Help at home volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Belfast

Open your home for a night. Change a young person's future.

Every year, young people in our community face the frightening reality of having nowhere safe to stay. By becoming a Volunteer Nightstop Host, you can provide a warm welcome, a safe place to sleep, and the breathing space a young person needs while longer-term support is put in place.

About Us

Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire Nightstop and Mediation works with young people aged 16–25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build an independent and positive future.

Our services include:

• Safe, emergency accommodation through our Nightstop community hosting scheme.
• Family and school mediation to help prevent relationship breakdown.
• Homelessness prevention through education, life skills workshops and crisis support.

About Nightstop

Nightstop provides emergency accommodation in the homes of trained and approved volunteer hosts. Rather than spending the night on the streets or in unsafe situations, young people are offered a temporary, safe place to stay while our team works to find appropriate longer-term accommodation and support.

As a Volunteer Nightstop Host, you'll never be working alone. Our experienced team provides ongoing guidance and support throughout every placement.

What You'll Do

As a Nightstop Host, you'll:

• Provide a clean, safe and private bedroom for a young person needing emergency overnight accommodation.
• Offer an evening meal, breakfast and a packed lunch.
• Give access to bathroom facilities and laundry if needed.
• Stay in regular contact with the Nightstop team before, during and after placements.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while providing a welcoming environment.

Placements are short-term and arranged around your availability.

Who We're Looking For

You don't need previous experience—what matters most is compassion, reliability and a willingness to help.

We're looking for people who:

• Want to support young people experiencing homelessness.
• Can offer a non-judgemental and respectful approach.
• Have a spare bedroom available at short notice.
• Are willing to complete training and work alongside our experienced team.
• Have an interest in making a real difference within their local community.

Training and Support

We'll make sure you feel confident before welcoming your first guest.

You'll receive:

• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.
• Daily check-in calls throughout each hosting placement.
• Access to a 24-hour emergency on-call service.
• Regular supervision and support meetings.
• Opportunities to attend additional training delivered by the organisation.

Why Volunteer With Us?

By becoming a Nightstop Host, you'll:

• Help prevent youth homelessness in your local community.
• Provide safety and hope at a critical moment in a young person's life.
• Develop valuable skills through high-quality training and support.
• Meet like-minded volunteers through appreciation and networking events.
• Receive reimbursement for all agreed out-of-pocket expenses.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive service and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and communities. We believe our volunteers should reflect the diversity of the people we support.

Recruitment Process

To ensure the safety of everyone involved, successful applicants will complete:

• An application form.
• An informal interview.
• Enhanced DBS and reference checks.
• Induction training.
• A home visit and health and safety assessment.

If you have a spare room and a desire to make a lasting difference, we'd love to hear from you. One night of kindness can be the first step towards a brighter future for a young person experiencing homelessness.

Could you use your business connections to help more people leave homelessness for good?

We're looking for well-connected business professionals in Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester to become Standing Tall Connectors.

STANDING TALL – WHAT WE DO

Standing Tall is a social business that helps people rebuild their lives after homelessness through a stable job, a safe home and one-to-one support across 8 UK cities.

Our model works: 4 out of 5 people are in work, living independently and thriving 12 months later.

As we continue to grow, we are launching a network of volunteer Connectors to help expand our reach within the business community.

THE ROLE

We are looking for purpose-driven professionals with strong business connections to become Standing Tall Connectors in Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester.

This is an unremunerated volunteer position for individuals who believe in our mission and want to use their local networks, influence and business connections to help more people leave homelessness behind for good.

Connectors will represent Standing Tall within local business communities, attend networking events, and build relationships with businesses that want to be part of the solution to homelessness, either as Employer Partners, providing permanent entry-level jobs, or as Mission Partners, whose investment of £1,000 + VAT over 12 months helps one person leave the streets for good.

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Is passionate about making a tangible social impact
• Enjoys connecting people and opening doors
• Has strong local business relationships
• Wants to contribute their skills and network to a meaningful cause

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary role of a Connector is to leverage their networks, attend relevant business events and identify opportunities to engage prospective corporate partners.

