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Volunteering Opportunity 

Physical Activity Mentor

What You’ll Do

Support older people aged 65+ to become more physically active and achieve personal wellbeing goals through one-to-one mentoring. You'll provide encouragement, motivation, and practical support to help someone make positive lifestyle changes over a 12-week programme.

You will:

· Meet with an older person regularly to build a supportive mentoring relationship

· Help them identify a wellbeing or physical activity goal

· Work together to create achievable steps and milestones

· Encourage and motivate them to stay active and overcome barriers

· Review progress and celebrate achievements

· Signpost to local activities and opportunities where appropriate

· Maintain accurate records of mentoring sessions

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Communication and active listening

· Motivation and mentoring skills

· Confidence supporting behaviour change

· Understanding of healthy ageing and physical activity

· Organisation and record keeping

· Problem-solving and goal setting

Time Commitment

Minimum 2 hours per week

Flexible weekdays between 9:00am and 5:00pm

Location: Enfield Please note this role may involve visiting individuals in their homes, as well as meeting them in public and community settings.

Reports to: Communities in Motion Manager

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it to us (email address included in application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Do you use technology on a regular basis for work, study, or daily life? If so, it is likely that you have the needed skills for this role! Help people to stay connected, improve their financial health, employability, and learn how to access much needed services and resources online! You will make a positive difference to bridging the digital divide, empowering others to gain knowledge and confidence in using technology!

These sessions will take place on Fridays between 10:30 - 1:15pm!

What you will be doing

• Supporting service users to gain digital skills and knowledge on a computer, tablet and smart phone via one to one or in small group sessions
• Supporting service users to use digital apps, emails, search the internet, online shopping and set up online accounts
• Supporting service users to learn the skills to keep in touch with family and friends, such a video call and messaging
• Support individuals to agree and aspire on the steps/ goals they would like to achieve in the sessions
• Lead on the logistics and organisation of the sessions alongside the staff team
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Confident using digital skills
• Willingness and interest in facilitating one to one and group session on basic digital skills
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

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 - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Cheerer Volunteering at the Great North run

Would you like to have a great day out, while supporting Shelter’s fundraisers?

Information about the role

The main thing we need you to do is cheer! You will be a vital part of race day, supporting 170 Shelter runners from the side lines. You’ll need to help create a high energy, friendly atmosphere, motivating everyone on race day to do their best.

Volunteering at this event is also an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit whilst contributing towards our mission.

Date: Sunday 13 September 2026

Time: Half a day – approx. 9am – 2pm

Location: Newcastle/Gateshead – along the race route

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

This role fights the housing emergency by creating an inspirational buzz and providing much needed support to our fantastic runners, helping them in their mission to raise money for our Fight for Home.  

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Next steps

If you would like to volunteer at this event, click ‘fill in an application’. After you have applied, we’ll be in touch to say hi and discuss the volunteering opportunity further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.

Events Volunteer - Lancashire (various)

Do you want to raise some money for Shelter, while having fun along the way?

Information about the role

This role involves supporting at a range of events to help raise money and awareness to tackle the housing emergency. It’s a really flexible opportunity. Once you’re signed up, we’ll let you know about upcoming events and tasks, and you can decide which you’d like to do. 

Location: Lancashire (various)

Suggested contribution: It’s up to you! Ideally, you’d help out at least 4-5 times per year, but this is flexible. 

Availability: This is a varied opportunity with events taking place at different times and on different days throughout the year, including evenings and weekends. You can choose the events that best suit your availability. 

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details. 

Main activities may include:

This is a flexible and diverse role. Here are some of the activities you might get involved in:

• Represent us at a range of events including, community fairs, gigs, Pride marches, sporting events and street stalls.

• Support some of our fundraising activity such as holding collection cans in public spaces or bag packing in supermarkets.

• Help us grow our movement for change by supporting petitions and raising awareness of our calls to action through social media.

• Other one-off tasks such as web-based research.

