“If we didn’t have volunteers, then we couldn’t operate,” were the words of an RSPCA branch manager who is calling for more helpers to join a busy team.
To celebrate 200 years of the RSPCA, West Norfolk branch manager Carl Saunders is calling for volunteers past and present to come along to a special event next month.
Around 80-90 people volunteer at the West Norfolk branch in various different ways, from driving animals to the vets so they can receive vital care to spending an afternoon cuddling cats.
As well as calling for people who can spare a few hours a week to help out, a special day has been organised to thank volunteers throughout the years for their hard work.
On Sunday, June 23 at noon, a volunteer and supporters day is being held at the Eau Brink Centre in Tilney All Saints where guest speakers including vets and inspectors are due to come along.
Refreshments and a raffle will also be held on the day.
On June 24, 1824, London vicar Arthur Broome met with founding members and launched a society to prevent cruelty to animals.
The then-called SPCA became the first national animal protection society in the world
In 1840, Queen Victoria permitted the SPCA to add “Royal” to its name.
Carl said: “In 1824 three guys came together trying to do their best for animals. That’s exactly what we have got here, people coming together for their love of animals.
“We are always looking for volunteers, including in our shops in Lynn and Hunstanton too.
“If we had to pay for staff, we couldn’t exist.”
So, why should you volunteer?
Three RSPCA volunteers spoke to the Lynn News about how they started lending a hand.
Denise Austin has dedicated every Wednesday for four years to making sure cats at Eau Brink are feeling loved.
She explained how volunteering has not only benefitted some of the felines but how it had helped her.
Denise said: “You get a lot out of it. We’ve got two beautiful ginger and white cats that have been in there for a while, and now they have been reserved. It’s lovely when that happens.
“I think it’s as much for your own wellbeing. The animals react to you and that makes you feel good as well.
“The more people that come and volunteer, the more interaction the animals get, then they’re easier to rehome because they’re not so terrified. You get a lot out of it, seeing the animals so happy and then rehomed.”
She added: “I used to have cats of my own, but at the time I volunteered I hadn’t got any cats, I needed to get out so I came over here and that was four years ago.
“I haven’t stopped since, and have since rehomed a cat. I lasted a year, and then a kitten came in on her own and I thought I’d adopt an older cat, but I went home with a kitten.
“The real reason was to get me out of the house, and since I’ve done that, the people here are lovely.”
Ken Hood started volunteering as a delivery driver for the RSPCA two years ago after moving to West Norfolk from Hertfordshire.
Since then, Ken has been recruited to carry out numerous vital odd jobs around the centre, including PAP testing electrical equipment to be sold in the two charity shops.
He also takes some of the animals to the vets when required.
Ken said: “It’s my dose of animals, I don’t have an animal of my own, I can’t commit due to health reasons. I started off because I was retired and sitting around doing nothing.
“I do get a lot of job satisfaction out of it even though its a volunteering role.
“If you’ve got a couple of hours spare, get yourself down here, the satisfaction you get from it is outstanding. It’s one of the best places I’ve worked for. There are a nice lot of people here.”
Debbie Randall found herself needing some time with felines after she lost her 17-year-old cat to cancer just over a year ago.
She has since found herself not only spending a few hours a week cuddling cats but also walking some of the many dogs at the Eau Brink centre.
Debbie said: “I love it. I absolutely love it and I love the people here. The dogs need walks and they really enjoy and look forward to their walks. It’s great.
“It makes a really big difference to the animals. Young cats come in and they’re scared, big changes are going on in their lives.
“All they need is for you to go in and sit. It’s really not difficult to do. You can see their confidence gaining. It’s a very little thing to do to make a big difference.
“It is the same with the dogs, a bit of love and kindness, talking to them, taking them out in the fresh air makes a huge difference to them. It’s a very little thing for someone to give. It’s so rewarding, if you love dogs and cats and you want to make a difference, it does.”