Community volunteer volunteer roles in blackrock, county dublin

Plateful Café works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and ethnic minorities in Lewisham. Our commitment is to reach the most vulnerable people in our community and open a pathway to employment for people who have asylum here. Refugees will benefit from workshops, training skills and knowledge relevant for the catering industry. Plateful Cafe are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all volunteers and team members. We are an equal opportunities provider and actively encourage applications from people with a refugee background.

What will the role involve?

• Looking for partnership opportunities with the private sector.
• Assisting with the development and ongoing work of Businesses Fundraising Action Group.
• Assisting in planning fundraising strategies with local businesses.
• Reporting on businesses partnerships and recent developments at Plateful Café.
• Working in partnership with the Plateful Café fundraising team.

Essential:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience of working with corporates.
• Expertise in new project creation and developing business links.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in fundraising and/or marketing.

What difference will you make?

• Helping to establish a new Business support group and a sustainable long-term funding structure.
• Developing and maintaining a funding mix, not relying on only one stream of funding.
• Helping local refugees find employment and enter the workforce much sooner than they otherwise might.

The ethos of the Confidence Academy is very simple: Participants get their money back once they attend their selected fitness and wellbeing events. When you show up for your health, when you show up for yourself... your refund is your reward. 

The Confidence Academy exists to make the tools of confidence-building — through improved nutrition, better mental and physical fitness, and community support — accessible to all, particularly to struggling and marginalised communities who often feel invisible or left behind. Health inequality is one of the biggest injustice of them all that we don't talk about yet our health is the sole foundation of our existence. 

Who Created The Confidence Academy: The Academy is founded by a 37 year old refugee from Bangladesh, Rayhana Sultan. She is an ex-prisoner. This social enterprise was created after she was able to rebuild her life after prison, hospital detention and recovery through psychotherapy and a supportive community. She is now a finance manager working for the local government in the UK. Outside her day job, she is a model, a panel advisor for the charity Working Chance and now through the Confidence Academy, she wants other people to find the inspiration to turn their pain into power, stigma into strength. 

The inception of this CIC is driven by the fact that nearly 60% of the UK population in 2023/24 were reported as obese or overweight. This is a national crisis in a context where our healthcare system is overstretched, support for mental health is not on par which can be exacerbated by health-related problems and an ageing population is awaiting us. Growing old or not being able to afford the regular gym in an era should not mean fitness services are inaccessible to you. So we are here to change it. 

What's happening Next: We will begin rolling out weekend fitness and wellbeing activities shortly after New Year 2026, supported by online seminars, podcast-style discussions, and community “vox pop” features that amplify real voices and lived experiences around health, confidence, and inclusion. These activities will include group exercise sessions, nutrition and wellness education, mindset and resilience workshops, and confidence-building programmes designed to enhance both physical and mental wellbeing.

Purpose of the Role:
You will be the voice and bridge of The Confidence Academy — handling communications with councils, gyms, venues, and contractors. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and a genuine passion for community wellbeing. You’ll work closely with other team members to bring creative and operational goals together.

Main Activities:

1. Communicate with local councils to secure community venues and spaces.

2. Contact gyms, instructors, and contractors to arrange hire of equipment and facilities.

3. Assist with email correspondence, partnership inquiries, and event logistics.

4. Maintain a contact log and follow up with potential partners or sponsors.

5. Work closely with other team members to align content and communication schedules.

6. Represent The Confidence Academy at community events or meetings where required.

7. Attend weekly team meetings (online or in-person depending on business needs).

8. Ensure all communication complies with GDPR and safeguarding principles.

Skills and Qualities:

1. Excellent communication and listening skills

2. Emotional intelligence and professionalism in dealing with partners

3. Organised, proactive, and dependable

4. Interest in fitness, health, and wellbeing

5. Comfortable speaking with local authorities, gyms, and community organisations

6. Willing to travel within London as needed

What you will get:

1. Induction and regular supervision with the Founder/Director

2. Informal guidance on partnership outreach, safeguarding, and data management

3. Informal training on health & safety and community engagement best practice

4. Office space may be provided for collaborative projects

5. Volunteering Certificate at the end of the completion of hours

6. Complimentary t-shirt/jacket and other freebies

7. Professional reference

8. Travel and meal expenses reimbursed up to £20

9. £50 in Amazon Gift Card when you help us deliver our first fitness session (our launch event) in the 2026 New Year

Equal Opportunities: 

The Confidence Academy is committed to inclusion under the Equality Act 2010. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and provide reasonable adjustments where needed.

