positive

• Create social media content that feels modern, scroll‑stopping, and full of life

• Write posts, updates, newsletters, and stories that showcase our impact

• Build hype around our programmes, events, and opportunities

• Help develop campaign messaging that champions youth voice and social mobility

• Work with our designers, volunteers, and CEO to keep our comms aligned and exciting

• Make sure REMIX looks and sounds like the youth-powered movement it is

This is your chance to define how a movement speaks.

Why this role matters:

Young people deserve a charity that speaks their language — energetic, hopeful, unapologetically positive. Your words will help REMIX:

• Reach young people

• Inspire volunteers

• Engage partners

• Build a brand that feels modern, exciting, and community-powered

Your voice becomes part of the story young Londoners rise from.

Who this is perfect for:

• Creatives who love writing, storytelling, and social media

• People who vibe with youth culture, Shoreditch energy, and community impact

• Anyone who wants to use their communication skills for something meaningful

• People who want to help build a movement, not just a charity

If you’re ready to shape the voice of REMIX and amplify our mission — we want you.

Let’s build something powerful together.

REMIX

Are you passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and making a difference in the lives of children, young people and families facing cancer? We want more people to understand and connect with our work, and we’re looking for two volunteers to join the team.

By supporting us to develop internal engagement events that platform key inclusion and diversity awareness topics, you'll play a crucial role in building knowledge and confidence for the whole workforce, and support for our mission to fight childhood cancer. Your passion, lived experience, and strong organisation skills will make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

What you’ll be doing:

• Plan and deliver 3–4 virtual events each year – these could include speaker panels, lived experience sessions, or spotlight events on intersectionality.

• Create or source 3–5 blogs or stories annually that share diverse perspectives and real lived experiences. • Work closely with our staff networks and central DEIB team to make sure everything we do is aligned and makes an impact.

• Support communications and engagement by helping with intranet features, social posts, and short video snippets that bring our DEIB work to life.

• Take part in a short annual “pulse check” survey to help us understand community needs and gather feedback.

What skills or experience you’ll need :

• Passion for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and creating an inclusive culture.

• Strong communication skills and ability to engage others.

• Willingness to share ideas and collaborate across teams.

• We welcome lived experience of a protected characteristic • Comfortable working virtually and using digital tools.

What we’ll give you:

• You’ll receive training and guidance from the DEIB and Internal Comms teams, with all the support, information and materials you need for your role. •

You will have access to a small annual budget for organising speakers and event costs

• You will be recognised as a Changemaker in our organisation.

• You will have the opportunity to influence culture and make a tangible impact, and to take part in our other fun and rewarding volunteering opportunities.

• Out of pocket expenses reimbursed in line with our volunteer expenses polic

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their race, class, sex, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. At Young Lives vs Cancer, we don’t just accept difference — we value it, we celebrate it, we nurture it, and we thrive off it. 

We positively welcome your application irrespective of your background. We’re on a journey, and if you join us, you’ll be part of a community that’s committed to making a difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer. 

Your availability:

If possible, we would prefer a regular, consistent time to help us best support you in the role, with a minimum commitment of 2-4 hours per month, for a period of 12 months. We’re happy to work together to find a schedule that fits your availability and other commitments.

Location :

This role is flexible and can be carried out remotely or at our offices in London or Bristol.

If you’ll need a criminal records check :

Not for this role, but we will ask you for some basic personal details and you will need to provide two references (one professional and one character) so we can register your volunteering

Events Volunteers are an essential part of our work for reaching and supporting different communities. Our partners in the community hold events across the UK and your support will help ensure they run smoothly, and attendees have a positive experience! You may be on your own, or as part of a team so you’ll need to be enthusiastic and motivated. 

About you 

• Aged 18 years and over 

• Reliable and good at organising your time 

• Good attention to detail 

• Friendly and polite with good communication skills 

• Self-directed and motivated 

When and where 

• Events will vary regionally and may take place during the day, evening, or weekends as a one-off or regular occurrence 

• You’ll decide where and when you’d like to volunteer - we don’t expect anyone to travel far from their home

• We're looking for volunteers in Berkshire, Somerset, and Bristol

What you will do 

Your tasks will depend on who you are supporting and what kind of event they’re running, but they will probably include: 

• Completing agreed tasks on time and responding to any changes on the day 

• Engaging with families and sharing your expertise if appropriate (either professional or lived experience) 

• Supporting with different areas, e.g. signing people in, helping with directions, sharing information 

• Identifying tasks that need doing and any issues that need reporting 

• Using your initiative to respond to situations and help out without being asked 

• Presenting the National Deaf Children’s Society and our community partners in a positive way 

What will you gain from the role? 

