Equi-Innse Gall Volunteer

We have a wide range of home, online and digital volunteering opportunities available. Please contact us on if you would like to volunteer in one of these roles. This list will be updated regularly.

Please note that opportunities to volunteer for voluntary organisations and public services are limited at this time.

Volunteering opportunities are now available to assist with Equi-Innse Gall Community Interest Company, an Equine Facilitated Learning Centre on the West coast of the Isle of Lewis. We provide bespoke sessions for people who encounter life challenges such as low confidence or self esteem, mental health issues, neuro diversity, bereavement, family and relationship difficulties or ongoing health matters. We assist people with the support of our equine herd to explore and develop their life skills and coping strategies through one to one and small group coaching.

Own transport arrangements are essential.

To volunteer with us you will need the following attributes and skills:

• Patient and caring with a strong emphasis on animal welfare
• Good listening skills and ability to follow instruction
• Happy to work as a team member but able to work independently on tasks
• Clear and accurate communication skills
• Exhibit attention to detail
• Accept that the role is to support with yard work not be involved in EFL sessions
• Happy to work in all weathers
• Good physical fitness, lifting and general moving of bulky items may be needed
• Considerate to others and attentive to personal self care
• Be punctual, commit to attend - mutually agreed times for at least 2 hours a week

What you will be doing to help:

• Mucking out stables/yards, ensuring cleanliness and good hygiene for horses
• Learning about what the CIC does and what EFL offers participants
• Helping to provide a safe, caring environment for the equines
• Stable, fence, paddock and pasture maintenance
• Preparing feed and sometimes helping at feed time
• Learning how we handle and care for our equines - natural horsemanship skills
• Cleaning and maintenance generally, including annual, bi annual and monthly tasks

What you will gain from volunteering:

Volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding use of your time and commitment. You will gain invaluable experience helping Equi Innse Gall CIC in providing support to islanders and the equines so we can provide vital services to our community. Natural horsemanship ways of working with our herd, enjoying the essential 3 F's of freedom, forage and friendship will embed new ways of working and recognising the rich rewards of equine and human interaction. No experience is needed as we're happy to train volunteers and upskill those who are interested. A trial period will be agreed initially. Codes of Conduct and Ethics will be shared with suitable applicants and must be agreed to before commencement of volunteering activities.

Experience required

No experience is needed as Equi Innse Gall CIC will provide training for volunteers and upskill those who are interested. A trial period will be agreed initially.

Support

A trial period will be agreed initially.

Restrictions

Good physical fitness is necessary as lifting and general moving of bulky items are involved in the role.

Frequency & commitment

Minimum of 2 hours per week, times to be agreed.