Status: 

This is a voluntary role and does not create a contract of employment or entitlement to salary, benefits, or worker rights. Volunteers are free to withdraw at any time.

Lead with Legacy: Become a Multi-Cadet Unit Manager (Deputy Area Officer)

Ranger Cadets is calling visionary leaders to step forward.

We are seeking Multi-Cadet Unit Managers (Deputy Area Officers) to guide and inspire cadet units across an area of England local to where you live.

About Ranger Cadets:

Ranger Cadets is a new uniformed youth work organisation dedicated to equipping young people with essential life skills, tools, and opportunities to become active citizens who make a positive contribution to society. Through training, service, and ceremonial identity, cadets grow in confidence, resilience, and pride—building a legacy of community impact.

Your Mission:

• Command with dignity: Manage at least two cadet units, ensuring weekly training and ceremonial excellence.

• Mentor with purpose: Support the training and shadowing of new volunteers, guiding them into the Ranger Cadets tradition. Especially Officers In Charge of Cadet Units (Cadet Unit Managers), giving your advice and experience.

• Inspire with vision: Shape the future of young people through leadership, service, and community engagement.

Your Path to Advancement:

After 12 months of service, you’ll have the opportunity to rise in rank to Area Manager (Area Officer). In this role, you will:

• Lead a group of cadet units.

• Support, guide, and empower Cadet Unit Managers (Officers in Charge).

• Carry forward the ceremonial identity and community mission of Ranger Cadets.

Why Volunteer as a Multi-Cadet Unit Manager?

• Step into a senior leadership role within a growing national movement.

• Gain mentorship and management experience while shaping new volunteers.

• Make a lasting difference in the lives of young people and your community.

• Be part of a tradition that values honour, service, and legacy.

Call to Action:

If you’re ready to lead multiple units, mentor new volunteers, and rise through the ranks, the Ranger Cadets need you. Become a Deputy Area Officer—your journey to Area Manager begins here.

RANGER CADETS 

#PreparedForLife

Join the Walsall FC Match Day Takeover – A Day of Fun, Football & Making a Difference! 

• Monday 29th December: Timining to be confirmed 

Want to be part of the action and make a meaningful impact? Volunteer at our Acorns Match Day Takeover

What's Involved?

You'll be an essential part of our charity fundraising bucket-collecting crew, taking donations before, during, and after the match – and even in the exclusive hospitality areas! 
Free match tickets – Cheer on the teams, while supporting a great cause!
Free on-site parking and light refreshments to keep you going.

Am I Right For the Role?
We’re looking for volunteers who are:

✔️ Friendly & Approachable – ready to share the mission of Acorns
✔️ Confident to collect donations outside – rain or shine!

Why Volunteer with Acorns?
Make a real difference in your local community
Gain valuable experience and boost your CV
Be part of something special with the chance to progress into other roles

FareShare Greater Manchester is looking for volunteer Driver's Assistants to join our busy friendly delivery team with redistributing tonnes of surplus food a month to charities and community initiatives across Greater Manchester.

FareShare is a national charity fighting food poverty and global warming by tackling food surplus. We source overstocked food from retailers and manufacturers and engage many volunteers to help re-distribute it to over 220 frontline charities and community groups across Greater Manchester. These groups, in turn, provide meals to vulnerable people experiencing food poverty, individuals who are homeless, families, and people who are unemployed or socially isolated. This food would otherwise have gone to waste, so we are simultaneously supporting people in need and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key responsibilities

Working closely with the driver of a temperature-controlled 3.5 tonne Mercedes Sprinter van to deliver surplus food orders to the premises of the benevolent projects we support. 

Loading and unloading the vehicle and carrying out a range of tasks, from basic vehicle checks to delivery administration.

The required skills and attributes are:

• Reliability and ability to commit to pre-agreed volunteer shifts (ESSENTIAL)

• Physical fitness, to take on moving and handling of food orders

• Ability to follow procedures and instructions

• Good verbal communication skills

• Interest in the work of FareShare Greater Manchester and our values

• High respect for Health & Safety procedures and standards

In return you will gain:

Career and CV advice and support

A reference for future employers

Reimbursement of travel and lunch expenses 

The opportunity to give practical help to fight food poverty and reduce food waste (and associated CO2 emissions)

The opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends

Our operating hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. 

Driver and Driver’s Assistant shifts begin at 8:30am. 

We welcome volunteers who can commit to one day a week. 

