CATS Protection’s nine branches in Devon are looking for new volunteers to help in a variety of roles. The branches, part of the UK’s leading cat charity which helps more than 205,000 cats every year, need people to give just a fewhoursamonth.Volunteerop- portunities range from hands-on work fostering cats and carrying out home visits, to administra- tive roles and team leaders. As well as the satisfaction of helping unwanted and abandoned cats in Devon, volunteers also ben- efit from learning new skills in a friendly, sociable environment. The branches in need of help are Barnstaple and District, East Dev- on, Exeter, Holsworthy, Bideford and District, Honiton, Plymouth and South Hams, Teignbridge and Totnes, Torquay and District and Okehampton and District. Cats Protection’s Regional Devel- opment Manager for the South West, Esther Ardagh-Ptolomey, ex- plains: “Our nine Devon branches help hundreds of cats every year. Without the dedication of our

volunteers we simply would not be able to help so many unwanted and abandoned cats.

“However, we always welcome more help, so that we can assist more cats in need. We would love to hear from people from all walks oflifewhocanspareanything fromafewhourstoafewdaysa month. “Volunteering has lots of benefits – many people find it a great way to learn or enhance new skills or just do something completely different from their day job. “Many people really enjoy the social side of volunteering, getting to know new people and helping organise fundraising and other events. And then there’s the ultimate perk of volunteering for Cats Protection – meeting and helping some of the wonderful cats in our care.” Volunteers do not need to have any previous ex- perience as training and on-going support will be provided.

To find out more about becom- ing a volunteer, please call 01825 741317 and leave your name and contact telephone number.