Other volunteers have told us that training and volunteering has given them:  

• Increased confidence and new skills   

• A broader understanding of childhood deafness and the issues faced by families  

• A sense of achievement by making a positive difference

Support and training 

You will be provided with: 

• Basic training to help keep yourself, others, and data safe 

• A named point of contact for support 

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses such as travel costs

• Clear information about what to do and who to contact if you are worried about something

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of families, children and young people. You will be asked to complete a Basic disclosure check, provide references, complete a self-disclosure form, and complete our essential training.

Do you want to make a difference? Can you spare 2 hours a week?

We are currently looking for Befriender Volunteers in East Sussex.

(Telephone Based work from home, but can lead to face-to-face befriending)

Please get in touch and come and join our amazing Befriending team.

Older persons are at risk of becoming isolated and losing their community connections. As a mainly Telephone Befriender Volunteer, you'll work flexibly from the comfort of your own home and contact older persons to understand their service needs. If you love talking to others, are polite and empathetic, and have access to a phone, we'd love to hear from you. There may also be the opportunity for a physical meeting, but only if relevant and where it is something you want to do.

Join SUNSHINE as Our Communications Officer (Volunteer Role)

Help us spark joy, connection, and community across London — Be a SUNSHINE Volunteer and bring your Heart of Gold

Loneliness is one of the quietest challenges of our time, but at SUNSHINE, we believe in the power of people coming together to change that story — to break through the clouds with beautiful rays of warmth, belonging, and hope.

SUNSHINE is a brand new loneliness and wellbeing charity with a simple but powerful mission: to bring people together, spread joy, nurture community spirit, and create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected.

With our charity application submitted, our dedicated Board of Trustees in place, and a series of exciting pilot programmes ready to launch, we are stepping into a defining moment — and we’re looking for someone extraordinary to step in with us.

Could you be our first ever Communications Officer?

This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to help shape a charity from the ground up by crafting the voice, story, and public presence of a movement built on joy, connection, and community spirit.

We’re searching for a volunteer who brings:

• A natural flair for writing, storytelling, and clear communication.

• Creativity and confidence in shaping a charity’s public voice.

• Experience with social media, newsletters, or digital communications.

• Warmth, empathy, and a passion for community wellbeing.

• A collaborative spirit and a desire to help SUNSHINE shine brightly.

As our inaugural Communications Officer, you will lead on SUNSHINE’s communications — ensuring our message is heartfelt, consistent, and inspiring across all platforms. You will help us reach people who need us, celebrate our volunteers, and share the stories that make our movement come alive.

What you’ll help us build

• A warm, uplifting communications style that reflects SUNSHINE’s values.

• Social media content that spreads joy and builds community.

• Clear, engaging updates for volunteers, partners, and supporters.

• Messaging for campaigns, events, and pilot programmes.

• A public presence that feels human, hopeful, and community‑powered.

• A storytelling culture that celebrates connection and belonging.

This is more than a role — it’s a chance to help write the opening chapter of a charity designed to brighten lives, strengthen communities, and inspire hope across London and beyond.

Why SUNSHINE?

Because we believe in:

• Joy as a form of care

• Community as a source of strength

• Connection as a human right

• People as the heart of everything we do

• Stories as a bridge between us

If you’re someone who leads with purpose, loves crafting meaningful messages, and wants to make a real difference, we would love to meet you.

Ready to help us bring more SUNSHINE into the world?

Let’s build something beautiful together — one smile, one moment, one community at a time.

SUNSHINE

The Loneliness and Wellbeing Charity

Our Mission

Brain tumours do not discriminate, and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly. We understand that taking on a fundraising challenge isn’t as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. Combine the physical challenge with an ambitious fundraising target, taking part for a charity close to your heart and finding time to train, the challenge can feel overwhelming. This is where our Motivational Caller volunteers play a vital role. By offering encouragement, reassurance and a listening ear, they empower fundraisers to reach their goals!

How can you help?

To ensure our fundraisers receive the best possible support, we like to give each of them a call ahead of their challenge event to wish them good luck and offer encouragement. With hundreds of fundraisers taking part, we rely on the support of our volunteers to help make these calls possible.

