Volunteer volunteer roles in acocks green, west midlands

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 500 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Disclaimer

We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please visit your local store for a paper application form or contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on our website.

Location:

Unit 6 Warwickshire Shopping Park, Kynner Way, Coventry, West Midlands, CV3 2TA, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

Who are we?

We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for volunteers to help to create some backdrops (that fold down small please, storage is an issue!) that we can use at our events and interactive workshops. Our workshop and safe bubble is all about creating an imaginative world and we want to make the experience as immersive as possible for families. We have already created a magical world called Bubble World and now we want to bring it to life.

Who are we looking for?

• Somebody who is fun loving
• Creative
• Artistic
• Collaborative

What do we expect?

• Must be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.
• Have a basic DBS check (preferably be on the update system)
• Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if appropriate).
• A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answe questions on this.

Interested?

Email us and lets chat. 

We're STAMMA. We exist to create a world that makes space for stammering. Where a stammer is embraced as just a difference. Where no-one judges us on our stammer or the way we choose to deal with it. 

We will stand up for and empower those who stammer and challenge discrimination wherever we find it. We will provide support and information and fight for speech and language therapy services for those who want it. No matter how you talk, we're here for you. Join us and help the public understand that stammering is not a sign of being shy, drunk, dishonest, nervous or weak. It's simply how some of us talk.

We provide a free national helpline, email and webchat service, online resources and information, support for local groups and professional networks, for families with children who stammer, and an Advocacy Service for those who have been discriminated against because of their stammer.

STAMMA’s Helpline Services include our phoneline, webchat and email support services and are a hugely important part of STAMMA’s work. This is frontline stuff, responding to people reaching out for information and support. It’s a great opportunity to spend time chatting with people who stammer, as well as their parents, grandparents, teachers and employers, taking the time to make space to listen and to value what they have to say. Where appropriate we then signpost people to useful information, support and services.

We use a virtual call centre which means you can take calls and webchats from home, using a desktop or laptop computer.

Our helpline is manned by our amazing volunteers from 10am - 2pm (our morning shift), and from 4pm - 8pm (our evening shift), Monday to Thursday. We are looking for dedicated volunteers who can commit to one of the following shifts on a weekly basis:

Monday: morning or evening

Tuesday: morning or evening

Wednesday: morning

Thursday: morning

We think that you (and our callers!) will get the most out of this opportunity if you're able to volunteer with us for at least 12 months or more. By gradually learning and developing your confidence in the role, you can have the biggest impact. 

About the role

Working within our Helpline Services, we’re hoping you’ll feel comfortable to:

• Take helpline calls (listening and speaking on the phone)
• Respond to webchats (reading on-screen messages and typing responses)
• Sending occasional emails

If you wish to, you can also be linked to an area of project work. That way, if the helpline services are quiet during your shift, you can get involved in other areas of STAMMA’s work. Project work is likely to involve reading and reviewing documents and resources, contributing to discussions and campaign ideas, and helping develop new resources.

We provide structured, online training that you can complete at your own pace, but is likely to take about 8-10 hours in total to complete. Following the training, you’ll have practice helpline calls and webchats. If you feel ready after that, you’ll start working in the helpline services. Ongoing support includes:

• Monthly helpline services meetings where you can meet other helpline volunteers. These monthly meetings include a short training session and discussion where we share and learn from our experiences of different calls and webchats.
• We have a WhatsApp group where you can keep in touch with other volunteers.
• Volunteer supervisors are available for one-to-one support and discussions.
• Access the training modules as many times as you want.

Who are we looking for?

You’re likely to enjoy volunteering in the Helpline Services if you:

• have a genuine curiosity about people and their experiences
• are able to understand written and spoken English
• are comfortable enough to speak on the telephone
• are comfortable with basic email functions
• have good administration skills
• enjoy listening and talking to people

It’s not essential to stammer yourself if you’re interested in working in our helpline, but it can be an advantage if you do, or if you are the parent of a child who stammers. Many of our callers find it really helpful to know that they’re speaking to someone who really ‘gets it’ and who has that personal insight into some of the issues and questions they have.