This role fights the housing emergency by raising funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support and campaigning for change. The events you’ll be attending are also great for raising awareness of the housing emergency and how people can get involved to help tackle it. 

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Your skills and experience 

The most important thing for this role is that you are passionate about joining our fight for home!

Supporting you

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences. 

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance. 

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

Next steps

You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us.

We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information.

Help cats in the Glasgow area and beyond!

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!

It is a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

o face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.

o online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.

o bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.

o engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

o Sympathy to cats and our values

o Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.

o Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities

o Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising

o Good communication and team player

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

Volunteer Drivers – Make a Real Difference in Birmingham

Are you a confident and considerate driver looking for a way to give back to your community? Join our Dependency and Recovery Service as a Volunteer Driver and help people take their first steps toward a positive future.

What’s the role?

As a Volunteer Driver, you’ll:

• Meet individuals at the prison gate and drive them safely to their designated Probation Office.
• Use your own vehicle to provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive journey.
• Work alongside our Dependency and Recovery Coordinators and other volunteers to help people transition smoothly back into the community.

Why this role matters

Leaving prison can be overwhelming. Your support helps reduce anxiety and builds trust, giving people the best chance to engage with services and make positive changes.

What we’re looking for

• Patience and resilience – building trust takes time.
• A positive role model who is punctual, honest, and reliable.
• Someone who treats others with respect and empathy.

What you’ll receive

• Comprehensive training and ongoing support.
• A dedicated supervisor to guide you in your role.
• The chance to make a real difference in someone’s life.

Practical details

• You’ll need your own vehicle and a valid driving licence, MOT and insurance
• Must have at least 2 years driving experience on a full licence
• Must not have been disqualified for drink/drug driving in the last 5 years
• Must not have any points for any major offences on the driving licence
• Mileage expenses are reimbursed
• Availability - Monday/Tuesday/ Wednesday or Thursday during the mornings

Please see attached role description for full details

This post will be subject to an Enhanced DBS and Enhamced Level 1 vetting for Prison and Probation services

Volunteer Role: Peer Mentor

Location: 25 Victoria Street, Rochester, ME1 1XJ and other locations in the surrounding community. Unfortunately, this service does not have step-free access. 

Do you...

• Have lived experience of substance misuse, supported living, or rough sleeping?
• Found ways to overcome challenges in your life that you could share with others?
• Have experience accessing treatment or support services?
• Been free from illicit drug use or problematic alcohol use for the past 3-6 months?

If you’ve said yes to all of the above, there are people going through a similar experience that need your help in their recovery. You will be fully trained and supported by our Peer Outreach Coordinator throughout your time with the project.

About the Role

Our Peer Mentors support clients to engage with treatment services through supporting access to these services in a variety of ways including, through taking people to appointments, sharing of their own experiences, making referrals into drug and alcohol treatment services and proactively encouraging clients to access harm reduction interventions and treatment services.

The clients that you will be working with will either be experiencing rough sleeping or who are at risk of experiencing rough-sleeping.

What is the Commitment?

We are looking for volunteers who can commit to giving 1-5 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Volunteering at our service usually takes place Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm. We are very flexible and happy to work around your availability where we can.

What You Can Expect From Us

A mandatory training course will be provided which will cover all aspects of Peer Mentoring including covering boundaries, safeguarding, confidentiality and personal safety. This course will be undertaken in partnership with the NHS peer mentor training scheme. Ongoing supervision and support will be provided throughout the whole process by the Pathways Peer Outreach Coordinator.

You can expect that we will:

• Work with you to find a volunteering arrangement that works for you and for the service. We will be as flexible as we can!
• Reimburse you for agreed expenses relating to your volunteering.
• Welcome you warmly into our team and support you to get the most from your experience.
• Recognise and celebrate your contribution to the team! We can provide references to confirm your achievements and contributions upon request.
• Provide regular supervision and opportunities to provide feedback on your experience.
• You will be eligible to register with Blue Light Discount Card. 

