If any residents are interested in exploring the rewarding opportunity of volunteering for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, they are invited to drop into an event to be held at Bielby Hearing Dogs For Deaf People training centre between 1pm and 3pm on 5 March. The free event will offer a first-hand look at how volunteers play a vital role in training life-changing hearing dogs.
The event will feature demonstrations by hearing dogs and their handlers, showing how they alert to life-saving sounds.
Additionally, there will be the chance to chat to current volunteers about the role, and speak to the charity’s local deaf partners about their life-changing hearing dogs.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People trains clever dogs to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds, including smoke alarms, intruder alarms, oven timers, alarm clocks and even baby monitors. Its dogs also provide constant emotional support and companionship – helping deaf people to leave loneliness behind.
The charity is actively seeking volunteers to take on the role of Dog Trainer, caring for a puppy in their own home for the duration of their training, which is usually between 18 months and two years. The charity currently needs to fill 44 vacancies in the York West, York East, Bielby and Selby areas; 24 permanent trainers and 20 short-term roles, providing holiday cover for other trainers.
The charity will cover all costs involved, from the moment the volunteer takes the puppy home, to when they are matched with one of its deaf partners after their training is complete. The role is perfect for local dog lovers living in a home with a secure garden, and plenty of time to spare each day.
Karen Hardcastle from Selby was inspired to become a volunteer dog trainer for the charity 10 years ago after years of watching her mum struggle with hearing loss.
“My mum has been deaf since childhood and I’ve witnessed her being called ignorant and rude, and seen her pushed out of the way when she hasn’t heard someone asking her to move”, explained Karen.
“Becoming a Volunteer Dog Trainer with Hearing Dogs is the best thing I’ve ever done – I get to have a dog, learn a skill, meet new people, get out in the fresh air, and at the same time, make a difference to someone else’s life.
“What I’ve achieved in training these dogs has really boosted my own confidence, too. I never thought in a million years I could an assistance dog and the feeling is off the scale. I’ve found my niche and I love it.
“The support I’ve received from the charity and other volunteers has been incredible”, added Karen. “There’s always someone to offer advice, and the monthly drop-in sessions help me stay connected with the other volunteers. Through the buddy scheme, I’ve also been able to offer support to new volunteers, which has been incredibly rewarding.”
Victoria Leedham, Head of Volunteering at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said: “Our dogs do so much to help deaf people – from alerting them to life-saving sounds, to providing emotional support and making sure they never feel alone - and the hard work put in by our wonderful volunteers is absolutely integral to that.
“Anyone who volunteers for us can expect to feel like part of our family. No previous experience is necessary, and volunteers will receive lots of support and training to ensure they feel fully equipped to care for one of our dogs.”
Anyone who can’t go along on the day, but would be interested in finding out more about volunteering for the charity can contact the Volunteering Team on volunteer@hearingdogs.org.uk / 07483 005197 (or 01844 348100 if that reads better) or find out more on the website www.hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteer
