*Are you hoping to save time and money this holiday season? *Are you trying to lessen your impact on the environment? *Are you keen to declutter your home? *Are you looking for a creative way to support a worthwhile charity? Give new life to the books, toys, and clothing that are cluttering your home by hosting an Eco-Christmas Gift Swap fundraising event! Your friends and family will love the gifts that will be new to them, and you and your friends will love saving money and time. And as if that wasn’t enough, your fundraiser will help support the amazing education projects funded by Feed the Minds throughout the world! How: -Go through your home and collect all the unused items (that are still in very good condition), all the gifts you were given but never use, all the clothing that you meant to take back but forgot to, all the puzzles you’ve already done, the books your kids have already read, (etc., etc.). Then, invite your friends to do the same! -Make a plan about where and when to meet so that all those treasures can find new, loving homes, and you and your friends can raise money for some very worthwhile projects. It’s a win for you and your friends, a win for the planet, and a win for people experiencing extreme poverty throughout the world! Where: -Would you and your friends like to meet in a community hall on a weeknight? Or maybe you’d all prefer a small gathering at someone’s home? Or maybe the local pub could be hired? Or maybe you’d all feel more comfortable meeting outside in the garden? Maybe you could gather right after the school run? The possibilities are endless…. When: -Because Christmas shopping seems to happen earlier and earlier every year, sometime in November would be ideal.

*Are you hoping to save time and money this holiday season? *Are you trying to lessen your impact on the environment? *Are you keen to declutter your home? *Are you looking for a creative way to support a worthwhile charity? Give new life to the books, toys, and clothing that are cluttering your home by hosting an Eco-Christmas Gift Swap fundraising event! Your friends and family will love the gifts that will be new to them, and you and your friends will love saving money and time. And as if that wasn’t enough, your fundraiser will help support the amazing education projects funded by Feed the Minds throughout the world! How: -Go through your home and collect all the unused items (that are still in very good condition), all the gifts you were given but never use, all the clothing that you meant to take back but forgot to, all the puzzles you’ve already done, the books your kids have already read, (etc., etc.). Then, invite your friends to do the same! -Make a plan about where and when to meet so that all those treasures can find new, loving homes, and you and your friends can raise money for some very worthwhile projects. It’s a win for you and your friends, a win for the planet, and a win for people experiencing extreme poverty throughout the world! Where: -Would you and your friends like to meet in a community hall on a weeknight? Or maybe you’d all prefer a small gathering at someone’s home? Or maybe the local pub could be hired? Or maybe you’d all feel more comfortable meeting outside in the garden? Maybe you could gather right after the school run? The possibilities are endless…. When: -Because Christmas shopping seems to happen earlier and earlier every year, sometime in November would be ideal.

Community Support Volunteers support people who have had one of our conditions to develop autonomy and confidence in self-management, enabling them to fully engage with their community and activities of their choosing. The service follows a pathway from hospital to community and can be delivered in a one-to-one and/or a group setting. The service will all depend on Scottish Government Covid guidelines. The service can be delivered to provide specified person-centred communication support for those with a communication difficulty and/or to support a specific physical or everyday task. To undertake your role you will be required to undertake membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Adults) schemes in Scotland (PVG).

Royal British Legion Scotland (Forfar) open there doors as a Community Cafe every Monday 9 - 12 as a breakfast club, providing reasonably priced food and a space to chat with others. Main duties for this role include: - Welcoming the customers, Dishing up, Serving at tables, Cleaning up afterwards. Volunteer involvement is paramount to providing this, if interested in getting involved get in touch.

Do you have an interest in Angus’ local history? Angus Archives are looking for volunteers to help list and scan old photos, manuscripts and legal papers to help make them available to the public. If you would like to know more contact Craig Pearson at Angus Archives, Restenneth Priory, Forfar on 01307 468644 or craig.pearson@angusalive.scot.

We rely on volunteers like you to help us improve the lives of people with sight loss. We have dogs at various ages and stages of their career who may need temporary accommodation and the need will be dependent on your location and circumstances. In this role your support will include: • Providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for a dog or puppy. • Ensuring the dog or puppy is fed, exercised, and cared for to maintain excellent health. • Using positive reinforcement training techniques to teach or maintain behaviours. • Ensuring the dog is not left alone for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period. Foster volunteers who care for dogs in training need to drop off and collect their dog from our regional centre in Forfar, Angus. Times are normally Monday to Friday between 8 - 9am and 5 - 6pm. Dogs will stay with our staff in the centre during the day to complete training. In the evenings and at weekends volunteer dog fosterers will keep the dog at home.

