- our Aviaries and the part of the lakes area housing our chickens, ducks and geese will reopen on Saturday 31 May.
Raystede is an exciting and rewarding place to volunteer. We have over 300 volunteers at Raystede all committed to giving animals a better life.
Their generosity and dedication allows Raystede to provide a caring environment for all our animals.
Our Raystede site can be a busy place and we do our very best to make sure that volunteering is rewarding and enjoyable. Whilst volunteering you will get to meet fellow volunteers and staff, learn new skills and play an active role in the work we do.
Volunteers must be over the age of 16 and, if volunteering onsite at Raystede, have access to their own transport. Volunteers aged between 16-17 years old will need a parent or guardian to sign your application form to say they are happy for you to come and volunteer with us.
We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable volunteers to help keep our animal care departments looking their best.
If you have an eye for detail, want to be part of an amazing team, and enjoy working outside, then this role is for you – no two days will be the same. Please note that although you will be working in and around animals, this is not a direct animal-handling role.
Time commitment:
What you can expect to be doing:
This role will suit you if you:
How you will make a difference:
You will be a great help to our Animal Care teams who care for around 450 animals every day. By keeping our areas clean and safe you will be helping to keep our high animal welfare standards and provide a pleasant environment for our visitors.
What we can offer you:
Are you a people person, with some free time to make a difference to animals in our care, by assisting our small HR and Volunteering team.
Our people processes are at the heart of the organisation, providing support and advice to managers, staff and volunteers.
What you can expect to be doing:
Assisting with issuing, ordering and updating uniform supplies - using our stock control system
Helping to keep up-to-date staff and volunteer records
Assisting with staff and volunteer recruitment processes
Assisting with responses to external and internal enquiries and applications
Assisting with general HR and Volunteering administrative duties as required
This role will suit you if you:
Have a passion for helping people
Have excellent communication skills
Are an organised person with a good knowledge of Microsoft packages and an eye for detail
Have an understanding of the General Data Protection Regulation
How you will make a difference:
You will help to ensure we offer our growing team of staff and volunteers an excellent level of service and support, as they join Raystede and throughout their journey with us.
What’s in it for you?
Please apply online
How you will make a difference:
You will be a great help to the Aviary team who painstakingly keep the aviaries in tip top condition and provide enrichment activities. You will help maintain those standards and ensure that the birds have the very best they can have in a captive situation. Our main need is for additional volunteers on a Saturday or Sunday, hours to suit.
What you can expect to be doing:
This role will suit you if you:
What we can offer you:
Please apply online
What is a Visitor Information/Welcome Team
Visitor Information/Welcome Team volunteers have a vital role to play by welcoming our visitors to site and delivering the first part of a memorable and enjoyable day that enhances the visitor’s experience. They have a good knowledge of the site, and a passion for animals and their welfare and for conveying information.
Interacting closely with visitors, checking them in with our ticketing system and help them discover our site, what animals live here and how to get the most from their visit; Visitor Information volunteers help to protect the health and safety of visitors and play a part in safeguarding the site and our animals.
Visitor Information volunteers work closely with the Customer Service team and Visitor Engagement Volunteers to leave visitors with a greater appreciation of animals and their welfare whilst enjoying our beautiful 43-acre site at Raystede.
What are the benefits to you?
What is the time commitment?
Shifts are between the hours of 9.45am and 3.30pm, 7 days a week. Organised and allocated a month in advance on a rota system. Most of our current volunteers do either a full day or morning /afternoon shift. We can accommodate a regular day or more ad hoc. The rotas are organised a month in advance.
We are looking for volunteers 7 days a week, we are particularly keen to recruit volunteers for the weekend.
What’s involved?
Who is this suitable for?
This role is suitable for someone who enjoys talking to people and being part of a team, you will have an enthusiastic and friendly manner, be confident in talking to people, have good time management skills and a passion for animals and their welfare. You will be good at conveying information in a cohesive way and be able to adapt your skills and knowledge to suit different audiences.
How will I make a difference?
Animal welfare education starts from the moment our visitors arrive and you will be the first point for setting the expectation of our visitors’ experience. By helping them start their journey around our site, you can ensure visitors know where to go and where to find our animals to enhance their visit and keep the high standards of animal welfare onsite.
Please apply online
We are looking for volunteers to assist our Equine team, to help our equines and other animals onto the path of a better life.
What’s in it for you?
· Being part of a friendly and dedicated team
· Volunteering in a beautiful countryside location
· Learning new and transferable animal care skills
· Uniform and access to training
. Complimentary coffee/tea drink and lunch whilst on duty
· Discount in our café and on pet goods
· Entry to the site before or after shifts
What is the time commitment?
Various shifts and times throughout the week/weekend
What’s involved?
· Working with a range of large animals including equines, sheep, goats and alpacas, helping to enrich their lives and care for them
· Cleaning out enclosures, grooming animals. providing enrichments for our animals, poo picking and making hay nets.
· Becoming familiar with Raystede policies including following fire and security procedures
· Supporting any other activities relevant to the role
· Interacting with any visitors and responding to questions about our activities and our animals as guided by the Equine team
Who is this suitable for?