This is what your volunteer role will look like:

• The Events team will provide clear, step-by-step instructions to help you log into our telephone system from the comfort of your own home. This usually takes around 10 minutes and you’re very welcome to do this alongside a member of staff via a Teams call if you’d prefer extra support.

• You’ll receive a password-protected spreadsheet containing a list of fundraisers allocated to you. Calls can be made at a time that suits you, during the week or two leading up to each challenge event.

• We will provide you with all the information you need including a script to follow and frequently asked questions so that you feel confident to make calls to our fundraisers.

• After each call, you’ll simply update the spreadsheet with any key notes or feedback.

What impact will you have?

By calling our fundraisers, you’ll create a personal connection with members of our community and help them feel recognised, valued and supported for the incredible efforts they’re making. By helping fundraisers reach the start line feeling supported and inspired, you’ll play a vital role in maximising the funds raised for The Brain Tumour Charity, directly contributing to life-changing support services and vital research for the future.

We are looking for:

As part of our volunteer team you will be enthusiastic, friendly and willing to chat to our fundraisers about the event they are taking part in. We need you to have:

• Great verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• A friendly telephone manner
• General interest in The Charity and/or our fundraising events
• Access to the internet, preferable through a secure Wi-Fi source
• Basic IT skills, including using the Microsoft Authenticator App and Excel.
• Access to a laptop or computer (preferred)

What can you gain from volunteering?

• You’ll have the opportunity to develop your communication and listening skills through one-to-one conversations with our fundraisers.

• You’ll develop an understanding of how the Events team at The Charity operates.

• You’ll help the Events team raise more than £3.9 million a year, helping fund life-changing support and pioneering research.

Time commitment

We’ll need your help in the week or two leading up to each of our Challenge events throughout the year. The role is very ad-hoc and flexible, so you’ll be free to make the phone calls at a time to suit you within those weeks. Our busiest times of year are Spring and Autumn!

All phone calls will need to be carried out between 10am – 4pm on weekdays only. This is a remote role.

Practical considerations

You will receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific training for the role, as well as ongoing direction from one of the team, who will be your key contact. Volunteers must be over 18. The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals belonging to minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities. We encourage volunteers to claim for any reasonable expenses that are incurred in the course of their volunteering with The Charity. Find out more in our Volunteer Expenses Policy. If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close the role early, so we’d encourage you to apply at your earliest opportunity.

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.

About the Role

The Events & Partnerships Officer will help plan, coordinate, and deliver community events, charity fundraisers, and partnership activities to support our growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver events (community days, fundraisers, volunteer events)

• Build relationships with schools, local businesses, and partners

• Secure sponsorships, in-kind donations, and venue support

• Promote events alongside the communications team

• Manage event volunteers and logistics

About You

• Experience planning events (formal or informal)

• Great communication and organisational skills

• Confident working with stakeholders

• Creative, proactive, and reliable

Role Description

The Press/Media Manager will work closely with the Communication Officer to lead on the Pagan Federation's media strategy. You will act as a primary point of contact for journalists, broadcasters, and media outlets working to promote positive coverage of Paganism and to respond appropriately to media interest, engaging in both proactive and reactive.

You will develop and oversee press strategies, prepare statements and press releases, brief spokespersons, and assist the organisation in sensitive communications where required. As this is a council-level role within the Pagan Federation you will be expected to provide regular reports to the Communications Officer and the Council of the Pagan Federation.

This is a voluntary role, and volunteers are expected to work remotely. We have volunteers working across England and Wales. Some travel may be necessary, reasonable expenses will be covered in line with our expenses policy.

Qualifications

• At least two years experience in the field of Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or similar. (Essential)
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to ensure accuracy in media engagement. (Essential)
• Strong organizational and communication skills to effectively assist in strategic communications planning and discussions. (Essential)
• Commitment to supporting the mission, values, and inclusiveness of the Pagan Federation. (Essential)
• Prior experience in volunteer or nonprofit organisations. (Desirable)
• Membership of a professional organisation in Media, PR, or Communications (desirable)

General Requirements

• Must be aligned with the PF's mission, be willing to conform to our Code of Conduct, and unreservedly support the charitable objectives of the PF.
• Knowledge of the Pagan Community

Fundraising events helper

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 can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!

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:

· help set up and/or man stalls at events

· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections

· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances

· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

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.