Looking for a volunteer to assist the Lead Gardener and to welcome people to enjoy the Forfar Open Garden.The volunteer would be involved in some administration tasks as well as leaflet drops and to help organise the office and meeting area.

Real Life Options currently have an opportunity to get involved as a Community Volunteer. This is a great way to meet new people, develop insights, gain experience and enjoy knowing that you are making a positive difference to people living within your community. Volunteer roles are varied and dependent on the needs of the people we support. We try to match volunteers to people with similar interests and provide opportunities for volunteers to utilise existing skills and knowledge. · Chatting to and befriending people we support · Home checks to make sure vulnerable people are safe and well · Everyday practical household tasks · Provide information and support to allow people to make informed choices about their lives · Assist with shopping · Support with correspondence · Provide transport · Support with social outings · Assisting with pet care · Assist with food preparation · Prescription collections · Support with Gardening and some physical tasks. · Get involved with Social Events and being vital in improving the social lives of the people we support We really appreciate that volunteers donate their time for free so in return for at least two hours volunteering each week, we’ll provide full training and development with a support network to mentor you in your role. You’ll be one of the team and have access to our Real Rewards programme.

Real Life Options currently have an opportunity to get involved as a Community Volunteer. This is a great way to meet new people, develop insights, gain experience and enjoy knowing that you are making a positive difference to people living within your community. Volunteer roles are varied and dependent on the needs of the people we support. We try to match volunteers to people with similar interests and provide opportunities for volunteers to utilise existing skills and knowledge. · Chatting to and befriending people we support · Home checks to make sure vulnerable people are safe and well · Everyday practical household tasks · Provide information and support to allow people to make informed choices about their lives · Assist with shopping · Support with correspondence · Provide transport · Support with social outings · Assisting with pet care · Assist with food preparation · Prescription collections · Support with Gardening and some physical tasks. · Get involved with Social Events and being vital in improving the social lives of the people we support We really appreciate that volunteers donate their time for free so in return for at least two hours volunteering each week, we’ll provide full training and development with a support network to mentor you in your role. You’ll be one of the team and have access to our Real Rewards programme.

Volunteers receive a "feel good factor" and a sense of satisfaction helping others, opportunity to give something back to the community, to gain experience which may be useful if later seeking a career in caring. The service user gains contact with the outside community, befriender visits and spends quality time with user providing stimulation and conversation. The befriender may take the user out, where this might not otherwise be possible.

GP surgeries and health settings require volunteers to help at their very busy vaccination clinics. These volunteers support staff at the vaccination hubs. They carry out a range of duties to support this including sanitising, face coverings.  Help meet and greet people coming for their vaccination and be the ‘friendly face’ of the vaccination process to help keep people calm in a potentially tense and anxiety inducing environment.  Be prepared to work in well-ventilated venue (in other words, come dressed in warm clothes!)  Provide directions to patients accessing the centre once they have been clerked in by administrative staff  Encourage physical distancing for those who are visiting the vaccination centre, directing them to use the hand sanitizer and give out surgical masks as appropriate.  Observation of the post vaccine waiting area and alerting a senior member of staff if people are unwell post vaccination  Be honest and let us know as soon as possible if you develop any Covid-19 symptoms

AIA invite applications from individuals who are willing to share their expertise, knowledge and skills in taking forward this important work and ensuring best practice in Board Governance. The individual must be committed in our collective strategic vision for the organisation in creating a more inclusive community where every person’s voice matters. We are looking for people who have an understanding and commitment to social justice and have the following skills and expertise: • Finance/Accountancy (Treasurer) • Law/HR • Expertise by Experience • Leadership/Governance This role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed in line with AIA’s expenses policy. Currently the Board Meetings are being held remotely via video conferencing so we would consider people who live further afield than Tayside.

