Introduction
All of the activities required to operate the charity, from mucking out and attending to the needs of hundreds of animals big and small, to managing 27 acres of land, miles of fencing, maintaining vehicles and equipment, are completed by a team of dedicated, motivated, well organised, hard working ordinary people, who share a passion for caring for all animals.
Unique Opportunity
We offer a very unique opportunity to be part of the Brinsley Family, an opportunity of mutual benefit.
Diverse Experiences – We are one of a handful of organisations nationally that rescue such a large variety of species including all native wildlife, farmed animals and domestic pets. being part of our team is an opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and experiences with a multitude of species and activities.
The majority of volunteering work is caring for the day to day of the animals, cleaning out animal enclosures, the more time with us, the deeper and broader your experiences. Over time, as our volunteers build their confidence, we encourage a wider involvement and taking on a greater responsibilities.
The Brinsley Family – We offer the opportunity to help amazing animals, and meet like-minded people volunteering to make the world a better place for both animals and humans. Through volunteering with us, many people have made great friends. We encourage a community environment and organise events and social gatherings.
Our Culture – We offer an open-minded, friendly and welcoming environment, and welcome volunteers from all walks of life no matter what your previous experience caring for animals, Being motivated, reliable and dependable, no matter the weather, are the important qualities we look for in volunteers.
Long-Term Volunteering Opportunities
Pet and Farmed Animal Volunteer – Longer term volunteering role starting at 8am, outside in all weathers, volunteers aim to complete at least a shift each week.
Wildlife Hospital Volunteer – Longer term role for volunteers with a veterinary background or have proven wildlife rehabilitation experience.
Maintenance Team Volunteer – Join our small volunteering team who maintain 27 acres of fencing, animal enclosures & help build new projects.
Short-Term Volunteering Work Placements
Schools & College Placements – Must be part of a formal academic programme or school work placement. Capacity is limited.
Veterinary Placement (EMS / AMEMS) – Must be part of a formal veterinary work placement.
Cat Foster Volunteer
We want cats to feel truly at home while in foster care, so they can relax and show their natural behaviours. This helps us better understand their personalities and needs, making it easier to find the right permanent home. It also allows potential adopters to meet cats in a comfortable home setting.
A cat foster’s role is to care for, assess, and nurture the cats they look after, helping the charity find them a safe and loving forever home.
Corporate Days / Team Building
We can occasionally host small teams for corporate work days, please contact us to discuss.
Questions & Answers
Q. Is there a minimum age? – Other than for organised Work Placements (by arrangement) the minimum age for volunteering is 16.
Q. Do you offer apprenticeships or paid work? – Everyone at the sanctuary is an unpaid volunteer, we do not employ any staff or offer apprenticeships.
Q. Do you offer places for Duke of Edinburgh? – Unfortunately we are not able to offer volunteering places for DoE.
Q. Can I volunteer in the wildlife hospital? – Working with wildlife in our hospital requires a lot of additional supervision and training and therefore we are only able to offer volunteering opportunities to persons with existing wildlife rehabilitation experience or our existing volunteers, that have been with us for sometime and proved themselves to be reliable and regular.
Q. Can I just look after one species? – We work as a team and so need volunteers that want to get involved with all activities.
Q. I have a disability, can I volunteer? – We do our very best to accommodate everyone, if you can join us without putting yourself at risk then we will do all that we can to include you as we do everyone. If in doubt please get in touch.
Q. Do you offer free accommodation? – We do not provide accommodation for volunteers.