Volunteer supporters volunteer volunteer roles in Wheaton aston, staffordshire
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.
What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):
- Writing letters to clients
- Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
- Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
- Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.
This role could be for you, if you:
- Enjoy writing and receiving letters
- Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
- Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
- Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
- Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
- Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect
What support and training will be provided?
- Feedback from clients and colleagues
- Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
- Answering questions
- Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
- Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
- Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards
What are the benefits for you?
- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
- Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
- An opportunity to engage with your community
Location of the role:
- Mainly your home
When are you needed?
- At a time to suit you
Omega is a registered charity dedicated to reducing social isolation and loneliness.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
UI/UX DESIGNER
Volunteer Recruitment — Remote Volunteer
ZAKKI is a social startup focusing on creating an inclusive community for the elderly and people with disabilities. Our mission is to facilitate alms and donations collection and deployment to help elderly people who still working in the informal sector to get better livelihood through micro-business management helps and giving them the exposure of greater market.
This candidate will build a clean and effective user experience platform. By working cross-functional, this candidate will understand needs from the product management, engineering, and business stakeholders and will build solutions that fit those needs.
For UX/UI volunteers, the task will be to design both PWA Responsive Website and mobile apps, which will then serve as the basis for software developer volunteers working on the project.
Requirement :
• Fond to design, familiar with Figma, Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop
• Knowledge of wireframe tools (e.g. Figma)
• Abundance with idea and initiative working as a team
• Active, helpful, and collaborative person (not passive person)
• Good time-management skills
• Communicative (good communication skills to collaborate with various stakeholders)
• High proficiency in English both verbal and writing
• Familiar with Google Workspace (Google Suite; Google Docs, Google Sheet, Google Forms, Google Meet).
• Preferred basic knowledge on Front End Developer (e.g. HTML, CSS) and or have basic knowledge on Games Development Platform (Ionic, PyGame, Unity, C++, Java)
Interested applicant shall submit Google Form below.
https://linktr.ee/zakkifoundation
Then, please click the desirable role accordingly.
Please submit the Google Form with your CV/resume and portfolio URL link (either in Dribble, Behance, Figma, and or another sharing platform).
After the submission, you are still able to edit your submitted response in case you need to update your supporting documents (i.e CV/Resume)
To become a socially-based technology platform with integrity, setting trends and assisting others in making the world a better place for everyone
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role Summary
Education Outreach Volunteers support the Reptile Centre by assisting with community education sessions, school visits, events, and public engagement activities. Volunteers help promote reptile welfare, conservation awareness, and responsible pet ownership. This role is ideal for people who enjoy working with the public, have an interest in animals, and want to make a positive impact in the community.
Key Responsibilities
Support Educational Sessions
-
Assist staff during school visits, workshops, and community outreach events.
-
Help set up and pack away educational materials, displays, and activity stations.
-
Support the delivery of interactive demonstrations (with or without live animals, depending on training).
-
Engage with visitors, answer basic questions, and help create a welcoming learning environment.
Animal Handling (Optional Based on Training)
-
Handle reptiles safely during sessions once trained and approved by senior staff.
-
Support welfare checks and ensure animals are comfortable during events.
-
Help maintain safe handling practices with the public.
Community Engagement
-
Represent the Reptile Centre positively at fairs, open days, fundraising events, and exhibitions.
-
Share information about the centre’s conservation work, rescue stories, and how people can get involved.
-
Encourage visitors to support fundraising campaigns and ongoing community initiatives.
Event Support
-
Assist with coordinating groups during onsite and offsite sessions.
-
Help manage queues, guide groups, and provide general visitor support.
-
Prepare craft materials, activity sheets, or demonstration equipment.
Practical Support
-
Help maintain the cleanliness and organisation of education and outreach equipment.
-
Support the preparation of educational resources and displays.
-
Assist with basic administrative tasks such as feedback collection or session records.
Skills & Qualities Needed
Essential
-
Friendly, reliable, and comfortable speaking with the public.
-
Enthusiastic about reptiles, wildlife, conservation, or animal education.
-
Willingness to learn and follow safety and welfare guidelines.
-
Good teamwork skills and a positive, helpful attitude.
Desirable
-
Experience working with animals, children, or in an educational setting.
-
Confidence handling reptiles (training will be provided).
-
Knowledge of reptile care, conservation, or science communication.
What We Provide
-
Full training in reptile handling, welfare, and safe educational practice.
-
Safeguarding and health & safety guidance.
-
Support from staff and fellow volunteers.
-
Opportunities to develop skills in public speaking, education, and animal care.
-
Experience that can support future employment or studies in animal care, conservation, or education.