This is a volunteer role is remote, so you will need access to:

• a quiet place where you can work in privacy and not be overheard during calls
• a mobile phone or landline
• a computer or laptop

What can you gain from this opportunity?

This is a wonderful opportunity to join a small and friendly team! We'll make sure you're supported in every step of your journey, and you'll get to meet some inspiring people. You'll gain skills that you'll be able to use in all areas of your life and build experiences for your CV. Most importantly, you will make a real difference in the lives of people who stammer.

How to apply

To apply, please fill in our volunteer form that is linked to this opportunity. 

We are dedicated to making sure our roles are accessible and open to all. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us,

Who are we?

We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We work to increase inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.We have several different services including inclusive characters, sensory workshops, resources, events, advocacy and more.

What are we looking for?

Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity that you can do in your own time and without having to leave the comfort of the sofa? Do you have a good imagination? Are you interested in graphic design? Or have an artistic flair?

We’ve created ‘Bubble World’ which is home to our characters. We have had some graphics made for ‘Bubble World’ but we would love more! We can then use them and others such as little Santa Hats, Pumpkins and Easter Eggs to keep creating our resources and activity packs.

What do we expect?

• Be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.

• Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably be on the update system)

• Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if appropriate).

• A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answer questions on this.

What can you expect?

• A community group that does not currently operate a rota system of any kind. Youdon’t have to regularly commit your time.

• A kind, caring, nurturing company who cares about people, staff and volunteers. Our aim is to keep your wellbeing at the centre of our work.

• A very positive and proactive approach to disability and illness. Any and all accommodations will be made that you require. If there is anything you wish to discuss in private please email us and we will arrange a confidential chat.

Benefits to Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles CIC

• Gaining valuable experience and improving your confidence

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest.

• Make a difference to community

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills.

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers.

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future employment.

For further information or to apply email us and we will be more than happy to have a chat. 

Please note we are looking for volunteers who are based in the UK. 

Are you passionate about fitness and the positive impact it can have on others? Do you hold a fitness qualification and interested in volunteering your time to support people in crisis? If so, we have the perfect role for you!

We know that exercise releases happy endorphins that support us to improve our mood. It also helps reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, provides an opportunity to connect with others and build friendships. Volunteering with us at Hestia, will mean you will play a vital role in supporting people’s overall wellbeing!

We are recruiting volunteers to coordinate and facilitate fitness and general wellbeing sessions online!

What you will be doing

• Design session plans which will enable group members to increase fitness and their general well-being
• Able to recognise the needs of beginners and mixed age/ability groups
• Ensure that everyone taking part has completed a health and wellbeing form, which includes referring those with existing health issues to their GP
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• A skilled and qualified Fitness Instructor
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach
• Willing to participate in supervision and to liaise with Hestia staff as required

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our social media volunteers use their passion and knowledge of social media to promote the activities of local volunteer teams though various channels. They directly help cats by raising awareness of Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise the funds we need for our work, ensure people know they can adopt a cat from us, help promote neutering and help as many people as possible learn more about feline welfare.
 

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

Unlocking Potential. Transforming Futures.

At REMIX, a youth social mobility charity, we believe that a young person's future should be determined by their potential, not their postcode. Our mission is to "remix young lives" from disadvantaged backgrounds across London by breaking down barriers and building up belief. We exist to ignite confidence, nurture resilience, and equip young people with the life skills they need to thrive.

Through transformative experiences, inspiring role models, and unwavering support, we empower young Londoners to discover the power of their own potential. As we prepare to launch, we are looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to help us bring our programmes to life.

Lead the Way: Volunteer Head of Programmes

We are seeking a (volunteer) Head of Programmes to design, lead, and manage our core services. This is a unique opportunity to shape our programme delivery from the ground up and ensure every young person we support receives a transformative experience.

