Voluntary Volunteer Roles

We are looking for volunteers to join our team at Oakley, 4 High Street, Bedford at our residential care service for adults with Learning disabilities. If you’re a car driver with some spare time each week, join us in our Volunteer befriender role to take our residents on day trips.

We are looking for people who are committed, reliable, and friendly. You will need to be a confident driver with a full, clean driving licence.

Whether it’s a trip into Bedford town centre to enjoy a wander down the river, a cup of tea and a cake in the local cafes, a visit to the library, or leisure activities, or even a little bit further afield. If you can commit to volunteering with us once or twice a week we’d love to hear from you!

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly Volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer’s peer support group. Together we can make a difference.

Suggested time commitment: 2-4 hours a week.

Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organisation. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Silver award. We actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and cultures.

We love a game of bingo here at Creative Support, but one thing is missing….You! We are looking for a confident volunteer who can deliver a fun bingo session for our Service Users on a weekly basis.

Your role will include making sure everyone has a bingo cards and markers in time for the game to begin. You will have the confidence to stand up in front of the room and call out the numbers, check the winning cards, and clear away at the end of the session. So all eyes down for a full house and get in touch if you’d like to apply.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom. 4 hrs per week.

We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.

Why am I needed?

At Tenovus Cancer Care our aim is simple – to provide cancer support information and services that encourage and empower people helping them to have an improved quality of life. However, we can’t do this without your help.

We’re looking for enthusiastic, engaging and committed volunteers to represent Tenovus Cancer Care within their local community by raising awareness of the work we do to support cancer patients and their loved ones. This role will play an essential part in promoting our services and letting people know what we can provide support with.

This might be using your communication and organisational skills to liaise with local GP surgeries or cancer services to share promotional materials, deliver talks or signpost individuals. Or liaising with a variety of organisations and contacts throughout your community to share the Tenovus message at a local level.

What will I be doing?

We are looking for volunteers to spread the word of the services the charity offers and to be a positive impact in your communities. We are open to new ideas and happy to work with volunteers on tasks. This role could include the below…

Identifying suitable locations/organisations/outlets for placement of Tenovus Cancer Care promotional materials in your local area

Making sure that Tenovus Cancer Care literature is readily available throughout the area

Hosting an information stand, providing a warm welcome to people affected by cancer in various local venues

Providing a point of access to Tenovus Cancer Care services

If you would be happy to do so, there is also the opportunity of:

Delivering short talks/presentations to small groups about our services

What skills and qualities do I need?

A friendly and enthusiastic approach with the ability to interact well with others

A positive attitude and a willingness to get involved

Good listening skills

Commitment to the role and good organisational skills

Understanding of the importance of confidentiality

Compassion

How much time do I need to commit?

Ideally you’ll be able to commit a couple of hours to complete an induction. The aim of the induction is to provide you with information about our services to enable you to take the lead on representing the charity at various events and venues. Thereafter this role is ad hoc, flexible and hours can be discussed when we meet.

What support and training will I be given?

You’ll receive induction training on being a Tenovus Cancer Care volunteer, together with a role-specific induction to your role

Our Support Services staff will be able to offer you advice, literature, information and guidance in your role

What benefits can I expect?

Experience of having contact with people affected by cancer in a hospital and other environments; as the direct contact for people using our services

Knowledge surrounding cancer support services and the satisfaction of knowing that you have directly helped people to take positive steps in receiving support

Experience in liaising directly with support services staff, health care professionals and others in the community

Access to all internal vacancies

Reasonable travel and food expenses will be paid in line with organisational policy

The chance to gain experience of helping a Tenovus Cancer Care charity and a voice to everyone affected by cancer

Access to our eLearning training facilities and accredited training programmes, which can increase opportunities for employability.

Where will I be based?

You’ll be home based with travel to venues throughout your local area

How do I apply?

Please contact our Volunteer Development Team by applying via the Apply Now link in this advert.

Why am I needed?

Community is at the heart of everything that we do at Tenovus Cancer Care to help those affected by cancer. Our aim is simple – to deliver a vision where fewer people get cancer and those that do receive equal access to excellent treatment. However, we can’t do this without your help. Our shops in local communities are crucial to us raising vital funds. So, we’d like you to volunteer your time and commitment to help us make a difference. We need you to help be the friendly face that looks after our customers by greeting them, assisting them and processing their items through the till.

What will I be doing?

