Volunteer with us

We couldn't provide the care and support we do without the time and dedication from our wonderful volunteers.

Raystede has over 330 wonderful volunteers, doing everything from helping our Animal Care Teams, welcoming our visitors and assisting in our shops to fostering animals, gardening, supporting our Education and Fundraising Teams and raising awareness about our work in local communities.


Over the last year, we were gifted an inspiring 85,312 hours of volunteering time! Volunteers really are the lifeblood of Raystede. We simply could not care for as many animals as we do without the skills, hard work, passion and loyalty of our volunteers. Thank you!

If you’d like to be part of the Raystede Volunteer Team, take a look at the roles below.

Volunteers must be over the age of 16 and, if volunteering onsite at Raystede, have access to their own transport.

Volunteers aged between 16-17 years old will need a parent or guardian to sign your application form to say they are happy for you to come and volunteer with us.

Come along to find out more at our Volunteer Drop-in Days being held throughout July.

Do you have time to give? Would you like to be part of a vibrant team and make new friends? Why not join our Volunteer team!

We currently have various volunteering roles available in our Retail and Visitor Information Teams.

Come along to our Volunteer Drop-In Days running throughout July to find out more.

Volunteer drop-in days
Location: Newhaven, Eastbourne, Ringmer & Uckfield Time of Day: 7, 9, 10, 11, 15, 23, 24, 28 & 29 July Closing Date: July 29 2025
Online Sales Volunteer
Location: Raystede Warehouse, Unit 5, The Hub, 3 Drove Road, Newhaven, East Sussex BN9 0AD (behind Lidl) Time of Day: Tuesday to Friday 9:30 am – 4:00 pm half day or full day.
Animal Care Facility Support Volunteer
Location: Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex Time of Day: Flexible, any day or time between 8:30am – 4pm
Aviary Volunteers
Location: Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex Time of Day: Saturday or Sunday, hours to suit
Fundraising Volunteer
Location: In the local community Time of Day: Hours to suit, based around events
Visitor Information/Welcome Team Volunteers
Location: Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex Time of Day: Various shifts available - 9:45am - 3:30pm each day
Warehouse Volunteer
Location: Raystede Warehouse, Newhaven, East Sussex Time of Day: Times and days to suit between Monday -Friday 9 am - 3 pm
Cafe Sandwich Preparation Volunteer
Location: Raystede Centre for animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex Time of Day: 8-11am day(s) to suit
Drivers Mate
Location: Raystede Retail Donations Centre, Newhaven, East Sussex Time of Day: Days to suit Monday - Friday 9-12pm and 12 - 3pm
Estates Water System Volunteer
Location: Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex Time of Day: Flexible, any day or time between 10am - 4pm Monday - Friday, can be varied week to week
Customer Service Volunteer
Location: Raystede Centre For Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex Time of Day: Flexible hours and days, between 10am and 4pm
Lewes Charity Shop Volunteers
Location: Raystede Charity shop, Lewes Time of Day: Monday 9-1pm, Wednesday 1-5pm, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
Uckfield Shop Volunteers
Location: Raystede Charity Shop, Uckfield Time of Day: Monday 1-5pm, Tuesday 1-5pm, Wednesday 1-5pm, Sunday 10-4pm
Ringmer Shop Volunteers
Location: Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare - Ringmer Time of Day: Tuesday 10-1pm, Thursday. Friday, Saturday and Sunday
**NEW** Langney Eastbourne Shop Volunteers
Location: Raystede Charity Shop, Langney Eastbourne Time of Day: Flexible days and times
Hailsham Shop Volunteers
Location: Raystede Charity Shop, Hailsham Time of Day: Saturday 1-5pm and Sunday 1-4pm
Café Front of House Volunteer
Location: Raystede Centre For Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex Time of Day: Flexible
Corporate Tour Guide Volunteers
Location: Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex Time of Day: April to September various times available: Term time Tuesdays 2.30- 3.30 pm, School Holidays Tuesday 3-4pm, Wednesdays 3-4pm
Pet Advice In The Community Volunteer
Location: In various locations in the surrounding areas to Raystede Time of Day: Occasional Thursdays and occasional weekend events
Volunteer with Colleagues
Foster Carer
Talks And Tours Volunteer
Location: Covering East Sussex, with regular check-ins at Raystede Time of Day: Minimum of 1 talk per month

Meet Albert, who is one of our most heartwarming transformations.

When Albert arrived at Raystede, he was nervous, underweight and suffering with painful patches of dry skin and sore joints.

At Raystede, we don’t just rehome animals, we rehabilitate them first, giving the best chance at a happy and healthy life. From healthcare to behavioural therapy, every step of their journey is carefully guided so they can trust again.

You can make a difference. A gift today will help make sure we can continue to care for all our animals, giving them the love and care they deserve.

Donate