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer befriender in Angus? If you have some spare time to offer companionship to someone who may be lonely, for home visits or assist them to visit places of interest, going out for a walk, or a visit to the library or shops, we’d be delighted to hear from you. We require people who are reliable and committed; are patient and understanding and able to maintain confidentiality. We will pay your out of pocket expenses including travelling costs and provide the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). If you are interested please get in touch with Voluntary Services.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY LISTENER? Community Listener – “Helping people (re)discover hope and inner strength in times of illness, change, loss and distress” Are you a good listener? Could you help someone explore what they are going through? Listening to people’s concerns can help them feel less isolated and anxious while helping them feel more hopeful and valued. Volunteers can play a vital role supporting the work of the Department of Spiritual Care in their work often being the initial point of contact. NHS Tayside's Department of Spiritual Care are expanding this very popular Listening service throughout Angus GP practices and community settings.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY LISTENER? Community Listener – “Helping people (re)discover hope and inner strength in times of illness, change, loss and distress” Are you a good listener? Could you help someone explore what they are going through? Listening to people’s concerns can help them feel less isolated and anxious while helping them feel more hopeful and valued. Volunteers can play a vital role supporting the work of the Department of Spiritual Care in their work often being the initial point of contact. NHS Tayside's Department of Spiritual Care are expanding this very popular Listening service throughout Angus GP practices and community settings.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY LISTENER? Community Listener – “Helping people (re)discover hope and inner strength in times of illness, change, loss and distress” Are you a good listener? Could you help someone explore what they are going through? Listening to people’s concerns can help them feel less isolated and anxious while helping them feel more hopeful and valued. Volunteers can play a vital role supporting the work of the Department of Spiritual Care in their work often being the initial point of contact. NHS Tayside's Department of Spiritual Care are expanding this very popular Listening service throughout Angus GP practices and community settings.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY LISTENER? Community Listener – “Helping people (re)discover hope and inner strength in times of illness, change, loss and distress” Are you a good listener? Could you help someone explore what they are going through? Listening to people’s concerns can help them feel less isolated and anxious while helping them feel more hopeful and valued. Volunteers can play a vital role supporting the work of the Department of Spiritual Care in their work often being the initial point of contact. NHS Tayside's Department of Spiritual Care are expanding this very popular Listening service throughout Angus GP practices and community settings.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY LISTENER? Community Listener – “Helping people (re)discover hope and inner strength in times of illness, change, loss and distress” Are you a good listener? Could you help someone explore what they are going through? Listening to people’s concerns can help them feel less isolated and anxious while helping them feel more hopeful and valued. Volunteers can play a vital role supporting the work of the Department of Spiritual Care in their work often being the initial point of contact. NHS Tayside's Department of Spiritual Care are expanding this very popular Listening service throughout Angus GP practices and community settings.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY LISTENER? Community Listener – “Helping people (re)discover hope and inner strength in times of illness, change, loss and distress” Are you a good listener? Could you help someone explore what they are going through? Listening to people’s concerns can help them feel less isolated and anxious while helping them feel more hopeful and valued. Volunteers can play a vital role supporting the work of the Department of Spiritual Care in their work often being the initial point of contact. NHS Tayside's Department of Spiritual Care are expanding this very popular Listening service throughout Angus GP practices and community settings.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY LISTENER? Community Listener – “Helping people (re)discover hope and inner strength in times of illness, change, loss and distress” Are you a good listener? Could you help someone explore what they are going through? Listening to people’s concerns can help them feel less isolated and anxious while helping them feel more hopeful and valued. Volunteers can play a vital role supporting the work of the Department of Spiritual Care in their work often being the initial point of contact. NHS Tayside's Department of Spiritual Care are expanding this very popular Listening service throughout Angus GP practices and community settings.

The Big Kirk Shop is a fantastic way of not only recycling unwanted and no longer used items but it also raises necessary funds for East & Old Parish Church. The shop is situated on East High Street in Forfar and the role includes cleaning and arranging stock both in the stock room as well as on the shop floor, serving customers and till operation as well as making sure the shop is kept clean and organised at all times.