Speaking with customers, making them welcome and answering questions

Serving customers at the till

Accepting donations from the public

Putting goods on display in the shop

Maintaining high levels of shop standards, presentation and cleanliness

Generating add-on sales and Gift Aid conversion through high levels of customer service

Completing Gift Aid shop paperwork

Supporting the Shop Manager in carrying out shop security procedures

Promoting awareness of the charity and the services that we provide

What skills do I need?

Strong customer service skills

A really keen eye for detail

Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team

Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team and customers.

How much time do I need to commit?

We’d need you to give around three hours per week if you can with the possibility to do more if you’d like to. However, we appreciate any time you’d like to give; please let us know this on your application form.

What support will I be given?

Before starting with Tenovus Cancer Care, we ask that you visit the Shop Management team in the shop so we can both see how the role may suit you.

Following that the Shop Manager and team will be on hand to advise and help you select products you can use.

Becoming a volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care can be a rewarding experience and is certainly invaluable to the charity and its goals.

What benefits can I expect?

Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy

The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a vital difference to the work of Tenovus Cancer Care, and in particular the people who access our unique services

The opportunity to be creative and bring new ideas to the shop whilst developing your creative and design skills

The opportunity to develop new and existing skills

Access to all internal vacancies

Access to training

The enjoyment of meeting new people and being part of our Retail Team

The chance to gain experience of helping Wales’ leading cancer charity.

Where will I be based?

In your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop

Inclusivity:

Whether you’re a volunteer, supporter, or staff member, we want everyone to feel welcome at Tenovus Cancer Care. We are committed to greater diversity across our people to make sure we have a breadth of experience, skills and perspective that reflects the communities we serve.

We are working to ensure that Tenovus Cancer Care is a fair and equitable place to volunteer. We strive to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sexual orientation, religion, or belief, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership.

Hebden Court supports adults with Complex Needs. The service consists of 17 flats and is close to the centre of town and is easily accessible by public transport.

We are looking for volunteers to deliver fun and engaging activity sessions. Your role would be to set up a weekly board games session. As a volunteer you will be warm, friendly and approachable and enjoy playing games such as monopoly, cluedo and others.

As part of your volunteer role you will help us by setting up the games ready to play ensuring no pieces are missing, teaching people the rules for the game, and tidying away at the end of the session. You will also promote the board games being played each week to our service users and encourage people to join in.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.

We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.

Why am I needed?

Community is at the heart of everything that we do at Tenovus Cancer Care to help those affected by cancer. Our aim is simple – to deliver a vision where fewer people get cancer and those that do receive equal access to excellent treatment. However, we can’t do this without your help. Our shops in local communities are crucial to us raising vital funds. So, we’d like you to volunteer your time and commitment to help us make a difference. We need you to help create exciting collections to display and sell in our windows and in our shops to help turn unsaleable donated clothes into cash.

What will I be doing?

Creating a product/collection of products from upcycling donated stock items which are not saleable in their current condition

Promoting awareness of the charity and the services that we provide.

What skills do I need?

Creativity

A strong interest in fashion

It’d be great if you have some knowledge of fashion trends

A really keen eye for detail

Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team

Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team and customers.

How much time do I need to commit? 

We appreciate any time you’d like to give, any up-cycling can be completed at home but you will build a relationship with your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop where you will collect materials and your up-cycled items will be sold.

What support will I be given?

Before starting with Tenovus Cancer Care, we ask that you visit the Shop Management team in the shop so we can both see how the role may suit you.

Following that the Shop Manager and team will be on hand to advise and help you select products you can use.

Becoming a volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care can be a rewarding experience and is certainly invaluable to the charity and its goals.

What benefits can I expect?

Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy

The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a vital difference to the work of Tenovus Cancer Care, and in particular the people who access our unique services

The opportunity to be creative and bring new ideas to the shop whilst developing your creative and design skills

The opportunity to develop new and existing skills

Access to all internal vacancies

Access to training

The enjoyment of meeting new people and being part of our Retail Team

The chance to gain experience of helping Wales’s leading cancer charity.

Where will I be based?

You’ll be based at home but visit and maintain contact with your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop.

How do I apply?

If you’re over eighteen years old and would like to apply please contact the Shop Manager in your local shop directly or alternatively please contact our Volunteer Development Team on our website.

Inclusivity:

Whether you’re a volunteer, supporter, or staff member, we want everyone to feel welcome at Tenovus Cancer Care. We are committed to greater diversity across our people to make sure we have a breadth of experience, skills and perspective that reflects the communities we serve.