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

This role may close early, for a better chance to be considered, we recommend applying as soon as possible as we screen on an ongoing basis. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds

Summary

Supporting young people in leading activities and mentoring support by providing a listening ear and practical support and guidance.

Detailed description

You’ll find plenty of ways to use your listening skills as well as being a first point of advice for practical concerns that young people face or for supporting them in fun and exciting activities and games. We have our Youth Sessions based in Watford, Hatfield and Cheshunt.

Tuesdays (Watford, Orbital Community Centre)

*********PLEASE NOTE AS OF JUNE 2026 WE ARE AT CAPACITY FOR VOLUNTEERS AT WATFORD SITE AND WILL UPDATE THIS PAGE ONCE WE RE-OPEN APPLICATIONS HOWEVER PLEASE CONTINUE TO APPLY FOR HATFIELD**********

4.30pm to 6.30pm (Juniors)

6.30pm to 8pm (Seniors)

HATFIELD
Wednesdays

The Hive @ Jim McDonald Centre

Seniors - 4.30pm to 6pm

Thursdays

St John' Youth Centre

Juniors - 4.30pm to 6pm

Project Group - 6.30 to 7.30

You will be:

Supporting youth work activities and workshops

Supervising young people in discussion sessions

Building positive relationships with young people

Working with other staff to plan and evaluate activities by gaining feedback

The application process is simple - please submit an initial enquiries form by clicking on the below link with your details and ensure you let us know that you saw our advert on the CharityJob website and we will get in touch to discuss next steps. Following a brief discussion we will ask you to fill in a few more details, carry out an informal interview and apply for a DBS check as well as requesting details of two referees.

We also provide full training and support throughout your journey and you will have access to events and celebrations throughout the year!

We look forward to welcoming you to be a part of the One YMCA Family!

MapAction is a leading humanitarian charity that provides geospatial, mapping and data expertise to support disaster response and preparedness worldwide. For more than 20 years, MapAction has worked alongside governments, UN agencies, humanitarian organisations and local partners, supporting over 150 humanitarian emergencies in more than 80 countries. By providing critical insights through maps, data visualisation and analysis, MapAction helps decision-makers understand rapidly evolving situations, target assistance more effectively and ultimately save lives. 

MapAction combines the commitment and expertise of small professional staff team with circa 70 highly skilled volunteer geospatial, mapping and data specialists. Together, they help partners prepare for, respond to, and recover from humanitarian crises, while also developing innovative approaches to strengthen disaster resilience and anticipatory action. 

MapAction is now seeking to appoint a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to succeed Nick Moody, who will step down later this year following two successful terms as Chair. This is an exciting opportunity to provide leadership to a unique charity that sits at the intersection of humanitarian action, technology and innovation, and to help shape its future direction and impact. 

The Chair will play a pivotal leadership role, working closely with the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees to ensure the effective delivery of MapAction’s mission, strategic objectives and long-term sustainability. The Chair will foster strong and constructive relationships across the Board, executive team, staff and volunteers, ensuring that the organisation benefits from both effective support and constructive challenge. Working in partnership with the Chief Executive, the Chair will also act as a key ambassador for MapAction, building and maintaining relationships with funders, partners and stakeholders, and helping to enhance the charity’s profile, influence and impact within the humanitarian sector. 

The successful candidate will be an accomplished senior leader with experience of leading senior executive teams and/or non-executive boards. They will possess a strong understanding of governance, organisational risk and financial oversight, together with the credibility and gravitas to influence at the highest levels. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to support fundraising and stakeholder engagement activities, and a genuine commitment to the delivery of humanitarian benefit. Prior experience of the humanitarian, international development, technology, data or voluntary sectors is a distinct advantage.

The Chair will be appointed for an initial term of three years, with the option of renewal for a further term. The role is voluntary and unremunerated. 

MapAction is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Final interviews are anticipated to take place in mid- to late-September 2026..

PROGRAMME LEAD — SUNSHINE Charity

Shape the vision. Build the programmes. Bring human connection to life.