The days and rota hours of volunteering are agreed around your availability.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

Volunteer Opportunity: Adult Instructor (Uniformed Role)

Organisation: Ranger Cadets

Location: Local Cadet Unit (London)

Commitment: Weekly Evening Sessions

About Us

Ranger Cadets is a new, independent, non-profit uniformed youth organisation with a bold mission: to engage young people in their communities, equip them with essential life skills, and unlock their full potential. We are non-political, non-religious, and proudly inclusive – open to all, regardless of background.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to shine, to belong, and to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

The Role

We are seeking passionate Adult Instructors to serve in a uniformed volunteer position, leading on the training, development, and empowerment of cadets within a local London cadet unit. This is a hands-on role for someone who can inspire young people, deliver engaging sessions, and help them progress through our syllabus programme.

As an Adult Instructor, you will:

• Wear the Ranger Cadets uniform with pride, embodying our values of dignity, inclusivity, and service.

• Lead training sessions that equip cadets with essential life skills, tools, and opportunities to grow.

• Support cadets in earning badges for their uniform and advancing through the ranks.

• Mentor and empower young people, building their confidence and resilience.

• Work alongside fellow volunteers to deliver a safe, structured, and inspiring programme.

Who We’re Looking For

• Enthusiastic individuals with a passion for youth development and community service.

• Strong communication and mentoring skills.

• Ability to engage and inspire young people in a group setting.

• Commitment to our values: non-political, non-religious, inclusive, and open to all.

• No prior cadet or military experience required—training and support will be provided.

What You’ll Gain

• The honour of serving in a uniformed role that represents dignity, pride, and community impact.

• The chance to directly shape the lives of young people in your community.

• A role that blends teaching, mentoring, and leadership.

• Personal satisfaction from seeing cadets grow, achieve, and advance.

How to Apply

If you are ready to serve in uniform, inspire young people, and help them unlock their potential, we would love to hear from you.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

After successfuly completing our aplciation, vetting and training process ARCh Reading Helpers visit a local primary school (close to home or workplace) twice a week during the school day (usually early afternoons), spending a 1:1 "happy half hour" each time with three children selected by the school.  These children may be struggling with reading, lack language skills or have little confidence.  The volunteer talks with the child, shares books and plays games supplied by ARCh.  In this way a mentoring relationship is developed over the course of a year.

Volunteers provide a warm, positive experience of reading and with encouragement over a sustained period, reluctant readers gain confidence in their ability and begin to read for pleasure.  This one to one support has a positive effect on all areas of the child''s schoolwork and improves their life prospects.

We need volunteers who can be relied upon to attend their sessions regularly and volunteer with ARCh for a minimum of one school year.

This role would appeal to anyone who enjoys being with children, loves books and wants to make a difference in their local community.

Full training, resources and support provided together with a truly rewarding experience.

Support your local Oxfam shop by helping to sort, research, price and prepare donated items - for our online shop, all while gaining hands-on retail experience in a safe, supportive environment.

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: Gain valuable retail experience you can add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

Joining this role means you'll be at the heart of providing essential support to families facing the unimaginable; caring for their child who's life will be short.

Many families in Wales are unfortunately facing this challenge alone, without support from others.

As a Family Support Volunteer with Tŷ Hafan, you’ll help ease the everyday pressures families face by offering help in the home. This might include light cleaning, tidying, laundry, garden maintenance or supporting the siblings, whatever matches your skills and the family’s needs.

Your support will give families the breathing space to focus on what matters most: spending time together.

Considerations:

Age requirement: 21+

Location: Across South & West Wales (in your local area)

Time commitment: Flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate your personal schedule. The support plans designed for referred families are typically structured to span a period of six weeks.

Background checks: Enhanced DBS check, 2 references and induction/training course required before starting.

Due to the nature of the role, we are looking for volunteers with some skills, experience and knowledge of gardening, either as a profession or as a hobby.

Activities include:

• Practical support activities such as supporting with housework, decluttering spaces or gardening

• Child focused activities such as reading, play and providing fun 

• Wellbeing & therapeutic support (if qualified) such as complimentary therapies and mindfulness

• Family support & companionship activities such as offering emotional support and conversation, accompanying families to appointments, etc.

These activities can be matched to each volunteer’s skills, experience, and comfort level, and always tailored to the family’s preferences and needs.

We are looking for volunteers who:

• Can empathise with the families you are helping and show them kindness and respect;

• Are reliable and flexible and committed to volunteering on a longer term basis;

• Will follow our health and safety guidelines, policies and procedures and report any issues or concerns to the Family Support Volunteer Manager;

• Are respectful of the privacy, preferences and needs of the families you are supporting;

• Are polite and friendly;

• Can adapt to different situations and challenges;

• Enjoy making a difference in the lives of others

At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.