We are working to ensure that Tenovus Cancer Care is a fair and equitable place to volunteer. We strive to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sexual orientation, religion, or belief, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership.

Why am I needed?

Community is at the heart of everything that we do at Tenovus Cancer Care to help those affected by cancer. Our aim is simple – to deliver a vision where fewer people get cancer and those that do receive equal access to excellent treatment. However, we can’t do this without your help. Our shops in local communities are crucial to us raising vital funds. So, we’d like you to volunteer your time and commitment to help us make a difference. We are looking for someone with a passion and interest of jewellery, including costume jewellery. We get lots of donated goods such as gold / silver / designer. We would need a volunteer to clean, price accordingly, possibly research and merchandise our shop floor.

What will I be doing?

Accepting donations from the public

Cleaning, researching and pricing goods

Putting goods on display in the shop

Displaying jewellery on the shop floor ensuring the items are rotated regularly to increase sales

Maintaining high levels of shop standards, presentation and cleanliness

Speaking with customers, making them welcome and answering queries

Promoting awareness of the charity and the services that we provide

What skills do I need?

Strong customer service skills

A really keen eye for detail

Passion for Jewellery

Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team

Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team and customers.

How much time do I need to commit?

We’d need you to give around three hours per week if you can with the possibility to do more if you’d like to. However, we appreciate any time you’d like to give; please let us know this on your application form.

What support will I be given?

Before starting with Tenovus Cancer Care, we ask that you visit the Shop Management team in the shop so we can both see how the role may suit you.

Following that the Shop Manager and team will be on hand to advise and help you select products you can use.

Becoming a volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care can be a rewarding experience and is certainly invaluable to the charity and its goals.

What benefits can I expect?

Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy

The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a vital difference to the work of Tenovus Cancer Care, and in particular the people who access our unique services

The opportunity to be creative and bring new ideas to the shop whilst developing your creative and design skills

The opportunity to develop new and existing skills

Access to all internal vacancies

Access to training

The enjoyment of meeting new people and being part of our Retail Team

The chance to gain experience of helping Wales’ leading cancer charity.

Where will I be based?

In your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop

Inclusivity:

Whether you’re a volunteer, supporter, or staff member, we want everyone to feel welcome at Tenovus Cancer Care. We are committed to greater diversity across our people to make sure we have a breadth of experience, skills and perspective that reflects the communities we serve.

We are working to ensure that Tenovus Cancer Care is a fair and equitable place to volunteer. We strive to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sexual orientation, religion, or belief, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership.

Why am I needed?

Community is at the heart of everything that we do at Tenovus Cancer Care to help those affected by cancer. Our aim is simple – to deliver a vision where fewer people get cancer and those that do receive equal access to excellent treatment. However, we can’t do this without your help. Our shops in local communities are crucial to us raising vital funds. So, we’d like you to volunteer your time and commitment to help us make a difference. We need you to help process our stock donations ready for the shop floor.

What will I be doing?

Accepting donations from the public

Sorting through donation bags

Hanging, ticketing and steaming stock

Cleaning and processing non-clothing stock

Maintaining high levels of stock room standards

Generating add-on sales and Gift Aid conversion through high levels of customer service

Completing Gift Aid shop paperwork

Promoting awareness of the charity and the services that we provide

What skills do I need?

A really keen eye for detail

An interest in one of our product areas

Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team

Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team and customers.

How much time do I need to commit?

We’d need you to give around three hours per week if you can with the possibility to do more if you’d like to. However, we appreciate any time you’d like to give; please let us know this on your application form.

What support will I be given?

Before starting with Tenovus Cancer Care, we ask that you visit the Shop Management team in the shop so we can both see how the role may suit you.

Following that the Shop Manager and team will be on hand to advise and help you select products you can use.

Becoming a volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care can be a rewarding experience and is certainly invaluable to the charity and its goals.

What benefits can I expect?

Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy

The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a vital difference to the work of Tenovus Cancer Care, and in particular the people who access our unique services

The opportunity to be creative and bring new ideas to the shop whilst developing your creative and design skills

The opportunity to develop new and existing skills

Access to all internal vacancies

Access to training

The enjoyment of meeting new people and being part of our Retail Team

The chance to gain experience of helping Wales’ leading cancer charity.

Where will I be based?