Lead the creation of SUNSHINE’s very first programmes — and help transform lives

SUNSHINE Charity is a joyful, human‑driven movement tackling loneliness through connection, kindness and uplifting experiences. We’re launching our first pilot programmes — including our Digital Inclusion & Skills Programme and our Community Gatherings for people facing loneliness and social isolation — and we need passionate, creative Programme Leads to bring them to life.

If you love designing meaningful experiences, building community, and turning ideas into real, human‑centred programmes, this role is your chance to shape something beautiful from the ground up.

Why this role matters

Our programmes are SUNSHINE. They’re how we bring people together, build confidence, reduce isolation and create spaces where people feel seen, valued and connected.

As a Programme Lead, you’ll ensure every activity, workshop and gathering reflects SUNSHINE’s core values: joy, humanity, kindness, dignity, inclusion and community spirit.

You’ll help us design pilot programmes that are safe, uplifting, accessible and rooted in UK good practice — programmes that genuinely change lives.

Key duties will include

• Lead the set‑up and development of SUNSHINE’s pilot programmes Shape the structure, content, delivery and evaluation of our first community offerings.

• Design and develop our Digital Inclusion & Skills Programme Help isolated individuals gain confidence with technology, online communication and digital tools.

• Create and run Community Gatherings Build warm, welcoming spaces where people can meet, talk, laugh and feel part of something again.

• Ensure SUNSHINE’s aims and values are at the forefront Every session should feel joyful, human, safe and community‑driven.

• Co‑produce activities with volunteers and participants Listen, adapt and build programmes that reflect real needs and real voices.

• Promote good practice in safeguarding, inclusion and accessibility Ensure sessions are safe, respectful and supportive for everyone involved.

• Evaluate pilot programmes Gather feedback, measure impact and help shape our long‑term programme strategy.

Who you are

You'll bring:

• Creativity, warmth and human‑centred thinking

• A passion for community, connection and reducing loneliness

• Strong organisation and planning skills

• Confidence in leading groups or designing activities

• A positive, uplifting, can‑do attitude

• Experience in programme design, community work or facilitation (helpful but not essential)

Most importantly, you care deeply about helping people feel less alone — and you want to build programmes that make that possible.

What you’ll be part of

SUNSHINE is a charity built on joy, humanity and community spirit. You’ll join a team that is:

• Supportive

• Passionate

• Ambitious

• Heart‑led

• Dedicated to making London a kinder, more connected place

You’ll help create programmes that spark friendships, build confidence and bring sunshine into people’s lives.

Ready to help us shine?

If you want to design uplifting programmes, build community and make a real human impact, we’d love to welcome you into the SUNSHINE family.

• Step forward.
• Bring your creativity, your energy, your heart.
• Help us build programmes that light up London.

Let’s make sunshine happen together.

The Netherton Feelgood Factory exists to support local people. We provide activities, services, and a welcoming space for residents of all ages and backgrounds — but none of that happens without a secure financial foundation. As a small charity, we can't rely on grants and donations alone. Sustainable income from venue hire gives us something equally precious: independence. The freedom to plan ahead, to protect the services people rely on, and to say yes to new ideas. As our Venue Hire & Income Generation Volunteer, you won't just be filling a diary. You'll be helping to future-proof a community asset.

Our organisation provides advice and services to all members of our local community from birth to old age.  We help over 5000 people each year with a variety of health-related or social needs.  Our centre is used as a base for counselling, food distribution, health programmes, children’s activities and social groups.  As funding sources have diminished the demand for our services has increased.  We are actively pursuing other ways to generate income.

We're looking for a volunteer with business, sales, or marketing experience to help us make the most of our fantastic building by hiring it out to local businesses, training providers, clubs, and organisations. Whether you've worked in sales, events, marketing, property, or business development — or simply have a talent for spotting an opportunity and making things happen — we'd love to hear from you.

You'll play a key role in identifying potential hirers, promoting our spaces, and helping us price and package our facilities competitively — all while ensuring the centre's core charitable activities remain protected.

