Cats Protection is celebrating Volunteers Week (3-9 June) by showcasing the work of its 9,000 volunteers who help thousands of cats and owners every year.
The pet charity says there’s a role for everyone who wants to make a difference to animal welfare, including hands-on cat care, helping in a shop, organising fundraising events and running social media accounts.
Cats Protection Head of Volunteering, Organisational Engagement and Inclusion, Julie Meredith said: “We’re so proud of our volunteers who play a central role in helping 157,000 cats every year. People come from all walks of life and all ages to help Cats Protection, from teenagers looking for their first volunteer role to retired people looking to keep active and busy. We also have many people working in professional or demanding careers, who love to do something in their spare time which is more hands-on.
“By meeting new people, learning new skills and making a positive impact on a good cause, volunteering is a great way to build self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing.”
Among the charity’s volunteers are Lavezah Cheema, 23, who divides her time between volunteering for Cats Protection and competing at championship dressage events with the Riding for the Disabled Association.
Lavezah, who has learning difficulties, spends one day a week at the Cats Protection Harrow Homing Centre where she helps care for cats in need. For animal-lover Lavezah, volunteering is a big part of her life and helps her make new friends, learn life skills and become more independent.
She says: “I love all animals and have cats myself, so I know what brilliant pets they are. I really want to help more cats so coming into the centre is great for me. I love seeing them grow in confidence and it’s so great to see them going to happy new homes and know that you’ve been a part of caring for them.”
When Lavezah isn’t helping cats at the centre, she competes in dressage events, most recently winning her classes at the Riding for the Disabled Association National Championships and the British Dressage Championships.
For more information about becoming a volunteer for Cats Protection, visit cats.org.uk