In your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop

Inclusivity:

Whether you’re a volunteer, supporter, or staff member, we want everyone to feel welcome at Tenovus Cancer Care. We are committed to greater diversity across our people to make sure we have a breadth of experience, skills and perspective that reflects the communities we serve.

We are working to ensure that Tenovus Cancer Care is a fair and equitable place to volunteer. We strive to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sexual orientation, religion, or belief, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership.

Why am I needed?

Community is at the heart of everything that we do at Tenovus Cancer Care to help those affected by cancer. Our aim is simple – to deliver a vision where fewer people get cancer and those that do receive equal access to excellent treatment. However, we can’t do this without your help. Our shops in local communities are crucial to us raising vital funds. So, we’d like you to volunteer your time and commitment to help us make a difference. We need you to help be the friendly face that looks after our customers by greeting them, assisting them and processing their items through the till.

What will I be doing?

Speaking with customers, making them welcome and answering questions

Serving customers at the till

Accepting donations from the public

Putting goods on display in the shop

Maintaining high levels of shop standards, presentation and cleanliness

Generating add-on sales and Gift Aid conversion through high levels of customer service

Completing Gift Aid shop paperwork

Supporting the Shop Manager in carrying out shop security procedures

Promoting awareness of the charity and the services that we provide

What skills do I need?

Strong customer service skills

A really keen eye for detail

Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team

Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team and customers.

How much time do I need to commit?

We’d need you to give around three hours per week if you can with the possibility to do more if you’d like to. However, we appreciate any time you’d like to give; please let us know this on your application form.

What support will I be given?

Before starting with Tenovus Cancer Care, we ask that you visit the Shop Management team in the shop so we can both see how the role may suit you.

Following that the Shop Manager and team will be on hand to advise and help you select products you can use.

Becoming a volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care can be a rewarding experience and is certainly invaluable to the charity and its goals.

What benefits can I expect?

Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy

The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a vital difference to the work of Tenovus Cancer Care, and in particular the people who access our unique services

The opportunity to be creative and bring new ideas to the shop whilst developing your creative and design skills

The opportunity to develop new and existing skills

Access to all internal vacancies

Access to training

The enjoyment of meeting new people and being part of our Retail Team

The chance to gain experience of helping Wales’ leading cancer charity.

Where will I be based?

In your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop

How do I apply?

If you’re over eighteen years old and would like to apply please contact the Shop Manager in your local shop directly or alternatively please contact our Volunteer Development Team on our website.

Inclusivity:

Whether you’re a volunteer, supporter, or staff member, we want everyone to feel welcome at Tenovus Cancer Care. We are committed to greater diversity across our people to make sure we have a breadth of experience, skills and perspective that reflects the communities we serve.

We are working to ensure that Tenovus Cancer Care is a fair and equitable place to volunteer. We strive to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sexual orientation, religion, or belief, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership.

Why am I needed?

Community is at the heart of everything that we do at Tenovus Cancer Care to help those affected by cancer. Our aim is simple – to deliver a vision where fewer people get cancer and those that do receive equal access to excellent treatment. However, we can’t do this without your help. Our shops in local communities are crucial to us raising vital funds. So, we’d like you to volunteer your time and commitment to help us make a difference. We need you to help create exciting displays in our windows and in our shops to help turn clothes into cash.

What will I be doing?

Creating visually inspiring displays in our windows and in our shops under the guidance of our shop management team

Merchandising, displaying and maintaining high standards of presentation in the shop according to promotional activities and seasonal trends

Maintaining high levels of shop standards, presentation and cleanliness

Speaking with customers, making them welcome and answering queries

Promoting awareness of the charity and the services that we provide.

What skills do I need?

Creativity

A strong interest in fashion and retail

It’d be great if you have some knowledge of fashion, labels and trends

A really keen eye for detail

Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team

Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team and customers.

Many of the standard tasks within the shop involve standing or sitting for periods, handling bags and donations from the public and there may be stairs to climb depending on which shop you are based in. If you have any concerns about this, please speak with the Shop Manager when expressing your interest in volunteering.

How much time do I need to commit?

We’d need you to give around three hours per week if you can with the possibility to do more if you’d like to. However, we appreciate any time you’d like to give; please let us know this on your application form.

What support will I be given?

Before starting with Tenovus Cancer Care, we ask that you do try a small number of hours in the shop so we can both see how the role may suit you. The amount of hours can be decided between you and the Shop Manager.

Following that the Shop Manager and team will be on hand to run you through the basics of helping in a shop in your first few days and they’ll always be on hand after that.