• Identify and approach potential hirers, including local businesses, training providers, clubs, and community organisations
• Develop and maintain a marketing plan to promote the building for hire (e.g. flyers, social media, local business networks, online listings)
• Review and help set competitive, sustainable hire rates for different rooms/spaces and time slots
• Create or improve hire packages (e.g. half-day/full-day rates, regular booking discounts, room set-up options)
• Help develop simple hire agreements, terms and conditions, and invoicing processes (with support from staff/trustees)
• Build relationships with regular or repeat hirers to encourage long-term bookings
• Identify opportunities for new income streams connected to venue hire (e.g. catering add-ons, equipment hire)
• Report progress and income performance to the management team/trustees on a regular basis.

This is a genuinely rewarding role. You'll use your real-world skills to help generate vital income that goes straight back into funding the services our community depends on. You'll have the freedom to be creative — developing hire packages, building relationships with local businesses, and finding new ways to fill our spaces and boost our income.

You won't be doing it alone. Our friendly staff and trustee team will support you every step of the way, and you'll have the flexibility to volunteer in a way that suits your schedule.

If you're approaching retirement and looking for a way to keep your business skills sharp and stay connected, or if you're simply someone who wants to make a difference close to home, this could be the perfect fit.

Summary

Supporting young people in leading activities and mentoring support by providing a listening ear and practical support and guidance.

Detailed description

You’ll find plenty of ways to use your listening skills as well as being a first point of advice for practical concerns that young people face or for supporting them in fun and exciting activities and games. We have our Youth Sessions based in Watford, Hatfield and Cheshunt.

Tuesdays (Watford, Orbital Community Centre)

*********PLEASE NOTE AS OF JUNE 2026 WE ARE AT CAPACITY FOR VOLUNTEERS AT WATFORD SITE AND WILL UPDATE THIS PAGE ONCE WE RE-OPEN APPLICATIONS HOWEVER PLEASE CONTINUE TO APPLY FOR HATFIELD**********

4.30pm to 6.30pm (Juniors)

6.30pm to 8pm (Seniors)

HATFIELD
Wednesdays

The Hive @ Jim McDonald Centre

Seniors - 4.30pm to 6pm

Thursdays

St John' Youth Centre

Juniors - 4.30pm to 6pm

Project Group - 6.30 to 7.30

You will be:

Supporting youth work activities and workshops

Supervising young people in discussion sessions

Building positive relationships with young people

Working with other staff to plan and evaluate activities by gaining feedback

The application process is simple - please submit an initial enquiries form by clicking on the below link with your details and ensure you let us know that you saw our advert on the CharityJob website and we will get in touch to discuss next steps. Following a brief discussion we will ask you to fill in a few more details, carry out an informal interview and apply for a DBS check as well as requesting details of two referees.

We also provide full training and support throughout your journey and you will have access to events and celebrations throughout the year!

We look forward to welcoming you to be a part of the One YMCA Family!

Volunteer Animal Fosterer - RSPCA North West London and South Hertfordshire Branch

Could you open your home to an animal who needs a little extra time, care and love?

Not every animal is ready to go straight into their forever home. Some need somewhere quiet and comfortable while they recover from illness or treatment. Others need time to grow in confidence, experience life in a home environment or simply have someone give them the attention and reassurance they need.

That's where our fosterers come in.

By opening your home temporarily to a cat, rabbit, guinea pig or another small animal, you can give them something incredibly valuable - a safe place to settle, recover and be themselves while we find their forever home. You could be the person who helps a nervous cat discover that people can be trusted, gives a rabbit the chance to experience life in a loving home, or helps us understand exactly what an animal needs from their future family. And when the time comes for them to move on, you'll know that you played an important part in getting them there.

You won't be doing it alone Our fosterers are part of our wider animal welfare team. We'll get to know you, your home and your experience, and we'll support you throughout the placement.

We'll provide:

• Fostering training and an induction.

• Food and equipment needed for your foster animal.

• Veterinary care.