We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role. 

Training you will receive:

You will receive a comprehensive introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, to include an in-person Induction and Training Programme as well as additional e-learning.

You will be a part of a friendly and supportive team who will assist you with any queries or concerns through regular and ongoing meetings.

Other role and organisation specific training is available including both supplementary and mandatory training.

All volunteers must maintain their mandatory training to continue in their role.

The benefits of becoming a Practical Family Support Volunteer in Family Homes:

• Make a positive difference in the lives of children with life-shortening conditions and their families, by helping them to maintain clean spaces for them to enjoy;

• Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year;

• Meet new people and join a friendly community of volunteers, passionate about helping others;

• Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role.

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.

Become Our 1st Youth Programme Lead!

Do you have experience working with young people? We're launching a new youth work charity and we need a passionate leader to guide it.

Introducing Urban Youth: Igniting Potential in Inner London

In the vibrant, fast-paced heart of London, there is a generation of young people brimming with potential, yet facing unique challenges. They are the future, but for many, the path is obscured by deprivation, isolation, and a world increasingly dominated by screens.

That's why we created Urban Youth.

We are a brand new, dynamic youth work charity dedicated to cutting through the noise and reaching the young people who need us most in Inner London's deprived areas. Our mission is simple yet profound: to move beyond passive engagement and create active opportunities that inspire, connect, and empower.

Our Vision: Moving Beyond the Screen

Urban Youth is not waiting for young people to come to us; we are meeting them where they are. We are tearing down barriers to engagement by deploying innovative, flexible youth work:

• The Youth Bus: A mobile hub transforming spaces into instant centres of positive activity.

• Pop-Up Hubs: Breathing new life into unused community spaces or integrating within existing centres.

• School & College Partnerships: Working directly within educational settings and collaborating with other youth organisations to ensure seamless support.

Our Impact: Building Skills, Confidence, and Community

We believe that every young person deserves a space to discover their authentic self. Our core focus is on diversionary positive activities—experiences designed to get young people out of their homes, away from their screens, and fully engaged with their peers and the world around them.

• Social and Life Skills: We teach practical skills, from teamwork to conflict resolution.

• Confidence Building: We champion self-belief, encouraging young people to take positive risks and celebrate their achievements.

• Discovery and Connection: We provide a vital sense of belonging, fostering meaningful relationships in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

At Urban Youth, our staff are more than just youth workers; they are positive adult role models—here to nurture, guide, and support. We are lighting the fuse on potential, empowering today’s youth to become tomorrow’s confident, capable, and connected leaders.

Join us as we work to transform challenges into triumphs, one young person at a time.

Skills We Need:

• Activity Planning
• Volunteer Management
• People Management
• Safeguarding
• Training/Learning and Development
• Much More!

Commitement:

4 Hours Per Week (Very Flexible)

Location:

Hybrid (London based charity)

Apply now and help us lead with purpose.

Become our URBAN YOUTH Youth Programme Lead!

We're planning to launch in 2026 and need you to help us get set up and ready to launch to young people across London.

TEAM

URBAN YOUTH

Your City. Your Vibe. Your Youth Work.

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

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Our Cat welfare team leaders have the important role of coordinating, encouraging and supporting teams of fosterer volunteers and cat care volunteers. They help make sure volunteers with direct cat care roles are happy and confident and provide advice and guidance when needed. This incredible teamwork means we are able to help more cats and kittens in need.

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:

• Volunteering alongside colleagues including the branch coordinator/team leader, Cat Welfare team, branch development manager and Vet team to ensure that cat care policies, procedures and standards are applied
• Support fosterers to follow cat welfare policies and procedures
• Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat welfare and ensuring that welfare updates are shared and implemented effectively
• Supporting the branch by ensuring that accurate and up to date records of all cats helped are maintained, using specified systems
• Attending relevant volunteer training sessions and encouraging other volunteers to do likewise
• With the other volunteers, recruit, induct and support all branch fosterers and cat care volunteers
• Represent the branch at relevant meetings
• Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the cat adoption team leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with our policies and procedures

Lead an Area, Shape a Legacy: Become a Ranger Cadets Area Manager - VOLUNTEER ROLE

Ranger Cadets is seeking dedicated leaders to oversee and inspire.

We are recruiting Area Managers (Area Officers) to guide Ranger Cadets within their specified area, ensuring excellence across multiple cadet units and promoting the Ranger Cadets locally, ensuring we are a positive symbol locally.

