Charity urgently seeking volunteers in Yorkshire to help look after and train life-changing hearing dogs

An increase in the demand for its services has led national charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People to put out an urgent appeal for volunteer puppy trainers.

The charity has 37 vacancies for full-time puppy trainers, and a further 13 for short-term trainers to help care for its hearing dog puppies in Yorkshire.

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.

Deafness is on the rise in the UK; by 2035, it is estimated that one in five British people (over 15 million) will experience hearing loss, and the increase the charity is seeing in the number of people coming to it for help, reflects this.

The charity receives no government funding, but is very fortunate to have the support of a network of committed volunteers.

There are two types of volunteer roles the charity urgently needs to fill: permanent puppy trainers, who will look after a puppy for the duration of its training (usually between 18 months and two years), and short-term trainers to cover times when other trainers are on holiday.

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.

“The charity will also cover all costs involved, from the moment the volunteer takes the puppy home, to when it is handed over to one of our deaf partners after its training is complete”, she added.

“These roles would be perfect for local dog lovers living in a home with a secure garden, and plenty of time to spare every day. We can really only consider applications from working people if they work just a few hours from home each week.”

Ali Leeming-Shephard from Harrogate became a volunteer for Hearing Dogs in 2020. She is currently training 14-month-old puppy, Hope, and says she finds volunteering very rewarding and a great way to meet people.

“There’s a whole network of like-minded people you can talk to and buddy up with”, she explains. “I’ve made lots of friends and, as well as meeting at puppy classes, we also go out for dog walks and socialise together.

“I’m also learning new skills all the time. I’m being trained by the experts to train a puppy who will go on to change someone’s life.

“A great way to start is by doing short-term holiday cover first, but rest assured that you will always be fully supported by your trainer and the healthcare team. New volunteers can also get extra support from the charity’s buddy scheme.”

Without volunteers like Ali, the charity would not be able to help anywhere near as many people with hearing loss reconnect with life, as Joanna Thompson, from Tadcaster, can testify.

Joanna was partnered with her hearing dog Joey in 2016. “I struggled for many years with tinnitus and mild hearing loss, and it came as a shock when my hearing deteriorated so much I needed hearing aids.

“My day-to-day life became increasingly difficult and while my husband and children rallied round to support me, I felt guilty depending them.”

When hearing dog Joey bounded into Joanna’s life in 2016, it changed completely.

“He gave me a new-found confidence, so much so that I am now a volunteer speaker for Hearing Dogs”, said Joanna.

“My children can now play in the garden, play their video games, and listen to music without ever having to worry about me. The whole family is more relaxed, knowing I’m not going to miss important sounds, and I've gained independence; a new lease of life.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People can visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteer. The volunteering team can be reached directly at volunteer@hearingdogs.org.uk or on 01844 348129.