Time Commitment
-
Flexible volunteer shifts available (weekdays, weekends, or event-based).
-
Volunteers can offer as much or as little time as they are comfortably able to.
-
Outreach events may require occasional travel with staff.
Additional Requirements
-
Minimum age (centre-specific, often 16+ or 18+).
-
Willingness to undergo basic training and follow centre policies.
-
Some roles may require a DBS check (depending on involvement with children).
Benefits of Volunteering
-
Make a meaningful contribution to reptile welfare and conservation education.
-
Gain confidence and skills in presenting and public engagement.
-
Work closely with a variety of reptiles and learn from experienced handlers.
-
Join a supportive team and become part of the centre’s community.
-
Opportunities to assist in fundraising that supports vital veterinary and rescue work.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you an Italian speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!
Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Italian-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By giving just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference — offering companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.
What is the Talking Bubble Project?
A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular calls, you’ll help build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and offer emotional support — especially for those more comfortable speaking Italian.
Why volunteer with us?
✔ Support members of the Italian-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a real difference in someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your own sense of fulfilment and purpose
✅ What’s required?
✔ Completion of online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training (funded by us)
✔ A DBS check (funded by us)
✔ A kind and compassionate approach, and a willingness to engage in friendly conversations
How to get involved:
Apply through the CharityJob website — no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.
Help us bring connection and kindness to the Italian-speaking community across the UK!
Do you enjoy outdoor spaces, flowers and nature? Can you appreciate the beauty of a well-maintained garden and enjoy taking care of it?
We’re looking for volunteer gardeners to help us maintain our gardens in our Walsall hospice.
At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We have three hospices in the West Midlands, which provide a happy homely environment where children can experience all kinds of great activities, meet new friends or relax and enjoy some quiet time.
As a volunteer, you’ll get involved in a variety of hands-on tasks such as planting, weeding, path clearing, sweeping, and general garden maintenance. It's a rewarding way to contribute to our hospice community while enjoying nature and staying active.
Am i right for the role
We are currently seeking volunteers with relevant experience in gardening or outdoor maintenance, as their skills and knowledge will be invaluable in helping us care for and maintain our garden to a high standard.
Hours are flexible throughout the week, as some team members are unable to undertake heavier physical tasks, we are especially interested in applicants who are reasonably fit and enjoy hands-on outdoor work.
Why volunteer at Acorns?
- Achieve a sense of wellbeing that you are helping your local community
- To connect with like-minded people and make new friends
- To enhance your CV by learning new skills and gain valuable experience
- We’ll give you a reference for future work or volunteering
- You’ll get Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and awards
- You’ll receive free mandatory and role specific training
Full training will be provided.
Our recruitment process includes attending interview, obtaining two suitable references and a clear DBS check (instigated by Acorns)
Dates: 2 February 2026 – 7 December 2026
Location: Remote (Online via Google Meet)
Commitment: 1 hour per week for 16 weeks
Location: Fully remote
Structure: We provide guidance, resources, and ongoing support, but there is no fixed curriculum.
Mentees: You will be paired with a small group of mentees (typically 6–9), aged 18–26, all fluent in English.
Scheduling: Mentors arrange sessions directly with mentees at mutually convenient times.
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome professionals from a wide range of industries. Our current mentors come from backgrounds including law, mental health, business, civil engineering, and architecture. Each mentor is carefully matched with students pursuing similar career paths to ensure meaningful and relevant engagement.
You do not need formal mentoring experience. We are seeking dedicated, emotionally intelligent, and inspirational professionals from around the world who bring real-world experience, strong communication skills, and empathy, and who are passionate about helping others grow.
This is not a traditional mentorship programme — it is a structured pathway designed to help young Afghan women develop the academic and professional skills needed to move forward despite the severe restrictions placed on them inside Afghanistan.
Applicants should hold either a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of professional experience. They should demonstrate emotional intelligence, clarity in communication, and the ability to guide, inspire, and challenge thoughtfully. A reliable internet connection is also essential.
Our students have completed six levels of English and are now enrolled in one of four mentorship semesters. Each mentee follows her own unique path, whether:
-
Pursuing an online university degree,
-
Applying for scholarships abroad (Europe or the US), or
-
Seeking remote work or internships (particularly for qualified professionals currently unable to work inside Afghanistan).
This is an opportunity to make a tangible, life-changing impact. The women in our programme are courageous, determined, and eager to learn, yet they lack access to role models and practical guidance from professionals in their fields.
As a mentor, you will help them take the next step, n whether that means applying for scholarships, building a career portfolio, or gaining the confidence and professional skills to work remotely.