About Ranger Cadets:

Ranger Cadets is a new uniformed youth work organisation with a mission to equip young people with essential life skills, tools, and opportunities to become active citizens who make a positive contribution to society. Through training, service, and ceremonial identity, cadets grow in confidence, resilience, and pride—building a legacy of community impact.

Your Mission as Area Manager:

• Oversee with vision: Manage Ranger Cadets across your designated area.

• Guide with authority: Oversee the running of a small group of cadet units.

• Empower with leadership: Support, mentor, and lead Cadet Unit Managers (Officers in Charge), ensuring they deliver training and ceremonial excellence.

• Safeguard tradition: Uphold the values of honour, service, and community impact at every level.

Your Path to Advancement:

As an Area Officer, you stand at the forefront of Ranger Cadets leadership. This role positions you to:

• Shape the strategic direction of cadet units in your area.

• Build a team culture of service and pride.

• Carry forward the ceremonial identity and community mission of Ranger Cadets.

• After 24 months within this role you will have the opportunity to advance to District Level Senior Management, responsible for a whole region of Ranger Cadets Cadet Units.

Why Volunteer as an Area Manager?

• Step into a senior ceremonial leadership role within a growing national movement.

• Gain strategic management experience while guiding multiple leaders.

• Make a lasting difference in the lives of young people and your community.

• Be part of a tradition that values honour, service, and legacy.

Call to Action:

If you’re ready to lead an area, mentor leaders, and shape the future of Ranger Cadets, step forward today. Become an Area Officer—your leadership will define the legacy.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

Hours: Variable – depending on individual circumstances and what people can do

Location: Variable – we are looking to extend our reach of peer support walks throughout Yorkshire

Main Tasks:

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Support our regular wellbeing/peer support walks

· Welcome participants and help them feel comfortable, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere

· Encourage conversations among participants, offering a listening ear

· Be attentive to the well-being of all participants during the walk

· Offer information on YBTC services

· Attending occasional training sessions or volunteer meetings organised by YBTC

We are looking for people who are:

· Are warm and non-judgemental

· Reliability – are punctual and committed to scheduled walks

· Collaborative mindset to work effectively with staff and volunteers

· Basic physical fitness to complete the walks, awareness of the needs of participants with

different mobility/health conditions

We can offer you the following:

· Full induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· Opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people

· The satisfaction of making a positive impact on those affected by brain tumours

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumours are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are: Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire through local support and research.

Are you a dog lover with room in your home to look after a dog during evenings and weekends? This could be the perfect role for you!

As a Training Dog Fosterer, you’ll provide a loving temporary home to a dog in training, typically for a period of 12 to 20 weeks, as they begin their journey to become a guide dog. You’ll get to see the progress your furry companion is making in their training and be a vital part of their journey, without the commitment of looking after a dog full time.

What you’ll be doing:

In this rewarding role, your support for a guide dog in training will include:

• Doing the school run for your dog in training! This will typically involve dropping them off and picking them up at an agreed time Monday to Friday at one of our regional centres or community teams, however, some sites may vary. There are some locations where we will be able to collect and return the training dog from your home. 
• Caring for your dog in your home such as feeding, grooming, free running and playing, following the advice of our expert staff.
• Helping your dog keep up with their training by reinforcing the techniques at home from our first-class training programme.
• Making sure your dog is not left alone for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. If you’re planning on going on holiday, let us know at your initial phone call so we can plan alternative cover for your future life changer.

Can I foster a dog?

If you’re hoping to foster a guide dog in training, here’s what we ideally look for:

• Being close to one of our regional centres or community teams so that your dog can get to their training. 
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in your home if you rent your home.
• A safe and secure area outside for the dog to go to the toilet.

However, we try to be flexible – for example, you’ll still be able to foster a dog if you live in London, even if you don’t have access to outside space. 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
• The satisfaction in knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of seeing your dog learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• An insight into our bespoke world-class training programme so that your dog’s training stays consistent at home, which can also help you train your own dogs or advance in a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

Training and support

You’ll attend a training workshop to understand the basics of our bespoke training techniques so you can confidently support your dog’s training at home. You’ll also receive ongoing guidance from your volunteer manager. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your initial phone call along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

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, dog food costs and other materials needed for your dog’s training.

Minimum age for volunteer is 18.

We also have a respite fosterer role available in some areas, where a dog would stay with you full time before moving on to the next stage of its journey.

Please check out our website to see what roles are available where you live.