In this vital setup phase, you will be instrumental in:

• Programme Development: Designing and setting up our initial programmes and services, ensuring they align with our mission to empower young Londoners.

• Recruitment and Management: Sourcing, recruiting, and supervising a team of volunteer workshop facilitators, coaches, trainers, and mentors.

• Operational Leadership: Managing the day-to-day operations of our programmes, ensuring high-quality delivery and a safe environment for all participants.

• Impact and Evaluation: Helping to develop a framework for measuring the impact of our programmes and ensuring we are effectively serving our beneficiaries.

We are looking for someone with experience in programme management, youth work, education, or a related field. Your expertise will be invaluable as we build a strong, effective, and impactful programme portfolio.

This is a voluntary role for individuals who are passionate about social mobility and committed to making a difference. We are flexible and can work with your availability as we build the charity from the ground up.

Help us build the programmes that will enable us to "remix young lives" across London!

Together, we’re not just changing lives—we’re rewriting futures.

Join us. Be the difference. Help us build a London where every young person has the chance to rise.

REMIX

EMPOWER. INSPIRE. TRANSFORM.

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! 

What 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 really 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.

About Us 

Suicide Awareness Prevention UK (SAPUK) is a dedicated, non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), established in 2016, focused on providing support to individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Our goal is to guide people from distress toward hope, helping them regain the strength to live their lives to the fullest.

Overview
 We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Fundraising Volunteer to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in developing and implementing fundraising strategies to support our mission. This position requires excellent communication skills, a strong ability to build relationships, and a commitment to achieving fundraising goals. The Fundraiser will engage with various stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and community members, to promote our cause and secure financial support.

Duties

• Develop and execute fundraising campaigns that align with the organisation's objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors through effective communication and engagement strategies.
• Utilise software tools such as Raiser's Edge for tracking donations, managing donor information, and reporting on fundraising activities.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to create promotional materials that highlight fundraising initiatives.
• Organise fundraising events, including planning logistics, coordinating volunteers, and ensuring successful execution.
• Conduct outreach efforts to engage the community and raise awareness about the organisation's mission.
• Provide exceptional customer service to donors and stakeholders, addressing inquiries and fostering positive relationships.
• Monitor market trends in fundraising to identify new opportunities for growth and engagement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in fundraising or a related field is preferred.
• Strong skills in relationship management and public relations.
• Proficiency in using software tools such as Raiser's Edge or similar fundraising platforms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment while also being self-motivated.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail in managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• A passion for the organisation's mission and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: Up to £1.00 per year

Expected hours: No less than 2 per week

Benefits:

• Work from home

Experience:

• Fundraising: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

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.

Could you be the person who helps a young man rewrite his future?
At Trailblazers, we believe in second chances. Since 1998, we’ve been mentoring young men in prison to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures. Through a programme of 1:1 mentoring and practical support, we support men aged 18–35 during the last 6 months of their sentence and for up to 12 months after release.

In the West Midlands, our services are delivered near Wolverhampton HMPYOI Brinsford, and we’re looking for volunteer mentors who can commit half a day per week to help someone change their life.

What You’ll Do

• Be a positive and empathetic role model whilst supporting someone to fulfil their potential
• Meet regularly to build a supportive, consistent relationship with a mentee for a minimum of 12 months
• Help set goals and celebrate achievements
• Support reintegration into the community, education, and employment
• Attend and participate fully in mentor training and develop an understanding of the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a volunteer mentor
• Engage with ongoing support and supervision sessions to regularly review performance within mentoring relationships
• Perform your role in line with the aims of Trailblazers, following relevant policies and procedures and reporting safeguarding concerns immediately
• Keep mentoring session notes and communicate regularly with Trailblazers staff

Mentoring sessions last around 1 hour per week, with additional time needed for travel and liaison. We ask for a 12-month commitment to ensure consistency for the mentee.

Why It Matters

The national re-offending rate is up to 55%. For those with a Trailblazers mentor, it drops to just 7%. Your time could be the turning point in someone’s life.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome all backgrounds and skill sets, especially those with experience in:

• The criminal justice system
• Underrepresented communities (including BAME groups)

All we ask if that you are:

• Empathetic, non-judgmental and committed to social change
• Professional but relatable with strong communication skills
• Able to advocate for your mentee and help them to overcome barriers
• Comfortable using basic IT and taking guidance from staff
• Willing to travel and undertake visits for mentoring sessions on a weekly or fortnightly basis
• Committed to supporting one young man for up to a year

Requirements

• Aged 21+
• British citizen (due to prison security checks)
• Live within 30 miles of the prison at which you want to volunteer
• Good level of fitness (prison visits may involve stairs and fast-paced movement)
• Not barred from working with vulnerable adults or children
• If you have lived experience of the criminal justice system, you must be off licence for at least 12 months and not in crisis
• You cannot volunteer at a prison where you were previously a resident

What We Offer

• Full training and ongoing support
• Out-of-pocket expenses covered
• A chance to make a real difference

Ready to be the change?
Visit our website for more information and to apply. We’d love to hear from you.

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.

Market Researcher Volunteer

Are you curious, do you enjoy exploring ideas, researching trends, delivering insights and eager to make a meaningful impact?

We're looking for a volunteer Market Researcher to support planning across various initiatives and projects by gathering, analysing, and reporting information that informs smart decisions.

Whether you’re gaining experience, switching paths, or simply want to contribute your skills meaningfully, this is your chance to work on purposeful projects in a flexible and rewarding opportunity.

We’re passionate about what we do and value every person who helps us do it better.

Let’s explore something meaningful together.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on topics ranging from markets, industries, customer needs, or competitors, depending on the project.

• Gather and organise information from credible online sources, industry reports, surveys, and interviews

• Analyse findings to identify opportunities, trends, and challenges

• Deliver written reports that are clear, structured, and meaningful to help decision-making in the project

Requirements

• A curious mind with an eye for detail

• Strong skills in online research and information synthesis

• Ability to work independently and manage your own time

• Strong communicator, especially in writing

• Experience in research or reporting is helpful

The role could be entirely remote and is unremunerated but all reasonable expenses will be met.

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.

Can you help us by providing a calm, safe, and caring environment for our small furries whilst we find them their fur-ever home?

Often when we think about animal fostering, cats, and dogs spring to mind, but have you ever thought about fostering our smaller animals? The RSPCA received more than 5,000 reports last year about rabbits and other small furries relating to neglect or abandonment and rescued an average of 340 small furries a month! To help us with the rehoming of these small animals, we are actively looking to add to our fantastic team of volunteer fosterers.

As a small animal fosterer, you would play an essential role in providing the animals in our care with a temporary home whilst they are being rehomed. Like us, even small furries have specific needs and requirements, but rest assured, once we have guided you through the fostering process the animal centre will ensure that you have all the necessary guidance, equipment, food, and veterinary care.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Provide them with care, safe suitable housing, and space for playtime, as outlined in our policies and guidelines.

• Ensure that they are groomed if appropriate and fed and watered.

• Provide them with suitable and clean bedding to keep them cosy.

• Give them lots of attention and plenty of cuddles as they are very sociable animals.

What We’re Looking For:

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience of caring for animals.

• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.

• For their wellbeing, our small furries may need to be fostered in pairs, so please bear this in mind.

• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they cannot be so, please let us know if this is the case).

• You should be located in Buckinghamshire or within a reasonable distance.

What’s in It for You?

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the small animals in your care.

• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.

• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.

• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

• The RSPCA is happy to reimburse you for any pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Practical Considerations:

• Health & Safety: You’ll need to complete a simple online Health & Safety course before starting the role.

Disclaimer:

Our voluntary roles are subject to:

• An informal interview and trial period.

• Submission of two referees’ contact details.

• Completion of relevant training and assessments for the role.

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.