We are looking for volunteers to support our families program that provides a variety of activities to the whole family where there is a child with a disability. The program works with the whole family including siblings, parents and guardians and the aim of the program is also to bring parents together. Volunteers will be involved in supporting these activities and we are looking for volunteers that are quite active and have some understanding of the needs of children with a disability. Volunteers will support children to engage with activities and will require patience and motivation with an ability to engage with a range of age groups and abilities. Full training is provided and this opportunity can provide valuable experience in working with children with disabilities and their families. Potential volunteers will be required to undertake a volunteer interview on zoom. If you are interested in this role then please contact our Volunteer Development Worker Jim Dallas on 07387 017442 or email jim@anguscarers.org.uk

Kirrie Connections is a dementia support charity which meets regularly, as part of this they are looking for volunteers to help with a new Dementia-friendly health walk they are planning. If interested in becoming part of the team and you would like to receive some free training to become a walk leader then message them on facebook or email graham@kirrieconnections.com to find out more.

Walking Groups x 2 : There will be a general walking group Patient Advisory Group members have offered to assist with this role. Various duties: 1/ Meet and Greet - Meet and greet the clients and make people feel welcome 2/ Participate - Volunteer walkers to support the group with initially short walks 3/ Encourage - Encourage participation, ‘walk and talk’ to help with those who have been socially isolated.

In this role, you will provide day to day care for dogs whilst they are housed at your local Guide Dogs site. Ensuring physical, behavioural, and mental welfare needs are met. What you’ll be doing: • Using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage dogs to settle in their environments. • Supporting in general housekeeping e.g., tidying dog pens and preparing food for enrichment purposes. • Discussing needs and requirements of the dogs with staff members. • Supporting in hands on training; helping develop our dogs cooperative care behaviours. • Assisting with videoing dog behaviours and proofing behaviours. • Assisting with grooming and toileting of dogs, as appropriate. • Supporting Dog Health and Wellbeing team in their daily tasks. Ideally you will: • Have good dog handling skills and/or enthusiasm for working with dogs. • Have good communication skills and work well in a team. • Be able to implement training methods with our dogs and adapt to the specific requirements of our dogs. • Be able to support in manual labour e.g., cleaning. You’ll get: • The opportunity to increase your knowledge of dog health and wellbeing. Alongside learning about up-to-date dog training techniques. • The opportunity to gain hands on experience of caring for dogs, and meeting their individual needs while they are in training. • The satisfaction that you are supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well. This role has 6-8 hours of initial training and then you’ll be ready to go! These modules include: • Basic dog health, wellbeing, and behaviour training. • Positive reinforcement techniques. • Additional training to learn new skills throughout your role.

Bud is Poppyscotland’s brand new vehicle for exploration and learning, a truck that transforms into a mobile community space, comprising a mini poppy factory, micro-museum and with interactive learning opportunities. Bud is an interactive experience that encourages visitors to create their personal remembrance journey through exploring the exhibits. It is helping us keep remembrance relevant all year round. About the opportunity: As a Bud Veteran Volunteer, you will support the delivery of the Bud project when Bud is in your area or visiting schools, voluntary groups etc. This could see you supporting in one of the key tasks below:  Carrying out talks to groups (schools, girl guides, brownies, cubs, cadets etc.) members of the public and community organisations who are visiting Bud, or who you are visiting  Actively engage with small groups of visitors, answering questions about Bud and remembrance  Taking part in group discussions about the challenges – both positive and negative - faced by the Armed Forces community  To be flexible in the performance of the post and undertake duties requested by the Bud Team  Encourage people to complete the on-board evaluation at end of visit  Inform people of volunteering opportunities available through Bud project  Support the staff team in set up and take down at visits and events. Support staff in the delivery of activities with schools, groups and public visitors

We are looking to recruit volunteers who have their own car and are able to offer a few hours supporting our carer activities. In the past this has included driving young and adult carers to appointments and also the delivery of treat packs to adult carers and activity packs to young carers. We pay volunteer expenses and the opportunity can be extremely rewarding. Potential volunteers will be required to undertake a volunteer interview on zoom. If you are interested in this role then please contact our Volunteer Development Worker Jim Dallas on 07387 017442 or email jim@anguscarers.org.uk.

Are interested in becoming a volunteer driver? Do you enjoy driving and helping people? If you have your own vehicle and able to offer regular commitment, we have opportunities available in Angus and Dundee. We are looking for volunteer drivers to help us transport: - adults to day care - children to school - people to their GP or hospital appointment - people with learning disabilities to college. We pay your mileage expenses and provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). If you are interested please get in touch with Voluntary Services on 01307 492448 or VolunteerServices@angus.gov.uk.

