Avon Riding Centre is dependent upon the volunteers who give their time in a wide variety of different ways. If you could spare just a few hours each week, you could make a real difference to the lives of the people who benefit from the Centre’s services.

Volunteers

Instructors – If you are experienced and confident with horses and have a caring and patient personality, we can train you to become a qualified instructor for our disabled rider lessons. We would need you to commit to be available at the same time(s) each week throughout school term time, and your assistance at other times with dressage competitions and hacks would be welcomed.

Arena Assistants – Some of our disabled riders need up to three assistants to help lead their horse and ensure their safety. This is an extremely rewarding task and no previous experience is necessary – we will give you the training you need.  All we ask is that you be available at the same time(s) each week throughout school term time, whilst your assistance at other times with dressage competitions, hacks and other events would be welcomed.

Café Assistants – We like to keep our café open and manned as long as possible, as this provides a friendly meeting place for riders, their carers and other visitors, as well as our staff. If you can make a god cup of tea, we need you. It would be helpful if you could agree to give a few hours of your time on a fairly regular basis.

Receptionist / Administrative Assistants – We like to keep our reception manned throughout the day to offer a welcoming smile to all visitors. Could you provide a little time so that our full time receptionist can have the occasional break?  We need help to keep our mailing up to date, our files in order and to support our fundraising events.

Gardeners – For many of our clients, their visit to Avon Riding Centre is their main, if not only, outing during the week. We therefore want it to be a very special place. Could you help us to tend the grounds and ensure that the estate always looks attractive?

Grass Cutting – Do you have a couple of hours to spare during the week to help out with our grass cutting through the summer months?  We have several large areas that need regular cutting so the job is fairly labour intensive.

Maintenance Help – Do you enjoy being outdoors and helping with practical jobs?  We can always use people for a few hours a week to help maintain the large estate, from fence mending, cleaning, odd jobs and repairs.

Street Captains – We need to keep the local community informed about our work, in order to encourage more practical and financial support. Could you undertake to deliver a newsletter three or four times a year in a street or two near you. Think of how good you will feel after that little bit of exercise!

Fundraisers – Have you the time to organise the occasional coffee morning, whist drive, lunch, quiz evening, or whatever in aid of the Centre? We can provide you with the supporting material if you can supply the energy.

Trustees – Our trustees have the responsibility for ensuring that the charity is properly run, and that it continues to develop as one of the leading charities in its field and in the area. If you feel that you have the ability to make a significant contribution, than please call for an informal chat with our Chairman.

Trade Skills – If you have a particular trade or skill and would like to make that available to the Centre, to save us some costs, we would be pleased to put you on our volunteer skill set list. Please let us know how you might be able to help with electrical work, plumbing, decorating or perhaps some other skill. Your experience would be highly valued.

Or something else – If there is some way you think you may be able to contribute to the Centre which we have not listed above, then do please contact us with your idea. We would love to hear from you.

To download a Volunteer Application Form click here  or call us on 0117 959 0266.