• Ongoing advice and support from our animal welfare team.

• Reimbursement of other expenses agreed with us in advance.

You'll always be able to talk to someone if you have a question or are unsure about something.

What does fostering involve?

Every foster animal is different, so no two placements will be exactly the same. Depending on the animal, you might:

• Give them a safe, comfortable and appropriate space in your home.

• Provide food, fresh water and grooming as needed.

• Spend time helping them feel safe, settled and comfortable.

• Give them plenty of appropriate play, enrichment and, when they're ready, affection and cuddles.

• Keep an eye on their behaviour and wellbeing and let our team know how they're getting on.

• Give medication or support rehabilitation where needed.

• Take them to routine or emergency veterinary appointments.

• Tell us about their personality, likes, dislikes and the progress they're making.

• Help us find the right forever home by sharing what you've learnt about them.

You don't need to be an animal behaviour expert. What matters most is patience, commitment and a willingness to learn.

Could you be a fosterer?

Fostering could be a great fit if:

• You're aged 18 or over and have good experience of caring for animals.

• Everyone in your household is happy to welcome a foster animal into your home.

• You have enough time to give an animal the care and attention they need.

• You're patient and able to adapt if their needs change.

• You live within the area covered by our Branch, as shown on the accompanying map.

• You're able to collect supplies from our offices.

• You can transport your foster animal to veterinary appointments, including urgent appointments if needed.

• Any animals already living in your home have been spayed or neutered. If this isn't possible for medical reasons, please talk to us - we can discuss your circumstances.

You don't need previous fostering experience. If you have the right experience with animals and are willing to learn, we'll provide the training and support you need.

What will you get from fostering?

Fostering can be incredibly rewarding.

You'll:

• Make a direct difference to an animal who needs your help.

• Give an animal the chance to feel safe and relaxed in a home environment.

• Help an animal recover, build confidence or prepare for adoption.

• Get to know an animal's individual personality and help us find the right forever home for them.

• Develop your animal-care knowledge and practical skills.

• Receive training and ongoing support from our team.

• Become part of our community of staff and volunteers.

• Gain valuable volunteering experience.

And, of course, you'll get to enjoy the company of your foster animal - without making the lifelong commitment that comes with adoption.

Finding the right foster animal for you

We don't expect you to foster every animal who needs a home.

Every animal is different, and we'll take the time to understand your home, your experience, your availability and the types of animals you're comfortable caring for. We'll then look for a foster placement that's a good match for both you and the animal. You'll have the opportunity to talk to us about each potential placement before you agree to take an animal. If a particular animal isn't right for you, that's absolutely fine. We want fostering to work well for everyone.

Could you give an animal a temporary home? If you've ever thought about helping an animal but adoption isn't right for you, fostering could be the perfect way to make a difference. You could give an animal the time, patience and care they need today - and help them take their next step towards a happy life in their forever home.

We'd love to hear from you.

All our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and an initial trial period. We'll ask you to provide details of two referees. Depending on the role and the animals you foster, you may also need to complete specific training and sign a volunteer agreement before you begin.

Asist is an acronym for Advocacy Services in Staffordshire and Stoke-on Trent. Asist provides specialist independent advocacy support focused on one to-one, issue-based advocacy for adults, children and young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and/or mental health issues.

We support adults, children and young people to make small and big decisions in their own lives and to speak to services who make decisions because of a person’s health or disability. Advocacy is about enabling all people to have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives. Asist advocates will not be judgemental and will not guide or influence the people they work with – whatever their age. Advocacy is about including people in their own story.

We are excited to be recruiting for new members to join our Board this year. Whether you are an experienced board memember or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we want to hear from you!

What we are looking for:

• Leadership experience

• Strategic thinking

• HR experience

• Business background

• Marketing skills

• Commitment to our mission

• Collaborative spirit

Asist’s Board meets once every two calendar months (six per year). Board members are required to attend a minimum of four meetings to remain active. Board meetings are agreed in advance, collectively, by the chair and trustees.