Support volunteer volunteer roles in elm park, greater london

Are you passionate about spirituality, creativity, and making a positive difference through the arts? The Spiritual Arts Foundation (SAF) is looking for a General Manager to help us coordinate, organise, and inspire our growing community of artists and volunteers.

The Spiritual Arts Foundation is the UK’s first arts organisation dedicated to exploring and promoting spirituality in the arts. Founded by musician and composer Clifford White, SAF now represents over 200 creative members — including artists, writers, filmmakers, performers, and musicians — each contributing their own unique perspective on spiritual creativity. Our website hosts hundreds of in-depth member articles, interviews, and features exploring the intersection between art, consciousness, and the human spirit.

We also run the Spiritual Creatives Meetup group, with more than 2,400 members, hosting events, talks, and creative gatherings both online and in person. Alongside this, we are developing exciting new projects including Spirit Songs, our upcoming record label, as well as plans for festivals, workshops, and exhibitions that celebrate and inspire spiritual creativity.

The General Manager will work closely with the Founder to turn ideas into action. This is a communications-focused, hands-on role that involves supporting volunteer teams, managing projects, coordinating events, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. You’ll help oversee multiple initiatives — from fundraising and planning new creative ventures to maintaining communication between teams and keeping projects on track.

Key areas of involvement include:

• Coordinating volunteers and team communication

• Helping to plan and schedule events, particularly for our Spiritual Creatives community

• Supporting the launch of Spirit Songs, our new record label

• Assisting with fundraising and partnership development

• Maintaining our online presence (WordPress and social media)

• Supporting creative planning and strategy alongside the Founder

This is an unpaid volunteer role, but if we are successful in raising funding, it has the potential to become a paid position for the right person.

This role would suit someone who is organised, practical, calm, and creative, with an interest in spirituality, arts, and community development. Experience in any of the following areas would be helpful — arts management, events, marketing, communications, or project coordination — but we are open to all backgrounds if you’re passionate and willing to learn.

You’ll be part of a welcoming, imaginative, and purpose-driven community, helping to shape the next chapter of the Spiritual Arts Foundation’s journey. The role is flexible, remote, and collaborative, allowing you to contribute in ways that suit your skills and availability.

If you’re inspired by the idea of bringing people together to explore spirituality through art — and want to help an innovative organisation grow and flourish — we’d love to hear from you.

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

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

You can expect us to

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

What we need from you

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time expectation

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

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

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

We are recruiting for a volunteer who would like to play a role in helping others to express themselves through writing. Would you like to support others to use their imagination to portray a message?

Creative writing is a great way to express yourself using your own creativity and imagination through story telling or poetry. It is an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and put it down on paper. Creative writing has been shown to improve emotional and mental well-being. Through creative writing, we can gain insight into our emotions, develop self-expression and communication skills, cultivate empathy and understanding of others, boost our imagination and creativity.

What you will be doing

• Lead and facilitate a weekly Creative Writing Group, encouraging participants to explore their thoughts and feelings through writing exercises, prompts, and storytelling.
• Guide a subsequent Feelings Forum where participants can share and discuss emotions sparked by the writing session or current experiences in a respectful and supportive atmosphere
• Foster an inclusive, non-judgmental environment where all voices are heard and valued
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the organisation’s safeguarding and mental health protocols
• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants

The skills you need

• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to mental health challenges
• Ability to facilitate group discussions and manage diverse emotional responses constructively
• Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach.
• Training or experience in mental health, counselling, social work, or a related field is advantageous but not essential

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Design the Identity of MINDSET Charity – Help Us Inspire Change

Who We Are

MINDSET Charity is a new, volunteer-run organisation dedicated to transforming men’s lives across England. We support men on their journeys of mental wellbeing and self-improvement through workshops, creative programmes, and community-building activities. From role play and storytelling to arts, crafts, and woodwork, we create spaces where men can open up, connect, and grow without judgment.

We are building a movement of resilience, dignity, and brotherhood. To bring this vision to life, we need a talented Graphic Designer to shape our visual identity and inspire communities nationwide.

The Role of Graphic Designer

As our Volunteer Graphic Designer, you will:

• Create impactful social media assets that amplify our message.

• Design event banners, brochures, and business stationery that embody our values.

• Develop info and motion graphics that make complex ideas accessible and engaging.

• Contribute to an introduction video that tells our story with clarity and emotional resonance.

• Help establish a consistent, dignified brand identity across all platforms.

This is a volunteer role, but your creativity will leave a lasting legacy — helping men across England feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from designers of all backgrounds who share our passion for men’s mental wellbeing. Whether you’re an experienced professional or an emerging creative, what matters most is your commitment to using design as a tool for impact. Skills in branding, digital design, motion graphics, or video editing are especially valuable.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a pioneering charity at its foundation stage.

• Shape the visual identity of a national movement.

• See your work directly empower men and communities.

• Collaborate with passionate volunteers united by purpose and vision.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to use your creativity to help build MINDSET Charity’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

This is more than design. It’s a chance to craft the face of a movement — to help men across England rediscover strength, dignity, and hope. Join us, and let’s build MINDSET together.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

We are currently recruiting for the following Trustees:

• Finance Trustee
• Service Delivery Trustee
• Fundraising Trustees

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of MindTHNR, ensuring strong governance, and supporting our mission to provide inclusive, accessible, and culturally competent mental health services. You will be joining a passionate and committed Board that works closely with our Chief Executive and leadership team to ensure we remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our values. To see more about our existing trustees click here.

The responsibilities for all Trustee roles are to:

• Uphold charity law, governing documents, and safeguard the organisation’s assets, reputation, and beneficiaries.
• Actively contribute to setting direction, monitoring performance, and supporting/challenging the Chief Executive and Leadership Team.
• Attend quarterly Board meetings, use your skills to inform decisions, and uphold the charity’s values of inclusion, integrity, and transparency.

See the recruitment pack for full details and information on what we are looking for each individual position.

While gaining invaluable experience in recruitment, human resources and NFP Social enterprise,                           practice your passion within real-life scenarios.

We are looking for Recruitment Managers to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in sourcing, engaging and will help us build a diverse and dedicated team to support our brand messages and visions.

If you are enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated about building a dynamic team and are excited to contribute your recruitment skills to a meaningful cause, join us as a Recruitment Manager Volunteer. Together, we can create a positive and lasting impact in our community.

Please note the role is a voluntary position and could be entirely remote. Any incurred reasonable expenses will be paid.

Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with HR and leadership team to understand needs, roles and requirements.
- Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies and campaigns.
- Utilise online platforms, social media, and community networks to advertise opportunities.
- Assist with review applications and inquiries, and assess candidate suitability.
- Conduct interviews with potential candidates to determine their skills, motivations, and alignment with our values and visions.
- Maintain a database of potential and current candidates and keeping track of their skills, interests, and availability.
- Work closely with leadership team and other team members to ensure a seamless transition from recruitment to engagement.
- Regularly report on recruitment metrics and effectiveness to the leadership team.
- Continuously seek opportunities to improve recruitment process.

Requirements:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to effectively market and promote opportunities.
- Experience in recruitment, human resources, or volunteer management is a plus.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
- Proficiency in using online platforms, social media, and communication tools.
- Dedicated and willing to learn.
- Committed to our values and mission 

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can become a vital part of our team.​

ABOUT TESYouth 

TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.

Victory Afghanistan is a volunteer-led nonprofit providing free online education, mentoring, and university preparation for Afghan girls and women who have been banned from attending school or university since 2021. We currently support more than 800 students aged 11–40 through English lessons and mentorship, helping them prepare for higher education opportunities abroad.

We are now seeking volunteer Duolingo English Test (DET) Tutors to join our mentoring programme for 20 weeks, from the third week of January 2026 to the third week of May 2026.

You will be working with highly motivated young women whose English is already excellent, most have Duolingo scores around 110, and our goal is to help them reach 125+ in preparation for university applications and scholarships abroad.

Commitment: 1–2 hours per week (online)
Programme duration: 16 weeks
Start date: Third week of January 2026
End date: Third week of May 2026

Your time will directly help young women prepare for higher education in September 2026, opening the door to their futures.

About ArtClusiv
ArtClusiv is a creative social enterprise that exists to amplify and empower BIPOC creatives across all disciplines, including music, visual arts, performance, design, and more. We create spaces where creativity, culture, and community meet. Our work addresses systemic barriers in the mainstream arts world and promotes a more fair, visible, and supportive ecosystem for underrepresented voices.
We do this through skills training, access to opportunities, artist visibility, fair payment advocacy, and a safe, inclusive community that celebrates identity and artistry.

Volunteer Board Member (Director)
ArtClusiv is seeking an experienced and committed board member to help guide our mission and shape our long term impact. This role is ideal for someone with leadership experience in the arts, community development, creative industries, nonprofit governance, or cultural equity work.

Role Overview
As a board member, you will provide strategic oversight and help ensure that ArtClusiv continues to grow in a focused, values driven direction. Your guidance will support our goals of increasing visibility, strengthening partnerships, and securing funding to expand our programmes and opportunities for BIPOC creatives.
You will work closely with the founder and fellow directors to advise on organisational development, sustainability, grant applications, stakeholder engagement, and ethical governance.

Key Responsibilities
• Offer strategic advice to help shape the long term direction of ArtClusiv
• Support funding strategy and help identify grant opportunities and partnership prospects
• Provide oversight on governance, risk management, and community accountability
• Champion the mission and act as an ambassador for ArtClusiv in your networks
• Attend quarterly board meetings and contribute actively to decision making
• Share expertise that strengthens our impact in visibility, outreach, and equity
• Support the founder in navigating nonprofit challenges and building organisational resilience

What We’re Looking For
• Previous experience in a board, director, or governance role (nonprofit or creative sector preferred)
• Knowledge of arts, culture, community development, or social impact
• Strong understanding of BIPOC representation in the arts and the systemic challenges creatives face
• Strategic thinking, leadership ability, and a collaborative approach
• Commitment to anti discrimination, fairness, and inclusive creative spaces

We Strongly Encourage Applications From
• BAME and POC artists or creative professionals
• Individuals with lived experience of underrepresentation in the arts
• People passionate about building equity centred creative ecosystems

What You Gain
• The opportunity to influence and support a growing creative nonprofit
• A meaningful leadership role that uplifts artists and communities
• Experience in CIC governance and strategic development
• A platform to contribute your voice, knowledge, and lived experience

If you want to help shape a more inclusive future for the arts and ensure that diverse creative talent is recognised, supported, and celebrated, we would love to hear from you.

Job Title: Admin Assistant                                                                               

Reports To: Department Manager 

Location: Remote 

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
Solta o Jogo is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a dedicated Admin Assistant to support the day-to-day coordination and administrative operations behind this exciting and community-driven programme.

Position Overview:
The Admin Assistant will play a vital role in supporting communication, event coordination, documentation, and volunteer tracking. This position is perfect for someone looking to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit administration, event logistics, and team coordination. The role offers flexibility, skill development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact within the community.

Key Responsibilities:

Event Coordination Support

• Schedule and manage logistics for project events, workshops, and community showcases.

• Track bookings, rehearsals, and venue use to ensure a smooth timeline.

• Support RSVP management and communication for performances and activities.

Data & Documentation Management

• Maintain and organise project records such as attendance sheets, registration forms, and feedback.

• Ensure digital files are properly stored and accessible for all team members.

• Assist in compiling reports and summaries post-events.

Communication & Liaison

• Serve as a contact point for public and internal queries related to the project.

• Help coordinate communication between departments involved in the project (HR, Marketing, PR, Finance).

• Communicate with facilitators, artists, and partners to confirm details and provide logistical support.

Resource & Inventory Support

• Track inventory of promotional and event materials.

• Assist in coordinating procurement and delivery of materials for activities and performances.

Volunteer Coordination

• Monitor onboarding progress of volunteers engaged in Solta o Jogo.

• Assist with preparing and maintaining volunteer schedules.

• Provide administrative support during volunteer briefings and training.

General Administrative Duties

• Take meeting minutes and circulate action items.

• Help draft internal updates, task lists, and team reminders.

• Provide general clerical support as needed.

Required Qualifications:

Education:
No specific degree required, but experience in administration, event coordination, or office support is desirable.

Skills & Attributes:

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Word and Excel).

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Attention to detail and ability to multitask efficiently.

• Friendly, professional, and proactive attitude.

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with remote teams.

Benefits:

• Gain practical experience in nonprofit administration and cultural event coordination.

• Work flexibly with a remote, supportive team.

• Contribute to a vibrant, meaningful community project.

• Receive mentoring and transferable skill development.

• Local travel reimbursement for any in-person events or meetings (if applicable).

Equality Statement:

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.

In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment by welcoming new members to the group and encouraging participation.
• Supporting group conversations – Instigating dialogue based on eye health related days/events or more interest-based topics.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring group rules are followed and that content is appropriate by alerting managers when inappropriate content is posted or when there is a safeguarding issue.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community by by engaging with the people with sight loss, local and national organisations.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers through regular moderator meetings

Time commitment
• This volunteering role requires a commitment of around 5 hours a week, there is the option to volunteer for a greater number of hours but this isn't essential.

How often will I be needed?

• 5 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires an enhanced criminal record check and 2 references.

Location

Region

• Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, North West, South East, West Midlands, North East, South West, Greater London

Home based

• This role is home based

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• An understanding and interest in maximising the benefits of social media platforms. A willingness to learn about local services and activities to inform the community as appropriate. Interested in helping people get the information they need. Good communication skills.

We’re dedicated to ensuring that autistic survivors of sexual violence and related abuse are believed and supported throughout their recovery journey. We achieve our mission by collaborating directly with survivors to voice, explore, and share ideas on effective recovery pathways.

Our work extends to initiating and responding to training opportunities that address the intersection of autism, sexual violence, and related abuse. We actively engage with diverse societal groups to establish collaborative projects and raise awareness, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environments for all.

By providing training to the public, Lotus Collaborations UK enhances recovery pathways for autistic survivors, equipping communities with the knowledge and tools needed to offer meaningful support. As a trusted partner in advocacy and education, we are committed to creating pathways to recovery that are accessible, empathetic, and informed by lived experience.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Whilst we welcome applications from all interested parties, and to promote diversity within the organisation, in line with section 3.2 of the Equality Act 2010, preference will be given to applicants who are autistic, or autistic with another neurominority, and who may also have other protected characteristic(s), provided they meet the essential criteria for the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and oversight of the organisation’s financial strategy, ensuring alignment with its mission and objectives.
• Ensure full compliance with Community Interest Company (CIC) regulations and all relevant financial legislation.
• Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and the preparation of annual accounts.
• Advise the Board of Directors on financial planning, risk management, and investment opportunities.
• Manage the organisation’s financial obligations, including reporting to Companies House and HMRC.
• Oversee the management and monitoring of acquired funding, ensuring all funder and HMRC requirements are met.
• Act as a key signatory for bank accounts and investments, ensuring proper processes are followed.
• Develop and implement internal audit procedures and maintain robust financial controls.
• Establish and maintain policies and systems for effective financial management and reporting.
• Collaborate with the Board to develop and uphold the organisation’s reserves policy.
• Monitor and evaluate contracts and supplier relationships to ensure best value and compliance.
• Prepare financial projections and reports for funding applications, strategic planning, and Board meetings.
• Liaise with the organisation’s accountant and external auditors as required.

What are we looking for?

Essential

• Proven experience in financial management, accounting, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of business strategy and financial legislation
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and reporting skills
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities
• Effective interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Ability to manage and prioritise workload
• Commitment to confidentiality

Desirable

• Understanding of the nature and impact of sexual violence/abuse (support available)
• Experience working in the voluntary or community sector
• Experience supporting or working with autistic people or neurominorities

Accessibility, and Inclusion

We are committed to making the recruitment process accessible and supportive for everyone. Assessment methods will be adapted to suit individual communication styles. Please let us know if you have specific requirements.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Lambeth Links in their search for their CEO.

Lambeth Links is a small charity with a big ambition: to be a central point of rallying, communication and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ Community who live, work and socialise in Lambeth – the largest borough in London. The organisation aims to strengthen the links between individuals and groups while also highlighting the many issues that continue to adversely affect the community.

Lambeth has a deep and rich history of LGBTQIA+ activism. From being home to founding members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) to hosting Europe’s first EuroPride in Brixton in 1992, the borough has long been the beating heart of the LGBTQIA+ Community. Lambeth Links exists to continue that legacy of championing collective voice and driving forward change.

As CEO, you will lead the operational and strategic running of the charity, make sure that the organisation runs well every day and that it has the people, systems and income to grow.

The ideal candidate will have :

• Significant experience of leading at senior level in a charity, social enterprise, public or community organisation. This might be as a Chief Officer, Director or Head of a significant function with clear accountability for people, budgets and organisational performance.
• Experience of working directly with or supporting a Board of Trustees or similar governing body, including preparing papers, giving honest advice and implementing decisions.
• Experience of organisational development or change, for example improving systems, structures, culture or ways of working in a small organisation.
• Understanding of the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people, including those who are Black or from other communities of colour, disabled people and people with insecure immigration status, and a commitment to intersectional practice.

​​​​How to Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following by 11.59pm on 21/12/2025:

• A detailed CV, setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements. 
• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role. Please explain how you meet the essential criteria and give one or two examples that show how you have already operated at, or very close to, Chief Officer level. For example, leading an organisation or major function, managing whole organisation budgets or income plans, or steering a Board or governing body through a key decision. 
• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

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.