Woodlands Animal Sanctuary relies on our network of Volunteers who tirelessly help us to raise funds and help us care for the animals at the shelter. In our eyes, they are warriors!
Important information before applying to volunteer
References required
As part of your application to volunteer, and to ensure the safeguarding of fellow volunteers, visitors and staff, we will require two references from professionals as outlined below. Your reference cannot come from a family member / housemate, and should be one of the following depending on your age:
Adults – professional/official capacity
- Current or previous employer / line manager
- HR manager or supervisor from a paid or voluntary role
- Manager from a different volunteering role (e.g. another charity, church group, community group)
- Teacher, tutor, lecturer, or college/university course leader
- School headteacher or deputy head
- Training provider or apprenticeship assessor
- Social worker or support worker (if applicable)
- GP, health visitor, or other healthcare professional who knows you in a working capacity
- Faith leader (vicar, priest, imam, rabbi, etc.) in an official capacity
- Youth club or uniformed group leader (Scouts, Guides, Cadets, youth centre)
- Sports coach or club committee member
- Probation officer or caseworker (where relevant)
- A trustee or committee member of another organisation you're involved with.
- Local councillor, if you've worked with them in an official capacity
Young people aged 12–18
(your referee should be someone in a position of responsibility for your welfare or conduct i.e. teacher, youth leader, coach & not just an adult that you know socially. Your referees also cannot be a relative, step-relative, partner of a relative, or someone living at the same address. Parental/guardian consent needs to be obtained separately.)
(your referee should be someone in a position of responsibility for your welfare or conduct i.e. teacher, youth leader, coach & not just an adult that you know socially. Your referees also cannot be a relative, step-relative, partner of a relative, or someone living at the same address. Parental/guardian consent needs to be obtained separately.)
- Form tutor, head of year, or class teacher
- School headteacher or deputy head
- SENCO or pastoral support lead (if relevant)
- Youth group leader (Scouts, Guides, Duke of Edinburgh leader, youth club worker)
- Sports coach, swimming instructor, or club leader
- Music, drama, or dance teacher (school or private tutor)
- Faith leader who knows you through a youth group or confirmation/similar
- Saturday job or work-experience supervisor (if you've had one)
- School careers advisor or Duke of Edinburgh Award coordinator
- A social worker, if one is involved with your family
Volunteering opportunities at Woodlands
Fundraising
Help us to fundraise through on-street collections, bag packs and more.
Animal Care
Get involved at our animal shelter and help to care for the animals we have onsite!
Cat Cuddling
Help to socialise the cats we have rescued and prepare them for their forever homes.
Cat Pen Cleaning
Help us to keep our cat pens clean, comfortable and free from germs by being part of our cat cleaning team.
Farm and Stables
Ensure that our goats, and equines have fresh hay, straw, and woodchip to make for a healthy, clean living environment.
Open Days & Events
Whether it's helping to organise car parking, manning the BBQs, or running a stall there's always lots of different things to do at our events.
Volunteer FAQ
How does volunteering benefit me?
Volunteering is a rewarding experience, allowing you to:
- Gain a sense of achievement: Helping an animal in need can give you a sense of pride and achievement.
- Enhance your skills: Doing varied tasks with a variety of volunteers can help you to enhance a number of skills including confidence, communication and team work.
- Strengthen your CV: Volunteering can be an invaluable addition to your CV. Employers can see you have gone the extra mile to help learn new skills.
- Help your mental health and fitness: Many of our volunteers claim that being around, or working for animal welfare, and being part of a community has significant benefits in their fitness, mental health, confidence, and social interactions.
- Increase your network: You will meet and interact with some fantastic like-minded individuals, so you’ll definitely make some new friends along the way!
Who can Volunteer?
How much time do I have to give?
What types of roles are there at the Sanctuary?
What types of roles are there at the Community Hub?
How do I volunteer?
Sign up to Volunteer with us
Click the button below and fill in your details and someone from Woodlands will get back to you, or alternately please call us on 01704 823293.
We are now asking that all volunteers, whether you are looking to help directly with the animals, at events, or at one of our Community Hubs, supply two professional references with their online application form. Once the references have been completed a member of the team will be in touch with you to invite you to an induction session at our site in Holmeswood, or to arrange a trial shift at your preferred Community Hub.
Please note that application forms without two professional references will not be considered.
We have taken this step to protect the safety and welfare of everyone who is invovled with Woodlands Animal Sanctuary.
We appreciate your cooperation with this.