While there is no prescriptive approach to the role, Connectors are expected to help secure £12,000 + VAT of Mission Partner investment annually – enough to help 12 people leave the streets for good.

This may be achieved through a number of relationships and introductions, or through a smaller number of highly engaged partners. Our focus is on creating meaningful connections that help more businesses become part of the solution to homelessness.

Connectors are also encouraged to help identify prospective Employer Partners and facilitate introductions to the Standing Tall team.

TIME COMMITMENT

Connectors will sign up for a 12 month term that starts in July.

Generally speaking, we would anticipate that Connectors will:

• Attend approximately 1–3 business events per month
• Make introductions and connections where opportunities arise
• Participate in occasional meetings with the Standing Tall Team

We are flexible and understand availability may vary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

We are seeking individuals who:

• Believe strongly in Standing Tall’s mission and values
• Have an established network within their local business community
• Are confident communicators and relationship-builders
• Are proactive, professional and enthusiastic
• Are comfortable attending events independently and representing Standing Tall
• Can commit time consistently throughout the year

Experience in business development, partnerships, sales, leadership, entrepreneurship or community engagement would be highly valuable. 

WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE

While this is a voluntary and unpaid role, Connectors will receive:

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives
• Recognition and visibility as a Standing Tall Connector
• A toolkit with key messaging and marketing collateral
• A dedicated Standing Tall contact for onboarding and ongoing support
• Opportunities to connect with local Talent Scouts and the wider Standing Tall team
• Regular updates on our impact, partnerships and progress

#homelessness #partnerships #businessconnections #volunteer #relationshipbuilding #Birmingham #Bristol #Manchester

Volunteer Opportunity – Volunteer Coordinator

Lyonic Scots

Help Build and Support Our Volunteer Community

The Lyonic Scots Society is seeking a passionate and organised Volunteer Coordinator to help recruit, support, and develop volunteers across our growing international community.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in building the volunteer team that will help preserve Scottish heritage, strengthen our community, organise events, and support the development of the Lyonic Scots Society.

As Volunteer Coordinator, you will be at the heart of our organisation, ensuring volunteers feel welcomed, valued, supported, and inspired to contribute their skills and time.

About the Role

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for helping the Society attract, recruit, engage, and retain volunteers across a wide range of roles.

You will work closely with the Chair, Committee members, and volunteers to create a positive and rewarding volunteer experience while helping the Society grow its capacity and impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. Volunteer Recruitment

• Develop and promote volunteer opportunities.
• Create and manage volunteer recruitment campaigns.
• Respond to volunteer enquiries.
• Arrange informal volunteer conversations and onboarding.
• Help match volunteers to suitable roles based on their interests and skills.

2. Volunteer Support

• Welcome and support new volunteers.
• Act as a key point of contact for volunteers.
• Help ensure volunteers feel included, informed, and appreciated.
• Support volunteers with any questions or concerns.
• Encourage volunteer wellbeing and engagement.

3. Volunteer Development

• Help identify training and development opportunities.
• Support volunteers to gain confidence and experience.
• Encourage progression into leadership and committee roles where appropriate.
• Help build a positive and supportive volunteer culture.

4. Volunteer Administration

• Maintain volunteer records and contact information.
• Track volunteer numbers and participation.
• Assist with volunteer communications.
• Support the organisation of volunteer meetings and events.

5. Community Building

• Help create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Promote the Society’s values and mission.
• Encourage collaboration between volunteers across different projects and locations.
• Celebrate volunteer achievements and contributions.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Has

• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Good organisational abilities.
• A friendly, approachable, and supportive attitude.
• The ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Reliability and commitment.
• An interest in Scottish heritage, community development, or volunteering.

Previous experience coordinating volunteers, managing teams, or working within community organisations is welcome but not essential.

What You’ll Gain

By volunteering as our Volunteer Coordinator, you will:

• Gain valuable leadership and management experience.
• Develop skills in recruitment, people management, and community engagement.
• Build experience within a growing cultural organisation.
• Enhance your CV and professional development.
• Meet people from diverse backgrounds and locations.
• Play a key role in shaping the future of the Lyonic Scots Society.

Time Commitment

Flexible and home-based.

