Volunteer

Why Volunteer?

Our charity is completely run by volunteers, including our trustees, who have built the charity up since 2014 into a very large and successful Scottish charity. 

We have ten collection points all over Scotland from the Scottish Borders to the Outer Hebrides. We have a team of over 30 volunteers including five trustees. We welcome volunteers from age 16 years although for under 18 year olds we do ask for permission from a parent or guardian.

Unfortunately, our charity is not suitable for week-long work experience placements due to these age restrictions and as all of our rescues occur at weekends.

What is involved?

There are several roles which volunteers can fulfill. The vast majority of people volunteer because they want hands-on experience with the hens and we can understand that, but there are many roles which help to keep the charity running.

Administration

Responding to emails, Facebook queries and messages, Twitter posts/messages. There is a lot of paperwork involved for each rescue as we have to maintain records for APHA, match donations to rescuers for our accounts, email all the rehomers for each area with details of each collection and check confirmations so we know how many hens are reserved.

Rehoming Points

Hens are brought to each rehoming point from the farm by our volunteers in poultry crates. This is the safest way to transport the hens to prevent injury. Once at the rehoming point (usually a stable or shed belonging to a volunteer 'host') the crates are lifted from the vans and counted out carefully. This is heavy work, and requires a physically fit person to help lift the crates. Whilst a couple of people feed the hens and assess them for any injuries another person meets the rehomers and checks the paperwork as people arrive.

It is a busy couple of hours and requires good teamwork and organisation so that everything goes smoothly.

Fundraising

We are always looking for ideas and help with fundraising. Anything from supermarket bag packing, charity auctions, raffles or even events if that is where your skills lie. Are you a skilled crafter and could make items to sell at rescues? Could you man a stall at a collection point or at an organised event?

 What Happens Next?

If you think you have something to offer then please get in touch!

Complete the form below and we will be in touch very soon. We will email to arrange a suitable time to give you a call and talk through the volunteer role and find out if it is right for you. After this, we will ask you to provide a character reference to support your suitability for this role. This could be a teacher, a friend or work colleague.

We have a very supportive and friendly group of wonderful volunteers who keep our charity going and we look forward to welcoming you!