Bristol A.R.C. Volunteer Stories

Meet Carla - Animal Care Volunteer

I have been volunteering at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre for around three months now. Before joining them, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness that meant I had to give up formal work, and Bristol A.R.C took me on as a volunteer. Being able to do this has given me back a sense of purpose. My role involves aiding in the care of the animals, particularly the cats and kittens, socialising them, cleaning and feeding. I also dip in and out of other jobs such as the laundry, where help is often much needed.

I have always had animals and been an animal lover, and being able to take at least a small part in helping those in need is so important to me. Working at Bristol A.R.C has not only given me responsibility and pride in the work I do, but it is also good for the soul. Knowing that my time and efforts are valuable and making a real difference to the animals there, and getting to be a small part of their story.

I look forward to continuing my work with Bristol A.R.C. It is one of the best decisions I have made to have volunteered with them and I recommend it fully to anyone wanting to do something good and worthwhile.

Meet Shelley - Community Outreach Volunteer

I’ve been I adopted a pair of kittens from Bristol Animal Rescue Centre in 2019 and having seen the vital work they do, I knew I really wanted to get involved as a volunteer. I started off doing one afternoon a week in the office, supporting the fundraising team with admin tasks, and now I am here two afternoons each week. I have also taken part in fundraising events, such as bucket collections in supermarkets and supporting events held at the centre, including the Christmas Fair and the Cat Cabin Lock-Ins, where lucky supporters get to spend time with some of our furry residents.

More recently, I've become involved in outreach work, delivering talks to schools, youth and community groups about what Bristol Animal Rescue Centre does. I really enjoy talking to people about the centre and sharing the important work done by the amazing team here. I also deliver talks to children about caring for animals and how to interact with their pets, which is very rewarding.

The team at Bristol ARC are so friendly and supportive of the volunteers and I really look forward to my time in the office each week - and of course I always enjoy a sneaky trip over to the animal care area, for a bit of cat cuddling!

Meet Sophie - Animal Care Volunteer

I’ve been volunteering here for a few months and so far I have had the best time. Having recently graduated as a paramedic, I wanted to dedicate my free time to helping animals in need. I grew up on a farm and since moving to the city I have really missed spending time with animals. I was fortunate enough to be accepted as a volunteer and it has been so eye-opening and relaxing.

Every week I spend a day tending to the cats and kittens and helping out wherever I can. I get to play with the animals and socialise with them so that they are more prepared for rehoming. It is truly rewarding seeing an animal develop and come out of their shell week by week. I also help by cleaning the cat pens and feeding the cats when needed. It has been extraordinary seeing what happens behind the scenes at the rescue centre and Bristol is very lucky to have such a wonderful team looking after its rescue animals.

Meet Helen - Office Volunteer

I really struggle to remember how long I have been volunteering for the Bristol A.R.C., but I think it’s over 10 years. Initially I became a dog walker on my days off from work and I would come most weeks, rain or shine, and walk one or two dogs on each visit. I extended this walking effort to taking part in two Sponsored Mutt Strutts.

As time went on, I began helping with fundraising, regularly doing collections in supermarkets and other shops. I helped out at most of the Fairs, usually doing the children’s face painting, along with helping out on various other stalls or making teas and coffees to sell to our wonderful supporters.

More recently I have helped out with other fundraising events, such as the Newfoundland Dog Rescue Event in Portishead, a Dog Show in Patchway and a Quiz & Curry Night.

I have been really privileged to be able to join the Fundraising Team as an office volunteer over the last year or so. My jobs are very varied, from communicating with supermarkets to set up future collections, seeking prizes for fundraising events and raffles (and then subsequently contacting prize winners and arranging collection of prizes), tidying and organising the office, through to regular admin work. It is great to see voluntary opportunities being extended within the team.

I love playing my part in being a volunteer and helping all the animals in the care of the A.R.C. Oh and yes, I’ve adopted seven rabbits over the years as well!