We anticipate approximately 4–8 hours per MONTH, although this can vary depending on recruitment campaigns and Society activities.

We are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive community where volunteers can thrive and make a meaningful contribution.

Apply Today

If you enjoy working with people and would like to help build a thriving volunteer community, we would love to hear from you. Apply via Charity Job site with your CV and a Cover Letter on why you wish to volunteer with the Lyonic Scots.

Join the Lyonic Scots Society and help us preserve our heritage, strengthen our community, and build a legacy for future generations.

Fundraising Events Organiser Volunteer

Would you like to be part of a dedicated and friendly team of volunteers and make a real difference to the lives of cats and kittens in our care?  Do you enjoy planning and organising for events?  Maybe you have a particular skill that you would like to put to use?
 
Then this could be the role for you! 
 
Our Fundraising Events Team are at the heart of what we do, raising essential funds for the cats. 

Our Fundraising Events Organisers share ideas, tasks and inspiration, planning and delivering local events, with the support of the Fundraising events helpers, such as Open Days (usually 2 per year) at the centre and our annual Christmas Bazaar. 

Time Expectation:  This role can be varied and time commitment can be flexible. 

Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.

We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.

Please note:  Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Full training and support will be given for all roles.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Become a Community Discharge Support Service Volunteer and help someone get back on their feet when they come home from hospital.

What do Community Support Volunteers do?

Our friendly Community Support Volunteers visit people when they have come home from hospital, typically once a week for 4 – 6 weeks.

At a time when people are recovering and really appreciate a bit of extra help you could be supporting with shopping and light housework. But it’s often the company and encouragement of our volunteers that is appreciated the most as we check in and chat!

By doing this we help with recovery and reduce the chance of readmission to hospital.

You can also help from our office in Aylesbury  by making welfare and check in calls with our clients and helping to arrange these visits.

What you will get out of it

It's a great way to make a real difference to someone's life at a time they especially need it.

You'll be giving something back to your community

You get to be part of Age UK Buckinghamshire's volunteer team

Volunteers tell us they find this really rewarding and get lots out of it themselves.

What is expected of me?

Community Support Volunteers are expected to visit each client once a week for up to 6 weeks.

These visits are flexible, based on your availability.

Our office support volunteers are asked to help for 1 – 2 hours a week.

Volunteers complete a short relevant training session and provide references.

Are you looking for a meaningful and flexible volunteering opportunity that also helps you develop valuable communication and interpersonal skills? Join the Talking Bubble Project and help tackle loneliness through the power of a simple phone call.

Since the pandemic, many befriending services have reduced or closed—but Talking Bubble remains one of the few projects continuing to provide regular, phone-based companionship to people who need it most. Demand for this support remains high, and we are currently looking for compassionate, English-speaking volunteers across the UK.

What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎︎ Talking Bubble is a phone-based befriending service connecting volunteers with older adults and vulnerable individuals experiencing loneliness and social isolation. Through regular weekly calls, volunteers provide conversation, consistency, and human connection to those who may otherwise feel isolated.

Even a short conversation can have a lasting impact.

Why Volunteer With Us?

✔ Make a genuine difference in someone’s life
✔ Volunteer flexibly from the comfort of your own home
✔ Receive full training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Gain experience in active listening, communication, empathy, and relationship-building
✔ Opportunity for reflective learning and experience relevant to helping professions

This role may particularly appeal to students or graduates interested in psychology, counselling, mental health, social care, or related fields who are seeking meaningful experience alongside their studies or professional development.

Where appropriate, we are also happy to provide feedback, complete placement documentation, or support reports/forms required by universities or training providers.

What You’ll Need

✅ No previous experience required—just empathy, reliability, and a willingness to listen
✅ Volunteers must complete Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check (both provided free of charge)
✅ Must be a UK resident

How to Get Involved

Apply now via the CharityJob website or contact us directly for more information.

Together, we can keep connection alive—one call at a time.

Are you passionate about sustainability? Do you want to make a real impact on household carbon footprints and promote sustainable living? Can you help us crowdsource our innovative E-Save app and outreach programme?

What will you be doing?