This role is suitable for someone who has passion for animal welfare. Experience working with or owning equines would be an advantage and is preferred. Our work is very physical but also very rewarding. A friendly and approachable manner.
How will I make a difference?
You will make a difference by helping our Equine team to maintain our high welfare standards. To provide our animals with enrichment activities, positive interaction and handling while they are in our care.
If you are interested in this role, then please complete the Online application form.
Do you enjoy all things retail and have an eye for quality? If so this could be the role for you!
A bit about the role:
We’re incredibly fortunate to receive generous donations to help raise money for our wonderful animals in need. Our warehouse is at the heart of this effort, where donated items are sorted, checked, and prepared for sale in our charity shops.
As a Warehouse volunteer, you’ll be part of a friendly and fun-loving team, enjoying a good rummage while ensuring all stock is in great condition and ready for distribution. If you love working with others, have an eye for quality, and want to make a real difference, we’d love to have you as part of our Team.
Time Commitment
You can give as much or as little time as you want. Our warehouse will be operating Monday to Friday 9 am - 3 pm
What you can expect to be doing:
Sorting and preparing donated goods for distribution to all our charity Shops
This role will suit you if you:
Like to make new friends and be part of a great team for a much-loved local animal charity
Have an interest in all things retail including fashion, clothing and much more
Have a polite and engaging manner
Can cope with some light lifting and carrying
Have your own transport to and from the Warehouse
How you will make a difference:
All of the income generated from our busy charity shops goes straight back into the vital work we do in rehabilitation, rehoming and sanctuary of our animals.
What we offer you:
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
A bit about the role:
Our Café is open to visitors every day between 10 am and 4pm and is also available to our staff and volunteers when on duty.
This role is supporting our Café team. You will help with the vital, daily task of preparing staff/volunteer lunches, in the summer sandwiches, in the winter soup.
What you can expect to be doing:
Assisting the Café team with the preparation of sandwiches/wraps in the summer and soup in the colder months.
The role will suit you if:
You enjoy being part of a vibrant team.
Enjoy food preparation.
Are able to assist in providing excellent lunches for the staff/volunteers
You have Food Hygiene Level 2.
How you will make a difference:
You will be helping provide all the lunches for staff and volunteers at Raystede.
You will be supporting Raystede with this vital role.
You will be helping the Café team.
What we can offer you:
● A welcoming and enjoyable experience and the chance to meet new, likeminded people.
● Recognition and appreciation for your contribution
● Complimentary lunch and hot drink whilst volunteering.
● 50% discount off food and drink in the Café whilst volunteering.
● Uniform, induction and role specific training programme with ongoing support.
● The option for reimbursement of local travel costs between home and volunteering location.
How to apply:
Please apply online
We’re looking for volunteers to join our fundraising team to cheer on our runners at the following events:
A bit about the role
No event would be complete without the roar of #TeamRaystede volunteers cheering on our fabulous fundraisers doing their thing to help local animals in need.
So, we would absolutely love for you to come and join our cheer squad to make some noise for our runners at the Brighton Marathon or London Landmarks Half Marathon!
A full brief with instructions will be sent for each event, including travel advice, and you'll receive a blue Raystede t-shirt to wear (probably over a jacket!)
What you can expect to be doing
We need you to make lots of noise for our runners to keep them motivated during their challenge
You’ll be acting as an ambassador for Raystede in front of other runners and cheerers on the event day
While at the event as part of the cheer squad, you will always be supported by a member of the fundraising team
Why take part
We’re looking for someone with
We would absolutely love for you to come and join us at the Brighton Marathon or London Landmarks Half Marathon!
A full brief with instructions will be sent for each event and any questions you have, please email: fundraisingevents@raystede.org or call 01825 705 897.
How to apply
Please complete the online application form
Do you have some free time to make a difference to animals in our care, by assisting with the collection and distribution of donated goods to our charity shops in Sussex?
We are looking for volunteers to assist our Retail Driver.
A bit about the role:
You will become an active member of Raystede’s Commercial department, the commercial department looks after the charity’s shops throughout Sussex, which are located at present in Lewes, Hailsham, Uckfield, on the main site in Ringmer and our newest shop, due to open soon in Langney.
As we are expanding our presence on the high street and are accepting more large goods/ furniture for our Lewes shop, we now have our own Raystede van with a driver.
The Raystede van driver and assistant, are responsible for visiting all the Charity’s sites/locations and donated goods sites, to deliver and collect items.
The van also delivers and collects large items of furniture for our Lewes shop, and this is where we need the help to collect and deliver these items.
Time commitment:
Various times available, on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, no weekend work. Timings are 10am -2pm on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and on a Friday 10-2.30pm
Ideally, we are hoping for regular commitment, in order that other plans within the section can be made around that commitment.
What you can expect to be doing:
This role will suit you if you:
How you will make a difference:
You will be a great help to the retail team who work hard to keep all our charity shops well stocked and ultimately help support the work we do to care for the wonderful animals in our care.
To apply, please complete the online application form
We are looking for Volunteers to support our Estates team, running regular check on our external taps each week, when they have not been used regularly over a 7-day period.