Becoming a volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care can be a rewarding experience and is certainly invaluable to the charity and its goals.

What benefits can I expect?

Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy

The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a vital difference to the work of Tenovus Cancer Care, and in particular the people who access our unique services

The opportunity to be creative and bring new ideas to the shop whilst developing your visual merchandising and retail skills

The opportunity to develop new and existing skills

Access to all internal vacancies

Access to training

The enjoyment of meeting new people and being part of our Retail Team

The chance to gain experience of helping Wales’ leading cancer charity.

Where will I be based?

You’ll be based within your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop.

How do I apply?

Please contact the Shop Manager in your local shop directly or alternatively please contact our Volunteer Development Team on our website.

.

Inclusivity:

Whether you’re a volunteer, supporter, or staff member, we want everyone to feel welcome at Tenovus Cancer Care. We are committed to greater diversity across our people to make sure we have a breadth of experience, skills and perspective that reflects the communities we serve.

We are working to ensure that Tenovus Cancer Care is a fair and equitable place to volunteer. We strive to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sexual orientation, religion, or belief, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

A bit about this role

Our education speaker volunteers have the important and exciting role of raising awareness of Cats Protection. They deliver pre-prepared talks, help spread messages around feline welfare and act as the voice of cats in their local communities. They also deliver talks to both adults and children in a variety of settings. Interacting with children is especially important, as they are the cat owners of the future, and by building their understanding and knowledge we can make the world a better place for cats.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Being part of a passionate team of other volunteers and employees
• Delivering pre-prepared talks to schools and community groups
• Hosting information sessions
• Proving feedback on talks where necessary
• Taking part in promotional events such as careers days at schools and colleges
• Delivering education craft sessions at community talks and workshops

A bit more information about this role and the team

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication skills
• Confidence in public speaking
• The ability to use own initiative 
• A passion for feline welfare
• Knowledge of local community networks
• Transport is essential for this role as you will be required to travel to talk venues such as schools and community centres within a reasonable distance of your home address. Therefore a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle or excellent public transport links are essential

Time expectation 

The hours are flexible to fit around your other commitments. Each talk can last between 30 minutes and an hour, not including travel time. Availability of talks vary by location and season and some audiences may request more than one talk. Talks are given during the day and in the evening - during the week and on occasional weekends.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

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 come into contact with as part of our activities.

A bit about this role

Across the UK, many cats are cared for by volunteer fosterers who provide a stable, safe and loving environment in their homes or in purpose-built pens in their gardens. They provide vital hands-on care and accommodation to stray or abandoned cats or cats whose owners could sadly no longer keep them, and are part of a dedicated team of volunteers committed to finding new homes for cats in need. Our fosterers carry out this role with support from their local branch or centre.

Most of our fosterers care for one or two cats at a time and enjoy providing lots of TLC to those cats, who have been pre-loved or have had a difficult start in life. Some of our fosterers look after new mums and kittens and provide round-the-clock care to newborns to give them the best start in life.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Meeting the needs of the cats and kittens in your care
• Cleaning and looking after the cats’ environment and equipment
• Feeding, grooming and administering medication
• Spending time enriching the cats’ experience in care including; play, exercise and stroking
• Maintaining high standards of animal welfare

A bit more information about this role and the team...

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens in need by caring for them before they find new, loving homes. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with:

• A dedicated suitable spare room in your house or space in your garden for a purpose-built pen – you can read more about this here
• Basic knowledge of cats, cat care and understanding their needs
• An appreciation of cat welfare and hygiene standards
• Good interpersonal skills
• Patience, commitment and empathy
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend one and a half hours per day on average (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care. In order to help you feel confident in your fosterer role we ask that prior to looking after your first foster cat you complete some online cat welfare learning modules.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

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 come into contact with as part of our activities.

Our service users love to go out walking and we’d like to set up a weekly walking group. We are looking for a volunteer to act as leader for the group, and map out interesting local routes to enjoy some fresh air around the parks of Salford and the surrounding area.

As part of your role, you will plan the route of the walk, ensuring comfort breaks are included. Make sure that the walk is accessible for all by adapting the pace when necessary, so that all participants enjoy the walk and are able to join in. This will include health and safety and risk assessments in your planning. You will also help to promote the walking group to service users by encouraging people to attend, and motivating people to attend.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.

Our Salford services provide person centred care to adults with various support needs.

This position will be once a month, on a Saturday with an 11am start.

We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.