BRENT LODGE WILDLIFE HOSPITAL
VOLUNTEER
We are so grateful for volunteer support, without our volunteers we could not continue our vital work. If you feel strongly about the future of British wildlife, if you just love all animals or even if it’s just because you have some free time and want to work with a group of friendly, dedicated group and like-minded people, then please enquire about becoming a volunteer
You do not need to be an expert or have any animal care skills to help, we will provide the training and support you need. We have volunteers of all ages, levels of experience and background. We are looking for volunteers who share our love of wildlife and are able to give some time on a regular basis. It helps if you are able to volunteer for regular hours on days that suit you, and can ideally commit to a period of at least 4 months. This means our team benefit from your time in the most effective way as we can plan tasks and organise volunteers more efficiently. This is especially important in the busy seasons at the Hospital when we have hundreds of wildlife patients to care for every day. If you are thinking of volunteering, there are a few things you may need to consider:
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Animal and Grounds Care volunteers need an up-to-date tetanus vaccination.
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Animal and Grounds Care tasks can be messy, wet or muddy – sturdy old clothing is recommended.
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Young volunteers need to be 14 years old or above.
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You will need to attend an induction session, read and sign our Health & Safety policy, and agree to a trial period.
If you would like to go ahead and volunteer with us then please get in contact. You will then be invited for an induction session to find out more about the role and to see if it suits you.
ANIMAL CARE
VOLUNTEERS
Animal care volunteers help both inside the Hospital ward and outside in aviaries and enclosures. Tasks include cleaning out patient accommodation, providing fresh bedding, food and water. There is a small amount of record keeping on patient notes. Other tasks include keeping the Hospital clean and tidy, washing up, mopping floors, washing and folding towels, and preparing newspapers for bedding.
ANIMAL CARE
WORK EXPERIENCE
Placement opportunities are available to students from schools, universities and colleges, Duke of Edinburgh Award schemes, to staff from other wildlife charities or vet practices, and to individuals interested in pursuing a future in wildlife care. The number of placements is limited. If you would like to know more, please email Emma.ashcroft@brentlodge.org.
GROUNDS CARE
We want to be proud of our grounds and to keep our facilities well maintained. It is an important task that includes gardening, grass mowing, strimming, hedge cutting, and the repair, upkeep and painting of facilities and outside enclosures. If you have practical skills, enjoy gardening or DIY, and this type of volunteering appeals to you, we would welcome as many hours and at whatever times best suit you.
ANIMAL
AMBULANCE DRIVERS
Drivers are volunteers who are willing to collect and transport wildlife patients to the Hospital and to transfer patients to and from vets or specialist release facilities – we try not to call too often. Please let us know if you would like to join our list of drivers.
HELPING IN
THE SHOPS
Volunteers are needed in our charity shops to help receive and sort donations, organise goods for sale and assist with retail activities. If you are an organised person who can spare half a day on a regular basis helping a small local team, and have a clean valid UK drivers license, please get in touch. Locations: Bognor Regis – Havant – Hayling Island – Selsey – Worthing.
SORTERS
& DRIVERS
We need help to sort, organise and transport donated goods for re-sale to and from our charity shops – typically clothing, books, bric-a-brac and furniture items. If you are an organised person, with a clean drivers license, and can spare a day on a regular basis please let us know.
WE COULD NOT DO OUR VITAL WORK WITHOUT YOU