To support delivery of the E‑Save app, you’ll help recruit, support and coordinate our growing UK‑based volunteer community. You’ll provide administrative oversight for current volunteers, support ongoing recruitment, and help develop volunteer and HR processes.

 Over time, you’ll contribute to policies, engagement programmes, crowd‑sourcing initiatives, and local pilot volunteers.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for UK‑based volunteers with experience in HR, volunteer management, or people operations. You’ll help lead volunteer recruitment, onboarding and training; develop HR and volunteer policies; support engagement and wellbeing; and maintain confidential records. 

You’ll need strong organisational and interpersonal skills, knowledge of safeguarding and data protection, and the ability to support a diverse, remote volunteer team.

What difference will you make?

You will lead and/or support the volunteer recruitment and engagement needed to sustain and grow the organisation, and develop the network of experts and contributors that will power E-Save.

You will be at the forefront of innovation, bringing climate action into people’s homes across the UK, making sustainable living part of everyday life.

Could you help your local SSAFA team recruit volunteers in your area? Our volunteers are at the heart of SSAFA’s work, and recruiting the right people is essential to delivering our services! As one of our Regional Recruitment volunteers, you’ll play a key role in onboarding new community engagement volunteers for local branches. By supporting the recruitment process and supporting prospective volunteers, you will help ensure branches have the people they need to raise awareness in their communities!

*Please note, to be eligible for this role you must be residing in the Scotland.

Some of the areas you may be asked to support include:

• Answer questions from perspective volunteers contact on our volunteer recruitment platform for enquiries, ensuring that all potential volunteers receive a timely response.
• Review applications via our online recruitment platform and arrange interviews with prospective volunteers in line with SSAFA’s policies and values.
• Assess the suitability of volunteer candidates in line with SSAFA’s policies and values and ensure they are placed in roles that are the right fit for them.
• Support volunteers through the recruitment process by requesting references, helping new volunteers to book role-specific and mandatory training.
• Arrange and liaise with the local branch to ensure that the new volunteer is properly inducted into their new role.

***Please be advised that this is role is part of an initial trial and your support will help ascertain if this is suitable for us to role out across all regions.

Requirements

You will need access to IT equipment such as a laptop and the internet to carry out the administration related to the role. Time commitment This role would suit someone looking for a role that can be done remotely from home weekly.

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Ensuring an inclusive recruitment experience for all volunteers in line with SSAFA’s values.
• Strong admin and organisational skills.
• Interest in developing interviewing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Confident using IT Systems and online platforms.
• Good judgment and decision-making skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills in recruitment and administration which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Volunteer Dog Fosterer

Could you offer a safe and loving home to an assistance dog in training?

We are looking for volunteer dog fosterers who can provide a calm, supportive home environment for one of our dogs or puppies in training.

Fostering plays an important part in helping our dogs grow in confidence, develop routines, and experience everyday family life as they prepare for their future role.

There is no cost to you. We provide food, vet care, toys, equipment, and holiday cover.

We have puppy fostering opportunities available for people based across England. These are usually longer-term placements, often lasting around 6 to 9 months.

We also offer an evenings and weekends dog fostering option for people who live in Congleton or within around a 30-minute drive of our head office at CW12 3LN.

This option may suit people who are out during the working day but could care for a dog in training during evenings, overnight, and on some weekends. For this role, you would collect the dog in the evening and drop them back the following morning, with day care provided from our Congleton head office.

Evening and weekend dog fostering placements usually last between 2 and 6 months.

Whether you are helping raise a puppy for the longer term, or offering evening and weekend care to a dog in training, you will be giving them a safe and supportive home as they prepare for their future.

Help older people claim welfare benefits through home visits, form-filling and friendly support.

About Us

Age UK Buckinghamshire is a local, independent charity and part of the wider Age UK Network. We support older people across the county through vital services including befriending, information and advice, dementia support, practical help at home, and welfare benefits support - helping people stay independent, connected, and supported.

Our work is more important now than ever. Many older people face growing challenges such as the rising cost of living, social isolation, and difficulty accessing support. 