Time commitment:
This role will suit you if you:
How you will make a difference:
What we can offer you:
Please use online application form to apply
A bit about the role
Are you passionate about Raystede and want to help give animals a second chance? We are looking for Customer Service volunteers to support our Customer Service team with providing information and assistance to our visitors. Selling a large variety of pet goods, handling telephone enquiries and generally assisting the team, who in turn support every area of our Charity.
Time commitment
Flexible hours and days, between 10am and 4pm, although we are particularly looking for support on Monday, Thursday, Friday as well as weekends
What you can expect to be doing
Answering telephone and in person enquiries
Selling from the pet goods store
Using the till
Restocking shelves and rails
General tidying of the pet goods area
The role will suit you if
You enjoy being part of a vibrant team
You have a polite and engaging manner and are confident talking to people
Good IT skills, although training will be given
You have your own transport to get to and from Raystede
How you will make a difference
Your support will directly help the Customer Service team, who in turn support every area of our Charity.
You will also be helping our animals at Raystede.
What’s in it for you:
A welcoming and enjoyable experience and the chance to meet like-minded people
Recognition and appreciation for your contribution
Complimentary lunch and hot drink whilst volunteering
50% discount off food and drink in the Café whilst volunteering
Uniform, induction and role specific training programme with ongoing support
The option of reimbursement of local travel costs between home and Raystede
To apply please use the online application form
Time to give? Volunteer in our Lewes charity shop.
Are you a super sales person, a fashion fan or a marvellous merchandiser?
Roles include:
Skills and experience:
How you will make a difference:
You will help making our customers experience a good one
You will be helping to raise vital funds for our animals at Raystede.
We offer flexible shifts, uniform, full training, complimentary lunch and drink and the option to claim for local travel expenses from home to our Raystede shop.
50% discount off food and drink in the Café whilst volunteering
Learn new skills, make new friends, be part of a great team for a much-loved local animal charity.
Volunteer today and help Raystede care for animals in need.
How to apply
Use the online application form or if you would prefer, visit our shop to find out more.
Time to give? Volunteer in our Uckfield charity shop.
Are you a super sales person, a fashion fan or a marvellous merchandiser?
Roles include:
Skills and experience:
How you will make a difference:
You will help making our customers experience a good one
You will be helping to raise vital funds for our animals at Raystede.
We offer flexible shifts, uniform, full training, complimentary lunch and drink and the option to claim for local travel expenses from home to our Raystede shop.
Learn new skills, make new friends, be part of a great team for a much-loved local animal charity.
Volunteer today and help Raystede care for animals in need.
How to apply
Use the online application form or if you would prefer, visit our shop to find out more.
Time to give? Volunteer in our Ringmer charity shop
Are you a super sales person, a fashion fan or a marvellous merchandiser?
Roles include:
Skills and experience:
How you will make a difference:
You will help making our customers experience a good one
You will be helping to raise vital funds for our animals at Raystede.
We offer flexible shifts, uniform, full training, complimentary lunch and drink and the option to claim for local travel expenses from home to our Raystede shop.
Learn new skills, make new friends, be part of a great team for a much-loved local animal charity.
Volunteer today and help Raystede care for animals in need.
How to apply
Use the online application form or if you would prefer, visit our shop to find out more.
We are looking for volunteers to help keep our rabbit enclosures clean and hygienic for our rabbits.
We would love to find a small and committed team of volunteers to take on this, time-consuming, task, allowing us to focus on our other duties.
A bit about the role:
The hutches and gardens are cleaned out daily by the team but once a week they require ‘totalling’ (removing all bedding and furnishings, scrubbing out the hutches and replacing substrates).
Location:
On site in our rabbitry
Time commitment:
What you can expect to be doing:
This role will suit you if you:
How you will make a difference:
You will be a great help to the team ensuring the rabbits have a safe and clean environment whilst they are in our care.
You will allow the team to continue with their many other important roles, helping the many animals that need our help.
What we can offer you:
Time to give? Volunteer in our new Langney Eastbourne Charity shop
Are you a super sales person, a fashion fan or a marvellous merchandiser?
Roles include:
Skills and experience:
How you will make a difference:
You will help making our customers experience a good one
You will be helping to raise vital funds for our animals at Raystede.
We offer flexible shifts, uniform, full training, complimentary lunch and drink and the option to claim for local travel expenses from home to our Raystede shop.
Learn new skills, make new friends, be part of a great team for a much-loved local animal charity.
Volunteer today and help Raystede care for animals in need.
How to apply
Use the online application form
Do you spare time to help animals in need?
Are you a super sales person, a fashion fan or a marvellous merchandiser?
We have volunteering opportunities to join our friendly team in our Hailsham charity shop.
Roles include:
Skills and experience:
How you will make a difference:
You will help making our customers experience a good one
You will be helping to raise vital funds for our animals at Raystede.
We offer flexible shifts, uniform, full training, complimentary lunch and drink and the option to claim for local travel expenses from home to our Raystede shop.
Learn new skills, make new friends, be part of a great team for a much-loved local animal charity.
Volunteer today and help Raystede care for animals in need.
How to apply
Use the online application form or if you would prefer, visit our Hailsham shop to find out more.
A bit about the role:
Our Café is open to visitors every day between 10 am and 4pm.
