What is a Pets as Therapy Volunteer? Our certified Pets as Therapy (PAT) Volunteers visit the hospice with their registered trained dogs, providing physical, emotional, social support and most of all a fun time for our children, young people, their families, and our team of staff and volunteers. Our PAT dogs play a crucial role in enriching the experiences of everyone they interact - they are very much part of our Derian family What's involved? Provide Emotional Support: Help to create a calming and nurturing environment to reduce stress or anxiety. Promote Physical Activity: Help engage some of our children and young people in gentle physical activities, such as walking, playing or simply by stroking your dog. Pre Certification - all our PAT dogs must be be fully certified and registered by Pets as Therapy. To find out how you and your four legged friend can become certified PAT Volunteers, if you haven't already done so, please visit their website www.petsastherapy.org What’s in it for you? Great personal satisfaction in knowing your visits make such a difference to our children & young people. Working with a dedicated and friendly team in a supportive environment. Get involved with other Derian House volunteers at our events - everyone loves to see & learn about our PAT Dogs. This role will suit people who have Strong observational skills to monitor your dogs behavior, so we can maintain a safe and comfortable environment. Friendly with good communication skills Excellent understanding of basic animal behavior and needs. Able to maintain confidentiality. Must be able to provide a regular weekly commitment. Must be pre registered and certified with the charity Pets as Therapy. We really value kindness, honesty, integrity and reliability in our volunteers and staff and in return, we will do our best to provide you with a rewarding volunteer experience. Time Commitment: A couple of hours per weekend - times/days to be agreed at interview Training Requirements: Full site induction & mandatory annual training will be provided Expenses: Lunch & Travel allowance (minimum hours required per shift) Age Restrictions: Volunteers must be aged 18yrs plus