As demand for our services continues to increase, community support is essential to help us reach more people in need. By raising awareness of what we do, we can ensure that older people know where to turn for help, and inspire others to support our work through volunteering, fundraising, and partnership.

What do Welfare Benefits Volunteers do?

Help older people boost their income by becoming a Welfare Benefits Volunteer.

Many older people face financial difficulties because they are not claiming all the welfare benefits they are entitled to. At Age UK Buckinghamshire, we support older people to access the benefits they deserve by offering personalised advice and practical help.

Our trained volunteer advisors visit people in their own homes to guide them through the claims process, completing benefit forms on their behalf and ensuring applications reflect their individual circumstances.

Following full training, you will be matched with clients for one-off home visits, usually lasting one to two hours. Along the way, there’s often time for a friendly chat, and perhaps a cup of tea, while making a real difference to someone’s quality of life.

What skills does a Welfare Benefits Advisor need?

• Empathy and patience with older people
• A professional, friendly and approachable manner
• Attention to detail and good record-keeping skills
• A non-judgemental approach
• Willingness to learn about older people’s benefits

What training do we provide?

Successful applicants complete 2 training sessions covering the needs of older people and welfare benefits.  At the end of this initial training, you will be “buddied” with one or more experienced volunteers, first as an observer and later as an advisor until you have the knowledge and confidence to undertake one-to-one visits.

How much time do we expect you to give?

Once trained, you can commit to as many or as few visits per week as you wish. Each visit takes, on average, about 1 – 2 hours.  There are quarterly meetings that provide support and additional training days from time to time to keep up with new legislation.

What is our commitment to you?

• We will provide initial and ongoing training to help you develop your knowledge and skills.
• We will continue to support you in your role, providing information and advice as necessary.
• We will discuss with you any problems you may have with your role, or any concerns we have.
• We will reimburse reasonable, approved out of pocket expenses.

Befriending Volunteer 

Would you like to offer companionship to someone who feels lonely, help them rebuild confidence, reconnect with their community, or simply brighten their week with a friendly chat? 

What do Befriending Volunteers do?

Our volunteers support older people (50+) who may be feeling lonely, isolated, or cut off from their usual activities. Volunteers help clients rebuild confidence, reconnect socially, and enjoy meaningful conversation. 

Support can take different forms depending on the client’s needs: 

Short-term Face-to-Face Support (up to 6 months) 

• Visiting someone regularly to help them work towards personal goals 

• Encouraging confidence to get out and about again 

• Supporting them to re-engage with interests, community groups, or social activities 

Long-term Befriending (for those most isolated) 

• Providing stable, ongoing social support 

• Regular facetoface or telephone companionship 

• Building a consistent and trusting relationship 

National Telephone Befriending 

• Offering friendly conversation over the phone 

• Providing regular social contact for people unable to meet in person 

This is a rewarding and varied volunteer role where every person you meet will be different — and you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful difference to their wellbeing. 

What you will get out of it

• A chance to support older people and make a real positive impact 

• A meaningful role where relationships grow and confidence returns 

• Opportunities to meet new people and experience new things 

• Being part of Age UK Buckinghamshire’s volunteer team 

• Full training, ongoing support, and guidance from your Outreach Support Worker 

Our volunteers tell us they find befriending incredibly fulfilling and often get as much from the relationship as the client does 

What is expected of me?

• We will talk you through each potential match before you decide to take it on 

• Most volunteers commit around 1–2 hours a week 

• Shortterm matches typically last up to 6 months; longterm befriending is ongoing 

• Time may be spent visiting someone at home, accompanying them to a local activity, or chatting with them by phone 

• Volunteers complete a short online training program and provide references 

• A DBS check will be required (provided at no cost) 

Who can volunteer?

If you are warm, friendly, patient, and enjoy chatting with people, this could be the role for you. You do not need any formal qualifications, just a desire to support someone who is feeling vulnerable or alone. 

Age UK Bucks ‘Age Better Bucks’ volunteers will support local older people to achieve personal goals – by helping them navigate and take advantage of a Support Plan devised by as community worker, that is designed to help them meet the challenges of older age.

This could be by phoning them to provide encouragement, explanation and support, and to check on progress, and also to help them with attendance at appointments and going to new groups or activities.