This volunteer role is supporting our Café team. You will help with front of house, delivering ordered food and drinks to our customers at their tables. Clearing away used cutlery and crockery and preparing tables for the next customers. Chatting to the visitors, answering any questions and making their visit to the Café an enjoyable one.
What you can expect to be doing:
Assisting the Café team.
Delivering food and drinks to the tables.
Clearing away used crockery and cutlery.
Preparing tables for next customers.
Being friendly and chatty with our visitors and making their Café visit enjoyable.
Providing excellent service for our customers.
The role will suit you if:
You enjoy working with a vibrant team.
Enjoy the experience of Café working.
Helping our visitors have a good experience in the Café.
Enjoy chatting to our visitors and helping with any queries.
How you will make a difference:
You will help making our visitors Café experience a good one.
You will be helping to raise vital funds for our animals at Raystede.
You will be helping our Café team.
What we can offer you:
● A welcoming and enjoyable experience and the chance to meet new, likeminded people.
● Recognition and appreciation for your contribution
● Complimentary lunch and hot drink whilst volunteering.
● 50% discount off food and drink in the Café whilst volunteering.
● Uniform, induction and role specific training programme with ongoing support.
● The option for reimbursement of local travel costs between home and volunteering location.
How to apply:
Please use the online application form
We are looking for a Cattery Cleaning Volunteer on a Sunday morning 9 am - midday to help our Cattery staff with some general cleaning duties, such as:
If this appeals to you, then please let us know by sending your expression of interest to: volunteering@raystede.org
Raystede offers Corporate Volunteering days to companies twice a week from April to September, either working on our main site, or at Peaceways, our Pet Crematorium and Gardens of Remembrance.
As a thank you for all their hard work and an opportunity to find out more about who we are and what we do, we provide our corporate guests, an escorted tour of Our Animal Welfare Centre starting at either 2.30 pm or 3.30 pm, which lasts about an hour.
We are looking for passionate volunteers who are willing to learn all about our history, the vital rehabilitation work and sanctuary care carried out at Raystede and not forgetting getting to know our wonderful animal residents. Volunteers need to be able to present these facts and stories in an engaging way to our amazing corporate volunteers on the 'Thank You' tours after their day of 'making a difference!'
For full details please see Volunteer Role Description
If you are interested in this role, then please complete the Online application form
This volunteer role is supporting the education team on our pet advice stand in local communities
We are looking for Volunteers to help us deliver animal welfare messages and pet advice in local communities
Reporting to: Education Team
Location: In various locations in the surrounding areas to Raystede
Days or Hours Required: Occasional Thursdays and occasional weekend events
Description of Duties:
Skills and Experience you will need:
How you will make a difference:
You will be helping people with their own pets and representing Raystede in a positive public role
What we offer you:
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
Are you passionate about Raystede and want to help spread awareness of our charity? Would you enjoy running stalls and managing stall attractions with interactive offerings to raise funds? Raystede Stall Holder Volunteers have the exciting opportunity to interact with local communities as an ambassador for Raystede, raising funds at the same time. You will hold regular fundraising stalls at pre-arranged locations. We are looking for outgoing individuals who can communicate comfortably at all levels and who love to have a bit of fun. Training and support will be provided.
Reporting to:
Community Fundraiser
Location:
Covering East Sussex, with regular check-ins at Raystede
Days or Hours Required:
Description of duties:.
Skills and Experience you will need:
How you will make a difference:
You will help make a difference by helping us to raise money to look after the animals at Raystede. Also, by helping maintain and build upon our existing relationships, you will help raise awareness of Raystede in the local area.
What we offer you:
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
Are you passionate about Raystede and want to help spread awareness of our charity? Would you enjoy building relationships with local businesses and leading a small team of volunteers to raise funds? Raystede Community Partner Volunteers are a key part of the fundraising team and act as the leading volunteer for key partnerships in the local area. You will be managing and building our relationships with existing community partners. You will hold regular charity collections at pre-arranged locations. We are looking for proactive individuals great at communicating and have excellent organisational skills. Training and support will be provided.
Reporting to:
Community Fundraiser
Location:
Covering East Sussex, with regular check-ins at Raystede
Days or Hours Required:
Description of duties:.
Skills and Experience you will need:
How you will make a difference:
You will help make a difference by helping us to raise money to look after the animals at Raystede. Also, by helping maintain and build upon our existing relationships, you will help raise awareness of Raystede in the local area.
What we offer you:
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
What is a Welcome Team Volunteer?
Welcome Team Volunteers have a vital role to play by welcoming our visitors to site and delivering the first part of a memorable and enjoyable day that enhances our visitors’ experience. They have a good knowledge of the site, enjoy giving information and have a passion for Raystede and animal welfare.
The role involves welcoming visitors, helping them to discover our site, what animals live here and how to get the most from their visit. Welcome Team volunteers help to protect the health and safety of visitors and play a part in safeguarding the site and our animals.
Welcome Team volunteers work closely with Raystede’s Visitor Information Team and Visitor Engagement Volunteers to give visitors a greater appreciation of animal welfare and the charity.
What are the benefits to you?