Our long-term goal is to move towards a 1:1 mentor-to-student ratio, ensuring that each young woman receives the personalised support she deserves.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Organisation: The Muslim Lived Experience Network CIC
Role Type: Volunteer
Location: Remote
Time Commitment: 3.5–7.5 hours per week, 6 months fixed-term
Reports to: Co-Directors
Start Date: Immediate
About Us
The Muslim Lived Experience Network is a lived experience-led organisation committed to supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges. We offer faith-informed peer support interventions, lived experience-related workshops and events, Islamic talks on mental health related topics, hospital ‘Muslim Faith Kits’, training, consultation, ad hoc support and signposting.
Our team is made up of dedicated volunteers united by a shared mission to attain the pleasure of Allah (SWT). We strive to achieve this by bringing peer support and lived experience perspectives to our communities - to educate, reduce stigma, and improve the quality of life for people living with mental health conditions.
Role Purpose
We are seeking a highly organised and mission-driven Volunteer Operations Lead to join our team and support and streamline our internal operations. You’ll help build and maintain the organisational backbone of our CIC by coordinating people, processes and systems. This is a key leadership role within a small but growing team, perfect for someone passionate about using their skillset to help bring faith-sensitive support to our community.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operational Oversight
- Support day-to-day running of the organisation’s internal systems
- Implement and maintain operational processes, documentation, and protocols
- Coordinate calendars, internal meetings, and project timelines
- Track organisational goals and ensure progress reporting
- Help streamline workflows using digital tools (e.g. Sharepoint, Zoom)
2. Compliance & Admin
- Support data protection (GDPR) compliance and document management
- Keep internal policies and procedures organised and updated
- Assist with safeguarding processes and record-keeping
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Attributes
- Previous experience in the non-profit or CIC sector and/or experience in non-finance quality, legal, governance, HR or compliance/internal audit sector
- Understanding of safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant policies
- Strong organisational and planning skills
- Experience in operations, project coordination or administration
- Confident with digital tools
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to take initiative and work independently
- Passion for faith-informed approaches and/or mental health
- Alignment with the values of a Muslim-led, inclusive organisation
Desirable (but not required)
- Lived experience of mental health challenges
- Familiarity with the needs of Muslim and/or marginalised communities
- Experience in a leadership position
What You’ll Gain
- A leadership role in a purpose-led, community-rooted organisation
- A chance to directly shape systems and processes to help a growing CIC thrive
- Personal development and transferable skills in operations, leadership and project management
- Ongoing support, networking opportunities, and recognition for your contributions
- Flexible hours and a values-aligned, supportive team of volunteers
- A professional reference and volunteer certificate upon completion
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for remote phone volunteers to respond to client and general enquiries using our Webex app.
Why we want you
To speak directly to those in financial crisis and arrange help for them.
What you will be doing
- Speaking to individuals on the phone (Via Webex)
- Assessing their eligibility for a food parcel and other help from the foodbank
- Taking down their details to arrange food parcel and other help
The skills you need
- Good listening skills
- Ability to manage conversations, sometimes difficult conversations
- Supporting as part of a team
What's in it for you
- Giving hope and arranging help to those who are in difficult situations
- Having a positive impact in your community
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of the issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sport. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to sports clubs, sporting venues and facilities and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a sporting world without barriers.
What you’ll be doing
1. Talks to sports and physical activity providers to support and encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local leisure centres, sporting venues and sports clubs.
2. Delivering talks to raise awareness of existing sporting and physical activity opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
3. Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service.
What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies
In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training, in particular training in public speaking and story telling will be given.
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers
How often will I be needed?
- 4 Hours per Month
Key requirements
- This role requires 1 reference.
Location
Region
- Northern Ireland
Who this opportunity will suit
- This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- You’ll ideally have 1. Lived experience in playing, spectating, or delivering sport or physical activity sessions as a blind or partially sighted person. 2. Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sports and physical activity. 3. Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your sporting story, or a willingness to try with our support. 4. Have effective communication skills. 5. An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC) is a small, independent rare disease charity competing for essential resources within an extremely competitive arena.
Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to the recognised voice for leukodystrophy patients and their families. In order to fulfil our charitable objectives we need to increase and sustain our corporate income levels.
Could you spare a few hours a week to help us?
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for volunteers, preferably with corporate fundraising experience to:
• research the corporate giving landscape and the interests of potential donors
• identify potential corporate donors and partners whose corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals align with our mission and values
• approach local and national businesses in person and over the telephone to inform them of the work of Alex TLC
• keep a record of all approaches
Time Commitment
• This role is flexible and can easily fit round your other commitments.