To provide general help within the garden in Forfar, the garden is an open space for people to come along and enjoy

To provide support to maintain the dementia friendly garden in Kirriemuir.

Bud is Poppyscotland’s brand new vehicle for exploration and learning, a truck that transforms into a mobile community space, comprising a mini poppy factory, micro-museum and with interactive learning opportunities. Bud is an interactive experience that encourages visitors to create their personal remembrance journey through exploring the exhibits. It is helping us keep remembrance relevant all year round. About the opportunity: As a Bud Heritage Volunteer, you will support the delivery of the Bud project when Bud is in your area. This could see you supporting in one of the key tasks below:  Welcome members of the public and groups (schools, girl guides, brownies, cubs, cadets etc.) visiting Bud on their arrival  To deliver activities both indoor and outdoor as planned by the Bud team  To assist with evaluation of Bud by encouraging feedback and collecting data  To be flexible in the performance of the post and undertake duties requested by the Bud team  Support the staff team in set up and take down at visits and events. Support staff in the delivery of activities with schools, groups and public visitors

Kirrie Connections will open as a Meeting Centre from 14 may 2019 every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am to 3pm and would like to hear from volunteers who would like to help and become part of the Meeting Centre team. Meeting Centres are a local resource, operating out of ordinary community buildings offering ongonig warm and friendly expert support to people and families affected by dementia. At the heart, the Meeting Centre is a social club where people meet to have fun, talk to others and get help that focusses on individual needs. Meeting Centres are based on sound research evidence on what helps people cope well in adjusting to living with the symptoms and changes that dementia brings. Volunteers alongside staff trained in Meeting centre ethos provide an enjoyable and flexible programme for both the person with dementia and their family carers. The social club meets three days per week for 15-20 members. All activities are designed to help people adapt to the challenges that living with dementia can bring. This involves a chance to get together social, to be creative, to get active and to share lunch. Family carers get assistance with practical and emotional issues, as well as being able to contribute to social club activities and enjoy life together more or use the opportunity to have a break from their caring role. Are you interested and can spare a few hours on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursdays whether that be morning, afternoon, over lunch time or longer spells between 10am and 3pm? Kirrie Connections would love to hear from you, get in touch to find out more.

We have great volunteering opportunities at Angus Independent Advocacy (AIA). We are looking for Angus residents to become Citizen Advocate's. An ideal Citizen Advocate will share our core purpose of supporting people to have their voice heard and uphold our Values. They must be aged 18+, are non- judgemental and have good communication and listening skills. All Citizen Advocates undergo a PVG check and must provide 2 references. We also ask that all new Citizen Advocates complete our preparation course. The purpose of this course is to give the person a better understanding of what Citizen Advocacy is and the principles and standards that underpin our work, focusing on; inclusion, confidentiality, non-discriminatory practice and adult protection. Main purpose of the role: - To connect with people who may have a learning disability, mental ill health, acquired brain injury, have dementia or are an older person. - Independent advocacy is a 1:1 equal partnership between an advocacy partner and citizen advocate. The citizen advocate will bring the concerns of the partner into ordinary life and help the partner to connect with their local community. A Development Worker will support you until you are matched with an Advocacy Partner. Our volunteering is unique as once you are matched as an equal Partnership, there are no set hours it is up to the two people when they want to meet or talk. Have a look at some of our Stories for examples of what may be involved in a Partnership. To become a Citizen Advocate or to find out more information, register your interest here or call our office on 01241 434413.

Our volunteer meeter and greeters help create a friendly, welcoming and helpful environment within the outpatient department. They will provide clear information to visitors and escort people to their destination as needed.

