Volunteering with the centre
As a co-operative, not-for-profit business which is largely run by volunteers (there are only two paid team members – the workers at the centre), the centre could not exist without the enormous contributions of its volunteers. Volunteers entirely make up the cooperative, the centre management committee and also take on many other vital roles. These roles include: volunteers helping out on work days and weeks and house-sitters.
Volunteers for work days and weeks
Throughout the year we hold volunteer work weeks or specific dates where we are looking for volunteers to help out. As a large old house and premises, and with only two workers on site, we rely a lot on volunteers to also come and help out with various tasks to keep the centre and premises maintained, healthy and looking good. These tasks include (but not limited to): house maintenance such a painting and decorating, deep cleaning, renovation, and gardening.
What is expected from a volunteer and what do volunteers get in return? We ask that volunteers commit to 5 hours of volunteering each day on tasks that are arranged in advance. Given that most volunteers are not local, we will give you a free nights stay at the centre with all food included as usual. You will have plenty of flexibility to do what you’d like to do around volunteering, and you can decide when you work the 5 hours across the daytime. During these volunteer days, volunteers will also have plenty of free time and often gather at meal times and enjoy all the usual centre joys and more!
We will post details about the forthcoming volunteer work times here, also on our events page, social media (facebook and instagram), and newsletters (to sign up, email us).
We are also really interested in hearing from you if you have a specific skill set and interest that you think would be of help around the centre or premises, as we may be able to organise this outside of the designated volunteer work times if there are none scheduled and are outside of your availability.
House sitters
House-sitters sometimes come and look after the centre and guests in order for the workers to take a break and get some well-deserved rest, or to free-up time for the workers to do a specific task. We are always on the look out for new women to do this important and rewarding job. You would need to have previously stayed at the centre in the last few years and be familiar with how we work and our purpose. You would also have the opportunity to volunteer alongside one of the workers or an experienced house-sitter until you feel comfortable and confident with house-sitting either on your own or in pairs. To become a house-sitter, a 2-day in person training is required at the centre with one of the workers. If you are interested in discussing the volunteer house-sitter role more, please get in touch with us:
Horton Women's Holiday Centre 