Location of Volunteering
• Homebased
ABOUT YOU
• an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do
• access to a computer/laptop with an internet connection, and a printer
• basic understanding of the complexities of leukodystrophy
• excellent written skills
• excellent organisational and administrative skills
Benefits to you:
• Meeting and working with new people
• The ability to volunteer around your own commitments
• Learning new skills whilst having fun!
• Adding to your CV
• Helping those affected by leukodystrophies
We can only accept applications from UK residents.
Our Mission is to support anyone affected by leukodystrophy, support research, raise awareness and improve best practice within healthcare systems.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Hello my name is Bahati from Tanzania, i am the founder of the registered non profit organization called smile for future generation in Tanzania, I'm humbly asking a volunteer from Europe or United States to help us doing fundraising campaign for the projects we have in our organization, the core role will be linking our organization with companies ,individual philanthropists and other organization for gaining more experience.
Enhance children development and education through capacity building, infrastructure and facilities development
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About YAUK
Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organisation that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects
that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.
Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.
We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.
What we offer!
Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to apply for one of our volunteering positions. We will speak to you about what your aims are to ensure that the volunteering position you are applying for is suitable. By volunteering you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organisation who is looking to help young people in the UK.
We are looking to appoint a volunteer who has management experience and who is able to support the functions of our Communications & Marketing Department through the effective management of our marketing team and marketing policy. These functions include: website, social media, engagement, events and sponsorship (as a temporary function within this department).
Key accountabilities:
- Departmental strategic management
- Marketing policy development
- Social media output
- Website development and design
- Engagement and events
- To take part in department wider management and leadership activities
- To support the planning of department activities
- To take on line management roles as assigned
- To provide effective supervision and guidance to other volunteers as delegated
- To oversee departmental tasks
- To provide support and additional capacity with regards to progress of departmental relevant tasks
Requirements
- To have experience working in the charity sector or voluntary sector
- To have experience in managing a team of people/volunteers
- To be competent in IT, social media and website design
- To be an effective communicator and leader
- At least 7 or more years of relevant experience.
- Some experience (ideally 2 or more years) of managing or leading a team.
- Excellent writing and communication skills.
- IT literacy with own equipment (laptop and phone)
- Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.
- Right to volunteer in the UK
Benefits
-
This is a UK based 100% Fully remote and flexible role
-
Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.
-
Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.
Why volunteer with us?
We are a supportive and friendly organisation that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.
We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organisation, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience to help you begin your career in Research as we endeavour to grow our organisation and continue to make positive changes to the lives of young people. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Please submit your application with a covering letter explaining how you need the requirements for this volunteering post. We would also love to hear about what motivates you and what you hope to gain from this volunteering post.
Upload your CV in a PDF format only, applications outside of this format may not be considered.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you looking for a meaningful, flexible way to support others? Join the Talking Bubble Project and help tackle loneliness through the power of a simple phone call.
Since the pandemic, many befriending services have wound down—but Talking Bubble remains one of the few projects still offering regular, phone-based companionship to those who need it most. Demand for this kind of support remains high, and we’re actively looking for kind, compassionate English-speaking volunteers to help meet this growing need.
What is the Talking Bubble Project?
☎︎ It’s a phone-based befriending service that connects volunteers with older adults and vulnerable individuals across the UK who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation. By committing just a little time each week, you can offer someone the warmth of conversation and a regular point of connection.
Why Volunteer With Us?
✔ Make a genuine impact on someone's life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours from the comfort of your home
✔ Receive full training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your sense of purpose and community
What You’ll Need
✅ No experience required—just a kind heart, a listening ear, and a willingness to talk
✅ Volunteers must complete Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check—we cover the cost of both
✅ 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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Victory Afghanistan is a volunteer -led nonprofit providing free online English lessons and mentoring for Afghan girls and women who are currently barred from formal education. Our mission is to equip them with the skills and confidence to apply for scholarships and university placements abroad.
We are looking for a number of volunteer IELTS Tutors to support our mentorship-level students from January to May 2026. These students already have an IELTS level of around 6.0 and now need focused preparation to achieve higher scores required for university entry.
You will be teaching bright, ambitious young women who are eager to perfect their academic English, improve their fluency, and succeed in international admissions. Lessons are held online once or twice a week, and materials can be adapted to suit your teaching style.
Commitment: 1–2 hours per week (online) depending on your availability.
Programme duration: 16 weeks
Start date: Third week of January 2026
End date: Third week of May 2026
This is a critical role in helping our students prepare for higher education starting September 2026—your guidance can truly change lives.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