· Being part of a friendly and dedicated team
· Meeting and interacting with people from all walks of life
· Volunteering in a beautiful countryside location
· Learning new and useful skills
· Uniform and access to training
· Discount in our café and on pet goods
· Entry to the site before or after shifts
What is the time commitment?
Shifts are between the hours of 10am and 3pm, 7 days a week. Shifts are organised and allocated in advance on a rota system. You can give as much of your time as you would like however most volunteers do a 2 hour shift once a week.
What’s involved?
· Welcoming our visitors (who have booked online) and checking them in through our simple, user-friendly online system
· Interacting with people and being happy and confident in talking to visitors when they arrive
· Recognising and supporting the specific access needs of all visitors and helping make sure that they have a comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable visit
· Being part of a rota system
· Becoming familiar with Raystede policies including following fire and security procedures
· Provide information and maps and answering initial queries about their visit
· Supporting any other activities relevant to the role
Who is this suitable for?
This role is suitable for someone who enjoys talking to people. You will have an enthusiastic and friendly manner, be confident in talking to people, have good time management skills and a passion for animal welfare. You will be good at conveying information in a cohesive and accessible way and be able to adapt your skills and knowledge to suit different audiences.
How will I make a difference?
Animal welfare education starts from the moment our visitors arrive and you will be the first touch point for setting the expectation of our visitors' experience. By helping our visitors start their journey around our site, you can ensure they know where to go and how to interact with our animals to enhance their visit and protect the high standards of animal welfare onsite.
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
What is a Visitor Engagement Volunteer?
Visitor Engagement Volunteers have a vital role to play by educating our visitors, responding to their questions, and sharing facts and information about our animals and Raystede as they move about site. They have a good knowledge of the site and our animals, are able to convey information in a fun and interactive way delivering a memorable and enjoyable day that enhances our visitor’s experience.
Interacting closely with visitors to help them discover our site, the animals live here and how to get the most from their visit; Visitor Engagement volunteers help to protect the health and safety of visitors and play a vital role in safeguarding the site and our animals.
Visitor Engagement volunteers work closely with the Customer Service team and Visitor Information Volunteers to leave visitors with a greater appreciation of animal welfare.
What’s in it for you?
What is the time commitment?
Shifts are between the hours of 9.45 and 3.30, 7 days a week. Organised and allocated in advance on a rota system. You can give as much of your time as you would like however some volunteers stay all day or do a morning shift 09.45am – 1.00pm or afternoon shift 1.00pm – 3.30pm. The rotas are planned a month in advance.
We are particularly looking for volunteers that could give some time at the weekend.
What’s involved?
Who is this suitable for?
This role is suitable for someone who is outgoing and enjoys talking to people including children and education educating them about animals and their welfare. You will have an enthusiastic and friendly manner, have good time management skills and a passion for animals and their welfare. You will be good at conveying information in a cohesive and accessible way.
How will I make a difference?
By helping our visitors with animal welfare education and supporting the educational aims of the charity, delivering the first part of a memorable and enjoyable day that enhances our visitors’ experience.
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
What is a Raystede Community Champion?
Are you passionate about Raystede and want to help spread awareness of our charity? Raystede Community Champions are a key part of the fundraising team and act as the leading community volunteer and point of contact for their local area. They spread awareness of the animal welfare work at Raystede and raise funds from their local community. If you enjoy being at the heart of your community and could help with bucket collections, attending local events, distributing flyers, sourcing raffle prizes from local businesses and sharing posts on social media then this is the role for you. You might even consider organising some of your own fundraising events for Raystede. You will help spread awareness about the animal welfare work we do at Raystede and help us to raise funds. You will be an ambassador for Raystede in your local community. We are looking for proactive individuals who are well connected, great at communicating and have excellent organisational skills. Training and support will be provided.
What are the benefits to you?
· Being part of a friendly and dedicated team
· Volunteering at the heart of your local community
· Being able to clearly see the difference you are making
· Enjoying varied and interesting work
· Meeting and connecting with people in your local area
· Learning new and useful skills
· Access to training
· Discount in our café and on pet goods
What is the time commitment?
Variable time commitment that fits into your lifestyle
What’s involved?
· Distributing flyers and posters to shops, pubs and venues in your local area
· Sourcing raffle prizes from local businesses
· Sharing posts on social media
· Helping with bucket collections
· Attending events in your local community and running a stall (stall and activity provided)
· Organising some of your own fundraising events
Who is this suitable for?
This role is suitable for someone who loves being at the heart of the local community and is passionate about animals. You will be proactive, well connected and great at communicating. If you enjoy connecting with people and inspiring people to help improve the life of our animals, then this is the role for you.
How will you make a difference?
By helping us to raise money to look after the animals at Raystede.
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
What is a Collecting Box Volunteer?
Collecting Box Volunteers work with the fundraising team to help raise money to look after and rehome the animals at Raystede. They assist with collecting and dropping off the blue Raystede collecting tins at supermarkets, shops, hairdressers, gyms, pubs and restaurants and all sort of other venues around Sussex. You will be given a list of venues who have agreed to take a tin or have their tin replaced and will travel by car to distribute the tins, making sure to say a big thank you wherever you go.
What are the benefits to you?
· Being part of a friendly and dedicated team
· Visiting a wide range of venues and locations around Sussex, meeting new people
· Working independently from your car
· Mileage and parking expenses paid
· Discount in our café and on pet goods
· Knowing that you are making a difference.
What is the time commitment?
Shifts are 3-7 hours a week, between Monday and Friday 8.30-4.30.
What’s involved?
· Driving to a list of locations around Sussex
· Delivering and picking up collecting tins, from pre-arranged placements
· Issuing a receipt for the collection of tins
· Popping in to see the fundraising team at Raystede to drop off the tins
Who is this suitable for?
This role is suitable for someone who enjoys driving, and visiting different locations. You must have a full clean driving license, access to your own car and be able to include volunteering mileage on your insurance. You will enjoy meeting people and be happy to thank shops and venues for raising money for us.
How will you make a difference?
By helping us to raise money to look after the animals at Raystede.
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
We are looking for Volunteers to join our small Online Sales Team. If you have an interest and/or knowledge of online sales, we would love to hear from you.
Over the coming months we will be expanding our presence online, exploring alternative platforms and growing our business and you could be an important part of our development at this exciting time.
We are looking for volunteer Online Sales Assistants to research our items and create draft listings. Our items are all donated and there is always an eclectic mix of pieces to sell. Anything from designer clothes to teapots, or dog crates to stamps.
If this sounds interesting to you and you’d like to help, please read our role description and fill in our volunteer application form
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
Family Learning Day (FLD) Volunteers have an important role to play through engaging with our visitors at Raystede on Wednesdays & Thursdays during the school holidays. FLD volunteers answer questions, share facts about our animals and help maintain a calm environment around site. They will be guided by the Education team who will give them a good knowledge of the activities provided for families during the holidays and general knowledge of our charity and our animals. They communicate with the public in a friendly manner to deliver our key learning messages.
What’s in it for you?
· Being part of a friendly and dedicated team
· Volunteering in a beautiful countryside location
· Learning new and transferable skills
· Opportunities to deliver talks and share Raystede knowledge
· Uniform and access to training
· Discount in our café and on pet goods
· Entry to the site before or after shifts
What is the time commitment?
Shifts are between the hours of 10am and 4pm, on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the school holidays. Shifts are organised and allocated in advance on a rota system. You can give as much of your time as you would like however most volunteers commit to a regular weekly shift of 3 hours or more.
What’s involved?
· Interacting with visitors and responding to questions about our activities and our animals as guided by the education team
· Helping to maintain a safe and calm environment for visitors and our animals
· Providing information leaflets and directing visitors around the site
· Being part of a rota system on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the school holidays
· Becoming familiar with Raystede policies including following fire and security procedures
· Supporting any other activities relevant to the role
Who is this suitable for?
This role is suitable for someone who enjoys talking to people, including children and helping them learn about animal welfare. A friendly, approachable manner and excellent communication skills are a must. A passion for animal welfare and commitment to helping Raystede deliver key messages is essential.
How will I make a difference?
By helping our visitors to learn about animal welfare, you are supporting the educational aims of the charity and animals more widely.
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
We are looking for a volunteer to help us to deliver Tuesday Tours for visiting school and community groups, every Tuesday during term time. Groups enjoy a guided tour of Raystede, as well as self-led bird spotting and code cracking challenges. Our TT volunteer will assist the Education team with the guided tour and will then support the group in their efforts to spot wild birds and to crack the code. Our volunteer will be trained by the Education team in our key animal welfare messages, as well as in the general purpose of our charity. They will need to communicate this information to our visiting groups, in a friendly and professional manner, as well as being confident in answering questions and helping to manage groups of children and young people.
What’s in it for you?
· Being part of a friendly and dedicated team
· Volunteering in a beautiful countryside location
· Learning new and transferable skills
· Opportunities to deliver talks and share Raystede knowledge
· Uniform and access to training
· Discount in our café and on pet goods
· Entry to the site before or after shifts
What is the time commitment?
Shifts are between the hours of 9.45 – 12.45 on Tuesdays during term time only.
What’s involved?
· Interacting with visitors (mainly children) and responding to questions about our activities and our animals as guided by the education team
· Helping to maintain a safe and calm environment for visitors and our animals & directing visitors around the site
· Becoming familiar with Raystede policies including following fire and security procedures
· Supporting any other activities relevant to the role
Who is this suitable for?
This role is suitable for someone who enjoys talking to people, particularly children and helping them learn about animal welfare. A friendly, approachable manner and excellent communication skills are a must. A passion for animal welfare and commitment to helping Raystede deliver key messages is essential. Experience working with school-age groups would be an advantage.
How will I make a difference?
By helping our visitors to learn about animal welfare, you are supporting the educational aims of the charity and animals more widely.
To apply:
Please complete the Online application form
Corporate Volunteering Days
To find out more about supporting Raystede through your company, please contact companies@raystede.org
What are Corporate Volunteering days at Raystede?
Designed specifically for company teams, our Corporate Volunteering Days are a great way to get out of the office and make a difference to Raystede and the animals in our care.
What are the benefits to you?
What is the time commitment?
We understand that most people don’t wish to take too much time out of the office, so we offer single volunteering days, 9-4pm on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
What’s involved?
