Give a little time, make a big difference.
Due to the COVID-19 virus we are currently unable to accept more volunteers where a home visit is first needed e.g. becoming a fosterer. As we are also currently unable to hold any fundraising events people wishing to help with fundraising are asked to defer their contact with us until we are permitted to resume ‘normal’ activity. Then please do Contact Us.
Below is some guidance about the different roles within the Branch.
Fosterers
Essential to the work of Cats Protection, fosterers are responsible for looking after homeless cats and kittens until a new home can be found for them.
It is important that fosters have the time to devote to the cats and kittens in their care, as many rescued cats will need rehabilitating and socialising before being rehomed.
Fosterers can do indoor or outdoor fostering. Indoor fostering requires a completely separate room with no soft furnishings where the cats can live, unless the fosterer is content for them to have the run of the house, noting that the cats are not allowed outdoors for their own health and safety while with us. We provide a pen for outdoor fostering but this requires a long term commitment as pens cost several thousand pounds.
The role may include taking foster cats to the vet for vaccinations or if they’re unwell. Providing detailed information about the cats to the website administrator, and letting potential adopters into your home to view the cats (when lockdown eased) is also part of the role.
If you live in rented accommodation, written permission from the landlord must be obtained before fostering can commence.
If you have your own cats, they must be kept fully up to date with their vaccinations, for their own wellbeing.
Home visitors
Our aim is to match the right cat to the right home. Before any of our cats or kittens are rehomed a home visit is (normally) carried out. This involves making arrangements with the prospective adopters to visit and assess the suitability of the owners and the home. Reporting back to the Homing Officer so that suitable cats can be offered for adoption. You will need your own transport, a telephone and be a good judge of character and have a tactful nature.
Rescue workers
This involves following up reports of feral/stray cats or kittens, assessing the situation and liaising with the welfare officer with regard to those which need to come into care, require veterinary treatment or neutering.
Working with ferals involves trapping, taking to the vets, neutering and returning to the wild or rehoming to alternative sites. Training will be given by experienced rescue workers.
Fundraisers:
1. Online fundraising volunteer
As a charity we are only able to help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to the donations we receive from generous members of the public. Online fundraisers help volunteer groups raise vital funds by organising online sales of goods, using social media to encourage donations and any other innovative ways to raise funds they can think of! Making a difference can mean as little as raising 18p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day.
2. Event fundraising volunteer
Our fundraising volunteers help plan and deliver exciting and varied fundraising events, which can be anything from jumble sales, craft fairs, cake sales, etc.
Fundraising volunteers:
- Help organise fundraising events in the Swindon area
- Share fundraising ideas with other volunteers and help put them into practice
- Share your passion for cat welfare and promoting Cats Protection
You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and help raise funds that will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens in need. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Fundraisers should have:
- Good communication skills
- Confidence in handling money
- Willingness to be part of a team
- Confidence in speaking to members of the public