At Worcester Donkey Rescue, we believe donkeys have a unique ability to bring people together, improve wellbeing, and create meaningful opportunities for learning, personal development, and community engagement. Alongside rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong sanctuary for donkeys in need, we’re committed to making a positive difference in our local community.
Our community programmes are inclusive, accessible, and tailored to individuals and groups of all ages and abilities.
Educational Visits and Specialist Placements
We work closely with local special educational needs (SEN) schools and colleges to provide enriching visits and practical placements. Students engage with animals in a calm, supportive environment while building confidence, communication skills, teamwork, responsibility, and independence.
Every activity is adapted to individual abilities and learning outcomes, so each participant enjoys a rewarding, positive experience.
School Work Experience
We offer structured work experience placements for secondary school students during work experience weeks. Students gain hands-on experience in animal care, stable management, site maintenance, customer interaction, and charity operations.
These placements help young people build employability skills, grow in confidence, and understand what it takes to care for rescued animals while supporting a local charity.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Volunteering
We’re proud to support young people completing the volunteering section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Participants contribute regularly to the daily running of the rescue, developing commitment, responsibility, teamwork, and practical skills along the way.
Our experienced volunteers and staff offer guidance and encouragement throughout, helping participants meet their award objectives in a supportive environment.
Corporate Volunteering
We welcome corporate volunteering teams from local businesses who want to give back while supporting animal welfare. Corporate days give teams the chance to help with practical projects — land management repairs, yard maintenance, and improving facilities for our donkeys — alongside learning about our daily care and rehabilitation work.
These days strengthen ties between local businesses and the community, and give companies a meaningful team-building activity that supports a worthwhile local cause.
Wellbeing Sessions
We offer self-referral wellbeing sessions for anyone who could benefit from time in a peaceful, non-judgemental environment with our donkeys. It’s a calm space to slow down, connect with nature, and experience the therapeutic benefits of spending time with gentle, rescued animals.
We don’t provide counselling or therapy, but many participants report improvements in mood, confidence, social connection, and overall wellbeing through regular visits.
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers are at the heart of Worcester Donkey Rescue. We offer a wide range of roles suited to different ages, abilities, and interests, so anyone in the community can get involved in supporting our mission.
Volunteer roles may include:
- Donkey care and grooming
- Stable duties
- Fundraising events
- Administration
- Maintenance
- Visitor support
- Educational activities
We provide training, ongoing support, and a welcoming environment where volunteers can learn new skills, build friendships, grow in confidence, and make a real contribution to animal welfare.
Our Community Impact
Through these programmes, Worcester Donkey Rescue aims to create lasting benefits for people and animals alike. By combining rescue and rehabilitation with education, volunteering, and wellbeing initiatives, we open up opportunities for learning, inclusion, personal growth, and community participation.
Our work helps reduce social isolation, promotes positive mental wellbeing, supports young people in developing life and employment skills, and strengthens community connections — all while giving rescued donkeys a valuable role in enriching the lives of those around them.
Want to get involved? Get in touch to find out more about our educational visits, work experience placements, corporate days, wellbeing sessions, or volunteering opportunities.