You will be asked to undertake a selection of maintenance or gardening tasks to help keep the site presentable or to benefit the animals.
This could involve weeding, mending fencing, maintaining pastures to benefit horses’ hooves or tending the memorial garden at our Peaceways site.
Who is this suitable for?
Any company team who are happy to get stuck in, make a difference, and have fun with colleagues outdoors. We arrange these days for groups of minimum 5 and maximum 10 people, please get in touch.
How will I make a difference?
Our small Estates Team manage the whole of our 43 acre site and deal with everything from gardening, building repairs, animal housing upgrades and, of course, unexpected weather damage. It is important to keep the site presentable for our visitors but also to maintain verges and wildflower areas to ensure the safety of our animals. Horses, for example, can trip in holes dug by rabbits, causing large vets’ bills, or they are prone to munching weeds at the side of their grazing sites which can contribute to equine obesity. A day’s gardening could help prevent animal suffering and save Raystede money.
For more information and to apply:
To be added to our waiting list, please contact companies@raystede.org or call Mikayla on 01825 840747.
More information about how we partner with companies is available here
We are looking for organised volunteers to provide support to the busy retail team in our new Lewes shop. Sorting, pricing and reviewing books kindly donated by supporters. This role is suitable for anyone who enjoys working in a retail environment and is interested in books.
Reporting to: Shop Manager
Days or Hours Required: Various shifts available
Description of duties:
Skills and Experience you will need:
An enthusiasm for books.
How you will make a difference:
All of the income generated from our busy onsite shop goes straight back into the vital work we do in rehabilitation, rehoming and sanctuary of our animals.
What we offer you:
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
We are looking for organised volunteers to provide support to the busy retail team in our new Lewes shop. Sorting and pricing donated items, arranging shelves and creating displays. This role is suitable for anyone who enjoys working in a retail environment and has an eye for merchandising.
Reporting to: Shop Manager
Location: Raystede shop, On-site & in our shop in Lewes
Days or Hours Required: Various shifts available
Description of duties:
Talking to customers and making them feel welcome in the shop.
Advising and helping people as they shop.
Operating the till and dealing with various types of payment.
Answering customer enquiries.
Routine dusting and cleaning of the shop, when required
Skills and Experience you will need:
An enthusiasm for fashion and accessories.
An appreciation of quality and knowledge of brands.
The ability to work quickly and accurately.
The ability to work as part of a team.
How you will make a difference:
All of the income generated from our busy onsite shop goes straight back into the vital work we do in rehabilitation, rehoming and sanctuary of our animals.
What we offer you:
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
We are looking for customer focussed volunteers to provide friendly, helpful assistance at the till within our new Lewes shop. This role is suitable for anyone who enjoys working in a busy retail environment and who works to targets.
Reporting to: Shop Manager
Location: Raystede shop, On-site & in our shop in Lewes
Days or Hours Required:
Various shifts available
Description of duties:
An interest in fashion, clothing and bric-a-brac
Previous experience of charity shop/retail environment
Previous experience of using EPOS
Good understanding of Gift Aid and how it can be used in the retail environment
The ability to work as part of a team
Skills and Experience you will need:
Operating the till and dealing with various types of payment and using our EPOS
Cashing up the till at the end of trading
Managing gift aid generation for goods sold
Answering customer enquiries
Keeping an eye on the security of the shop
Routine dusting and cleaning of the shop, when required
How you will make a difference:
All of the income generated from our busy onsite shop goes straight back into the vital work we do in rehabilitation, rehoming and sanctuary of our animals.
What we offer you:
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
We are looking for customer focussed volunteers to provide friendly, helpful assistance within our new Lewes shop. This role is suitable for anyone who enjoys working in a busy retail environment.
Location: Raystede shop, On-site & at our shop in Lewes
Days or Hours Required:
Various shifts available
Description of duties:
Talking to customers and making them feel welcome in the shop.
Advising and helping people as they shop.
Operating the till and dealing with various types of payment.
Answering customer enquiries.
Keeping an eye on the security of the shop.
Routine dusting and cleaning of the shop, when required
Skills and Experience you will need:
How you will make a difference:
All of the income generated from our busy onsite shop goes straight back into the vital work we do in rehabilitation, rehoming and sanctuary of our animals.
What we offer you:
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
The length of fostering varies depending on the individual animals' needs but is usually for around 3 months or until the animal finds a new home.
We find fostering works best in homes without other animals or children, and with carers who are experienced with animal ownership. Applicants must live within 45 minutes of Raystede and be at home for most of the day.
We receive a lot of interest in fostering for which we are extremely grateful. However, please be aware that this means not all applications will be successful and many volunteers do not regularly have foster animals in their care.
For more information on fostering, please contact our Rehoming Team: rehoming@raystede.org or 01825 880468. We look forward to hearing from you.