You will be providing a puppy with a vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. This is a full-time volunteering opportunity as a puppy will live with you in your home for around 12-16 months. It should be noted that although it is possible for another Puppy Raiser to look after a dog on your behalf for short periods of time that this may not always be possible. Consideration should be given to your future plans such as holidays abroad. “It’s so rewarding to know that the dog will go on to help people with sight loss gain independence and freedom.” – Chris, Puppy Raiser We rely on volunteers like you to help us improve the lives of people with sight loss. In this role your support will include: • Developing, caring and providing for the needs of one of our puppies using Positive Reinforcement Techniques and following Guide Dogs Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships (PREP) programme • Familiarising a puppy to a wide range of environments including shops and outdoor off lead exercise areas in all climates and seasons. • Teaching a puppy it’s ok to be left alone by gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of 4 hours • Attending regular puppy classes • Regularly meeting with Guide Dogs representatives to discuss your pup’s development • Completing regular on-line questionnaires to help us monitor puppy progress Ideally you will: • Be able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg) • Have access to a car on a weekly basis for training and vet visits • Have your own home or written permission to have a dog in the home • Have access to a secure area where the puppy could go to the toilet during the day, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night • Be able to access online content and training materials (you will need your own email address) If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible! Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get; • A dedicated volunteer manager/key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with us. • The challenge and reward of seeing a puppy develop in your home. • The opportunity to learn and develop your understanding in dog body language, learning theory, the human animal bond and the life of a Guide Dog. Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any expenses related to your volunteering with us in line with our policy. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further before applying please email volunteer coordinator Aaron Puckrin at aaron.puckrin@guidedogs.org.uk. Thank you.

You will be providing a puppy with a vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. This is a full-time volunteering opportunity as a puppy will live with you in your home for around 12-16 months. It should be noted that although it is possible for another Puppy Raiser to look after a dog on your behalf for short periods of time that this may not always be possible. Consideration should be given to your future plans such as holidays abroad. “It’s so rewarding to know that the dog will go on to help people with sight loss gain independence and freedom.” – Chris, Puppy Raiser We rely on volunteers like you to help us improve the lives of people with sight loss. In this role your support will include: • Developing, caring and providing for the needs of one of our puppies using Positive Reinforcement Techniques and following Guide Dogs Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships (PREP) programme • Familiarising a puppy to a wide range of environments including shops and outdoor off lead exercise areas in all climates and seasons. • Teaching a puppy it’s ok to be left alone by gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of 4 hours • Attending regular puppy classes • Regularly meeting with Guide Dogs representatives to discuss your pup’s development • Completing regular on-line questionnaires to help us monitor puppy progress Ideally you will: • Be able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg) • Have access to a car on a weekly basis for training and vet visits • Have your own home or written permission to have a dog in the home • Have access to a secure area where the puppy could go to the toilet during the day, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night • Be able to access online content and training materials (you will need your own email address) If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible! Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get; • A dedicated volunteer manager/key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with us. • The challenge and reward of seeing a puppy develop in your home. • The opportunity to learn and develop your understanding in dog body language, learning theory, the human animal bond and the life of a Guide Dog. Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any expenses related to your volunteering with us in line with our policy. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further before applying please email volunteer coordinator Aaron Puckrin at aaron.puckrin@guidedogs.org.uk. Thank you.

You will be providing a puppy with a vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. This is a full-time volunteering opportunity as a puppy will live with you in your home for around 12-16 months. It should be noted that although it is possible for another Puppy Raiser to look after a dog on your behalf for short periods of time that this may not always be possible. Consideration should be given to your future plans such as holidays abroad. “It’s so rewarding to know that the dog will go on to help people with sight loss gain independence and freedom.” – Chris, Puppy Raiser We rely on volunteers like you to help us improve the lives of people with sight loss. In this role your support will include: • Developing, caring and providing for the needs of one of our puppies using Positive Reinforcement Techniques and following Guide Dogs Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships (PREP) programme • Familiarising a puppy to a wide range of environments including shops and outdoor off lead exercise areas in all climates and seasons. • Teaching a puppy it’s ok to be left alone by gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of 4 hours • Attending regular puppy classes • Regularly meeting with Guide Dogs representatives to discuss your pup’s development • Completing regular on-line questionnaires to help us monitor puppy progress Ideally you will: • Be able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg) • Have access to a car on a weekly basis for training and vet visits • Have your own home or written permission to have a dog in the home • Have access to a secure area where the puppy could go to the toilet during the day, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night • Be able to access online content and training materials (you will need your own email address) If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible! Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get; • A dedicated volunteer manager/key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with us. • The challenge and reward of seeing a puppy develop in your home. • The opportunity to learn and develop your understanding in dog body language, learning theory, the human animal bond and the life of a Guide Dog. Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any expenses related to your volunteering with us in line with our policy. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further before applying please email volunteer coordinator Aaron Puckrin at aaron.puckrin@guidedogs.org.uk. Thank you.