What do Age Better Bucks Volunteers do?

• Work with the Community Support Connector from Age UK Bucks to accept a client and understand their goals and support plan – and which services they have been referred to for support
• Contact the client to introduce yourself, and explain what you can help them with and if that’s OK with them
• Agree how your support is best provided – e.g. weekly calls for progress and encouragement, or help with something specific on their plan. That could be a home visit (if appropriate) to help them make a call or prepare for an appointment; attend a group or activity with them; or help them take a bus etc.
• Report back to the Community Support Connector if there are any issues or concerns and agree when your support can stop
• Ideally, you’d support a few clients each week or month, depending on how much time you have

The role is to support and help the client to access the referrals and support put in place for them – and not to support them with care or specific needs yourself. Referrals might be to local care services, to local groups or clubs, or to an occupational therapist for home adaptations, other voluntary organisations and support groups etc.

Our Age Better Bucks Service

Age Better Bucks supports over 65s who could benefit from extra support to manage their well being and remain independent. It is for older people experiencing challenges or need extra support to stay independent and well – for example increasing loneliness/isolation; bereavement; health/mobility decline; mood change.

Our team of support workers will assess their needs and circumstances specific to them, and develop an action plan with them to ensure more support and help can be arranged. We check in with the client after 6 weeks to see how they are getting on, and after 6 months to see how they are and check if anything has changed, got worse or improved.

The service is designed to give people the tools, contacts and support to make positive changes and especially to tackle the impact of loneliness and isolation.

An action plan, or support plan, will be devised with all clients, identifying their main goals based on their individual needs and challenges, and referring them, with their consent only, to other services and support we agree can help. At this stage we’ll assess if a volunteer like you can help then take full advantage of this support.

What you will get out of it

• Join an enthusiastic team of people who want to make a difference
• It's a great way to support older people making a real difference to their lives
• You'll be giving something back to your community
• You get to be part of Age UK Buckinghamshire's volunteer team
• We will reimburse reasonable, approved out of pocket expenses
• Volunteers tell us they find Volunteering really rewarding and get lots out of it themselves
• You will be fully supported by our Team and wider Age UK Buckinghamshire support.

What is expected of me?

We tell you about each client and ask if you’d like to take it up. You would then arrange and complete the call or visit when convenient. The work you do is conducted in line with guidance we provide and you must comply with necessary procedures including Data Protection/Confidentiality and Personal Safety.

After the visit/contact you will complete and submit a contact form. Volunteers complete relevant training, provide references and complete a DBS check.

Key skills and requirements

• Good listener, clear communicator and able to maintain confidentiality. A good conversationalist!
• Ability to lead the conversation, provide feedback to the team and summarise the conversation.
• Non-judgmental. Able to respect others’ differences and choices
• Patient, flexible and reliable
• Able to work independently with guidance and support
• Ability to travel around the area to visit people
• A regular commitment to give 1-2 hours a week would be appreciated but the role is flexible, you can work from home, do visits, only make calls, whatever works for you.
• An interest in helping older people live the lives they want

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.

To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities. 

We are looking for our next Chair of Trustees – someone who will work closely with our Executive Team and Board to guide the organisation through what is both a challenging and genuinely exciting time. The funding environment is tough. The political context is difficult. And yet the need for what we do has never been greater.

This is an unpaid voluntary role. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.

The successful candidate will lead a vibrant, well-established, national charity as it navigates the next chapter of its story.

Main tasks

• Developing and setting our future strategy, alongside the Executive Team and other Trustees
• Helping shape and deliver our future, identifying opportunities in an evolving landscape
• Leading the Board of Trustees, including regular 1:1s and providing space for reflection
• Acting as a 'critical friend' to our Executive Team, as well as formal line management to the CEO (and COO in their absence)
• Acting as an ambassador for the charity – raising awareness of what we do and engaging potential supporters and other key stakeholders
• Responsibility, along with the other trustees, for the governance of the charity
• Contributing to the ongoing strategy of the charity, in line with our charitable objectives
• Participating in board meetings and sub-committees in an inclusive and thoughtful way

Please download our Chair Application Pack for more information.