We are currently looking for an assistant gardener to support our Head Gardener volunteer on Tuesday afternoons:
Reporting to: Education Team
Location: Raystede site
Days or Hours Required: Ideally Tuesday afternoons 1.30-4.30 or at least for first 2-3 sessions to work alongside the head gardener then flexible thereafter
Description of duties:
Assist in the garden care (care and maintenance) of the education wildlife area and garden under the instruction of our Head gardener and the Education team. This includes planting and maintaining herb and vegetable beds and a small wildlife pond area
Assist in the care of two rabbit gardens – including a vegetable patch which will help to feed rabbits and guinea pigs at Raystede
Skills and Experience you will need:
How you will make a difference:
All the produce from the gardens goes towards feeding our animals and creating a diverse and exciting environment that encourages wildlife and insects.
Interests
Wildlife, gardening, sustainability and animals
What we offer you:
How to apply:
please complete the Online application form
A bit about the role
We are looking for an Instore Fundraising Volunteer to manage relationships with our supermarkets and one of our pet stores in Newhaven or Eastbourne. You will lead on maintaining and building working relationships, to increase opportunities for awareness and fundraising in their store when required and be given the opportunity to create and manage a fun activity to engage their customers with Raystede’s work. You will also lead on key instore fundraising projects organised by the store, whilst recruiting or leading other volunteers to help you.
What you will be doing:
The suitable candidates will be located near to one of the stores (or willing to travel) and will be expected to hold an instore fundraising and awareness session when required (circa 2-4 hours per session).
Twice a year, you will also lead on larger Fundraising activity, held in store over a 1 – 3-day period in the lead up to Christmas and Easter. You will help to recruit a small team of enthusiastic volunteers to support you in managing instore activity, this can be as simple as holding a small awareness stand with some collection buckets.
What are the benefits to you and our animals?
We’re looking for someone who
Time Expectation
A minimum commitment of 2 hours whilst in store of your choosing plus a corresponding return visit to Raystede. Depending on your availability and preference, you could visit the store as often as weekly or cover multiple stores if you’d like to have a more regular responsibility.
How to apply
Please apply online
What is an Animal Sponsor Volunteer?
Sponsor Tour Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that our animal Sponsors get the most out of their exclusive Sponsor tours where they have the opportunity to meet their sponsored animal. Sponsor Tour Volunteers meet sponsors on arrival, take them to the relevant animal section and then on a full tour of the site, sharing facts and information about our animals and Raystede. They have a good knowledge of the site and our animals, are able to convey information in a fun and interactive way delivering a memorable and enjoyable day that enhances our vistor’s experience.
Interacting closely with visitors to help them discover our site, the animals that live here and how to get the most from their visit; Sponsor Tour volunteers help to protect the health and safety of visitors and play a vital role in safeguarding the site and our animals.
Sponsor Tour Volunteers work closely with the Fundraising team, Animal Care teams and Visitor Information Volunteers to leave visitors with a greater appreciation of animal welfare.
What’s in it for you?
What is the time commitment?
Dates and times vary according to the Animal Section. The rotas are planned 6 months in advance.
We are particularly looking for volunteers that could give some time at the weekend.
What’s involved?
Who is this suitable for?
This role is suitable for someone who is outgoing and enjoys talking to people about animals and their welfare. You will have an enthusiastic and friendly manner, have good time management skills and a passion for animals and their welfare. You will be good at conveying information in a cohesive and accessible way.
How will I make a difference?
By helping the Fundraising Team to support our Animal Sponsors feel involved and more connected with the animal they are supporting and the work of Raystede.
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
Are you passionate about Raystede and want to help spread awareness of our charity? Would you enjoy talking to local community organisations about Raystede and animal welfare? Would you like to lead tour groups around the Raystede site and talk about our animals and services? Raystede Talks and Tours Volunteers are a key part of the fundraising team and act as the initial information source for community organisation relationships in the local area. You will be able to learn all about animals, their care and associated needs and then relay that information during talks and tours. You will hold regular talks at pre-arranged locations. We are looking for proactive individuals who are eager to learn about and talk about animals, who would enjoy walks around Raystede and who can communicate comfortably. Training and support will be provided. Must have full driving license and own transport.
Reporting to:
Community Fundraiser
Location:
Covering East Sussex, with regular check-ins at Raystede
Days or Hours Required:
Description of duties:.
Skills and Experience you will need:
How you will make a difference:
You will help make a difference by helping us to raise money to look after the animals at Raystede. Also, by helping maintain and build upon our existing relationships, you will help raise awareness of Raystede in the local area.
What we offer you:
How to apply:
Please complete the Online application form
We are looking for a Cattery Socialising Volunteer to help our Cattery staff to maintain our high welfare standards. To provide our cats with enrichment activities, positive interaction and handling while they are waiting to be rehomed.
Key Duties:
Giving out lunchtime feeds
Playing and socialising with our cats
Grooming as necessary
Provide enrichment devices for our cats
· Interacting with visitors (mainly children) and responding to questions about our activities and our animals as guided by the education team
How to apply
Please complete the Online application form
When Albert arrived at Raystede, he was nervous, underweight and suffering with painful patches of dry skin and sore joints.
At Raystede, we don’t just rehome animals, we rehabilitate them first, giving the best chance at a happy and healthy life. From healthcare to behavioural therapy, every step of their journey is carefully guided so they can trust again.
You can make a difference. A gift today will help make sure we can continue to care for all our animals, giving them the love and care they deserve.
Donate