ADCH to Welcome New Volunteer Manager
We are delighted to announce that Michelle Widger will be joining ADCH as our new Volunteer Manager on Monday, 3rd March.
Michelle brings valuable experience from her previous role as a Volunteer Coordinator at Wild Futures, Monkey Sanctuary in Cornwall, where she was responsible for supporting volunteers and developing opportunities. With a background in education as a qualified teacher, Michelle has developed strong skills in training, mentoring, and supporting others.
Her passion for animal welfare extends beyond her professional roles, as Michelle also volunteers with several animal charities. She is pictured here with her rescue dog, Gem, who she describes as super-smart, high-energy, and always ready to liven things up!
In her new role at ADCH, Michelle will oversee volunteer services, covering recruitment, training, and communication. She will support our much-valued volunteers, including Assessors and Regional Coordinators, and assist in developing new roles, such as Peer Mentors and Advisors.
Michelle is delighted to be joining ADCH and looks forward to working alongside our dedicated volunteer community. She shares: “I’m excited to join ADCH and contribute to the incredible work being done to support animal rescue. Volunteers are at the heart of ADCH, and I’m looking forward to supporting all of you and ensuring you have the resources and support needed to continue making a lasting impact.”
Michelle joins ADCH at an important time as we strengthen our volunteer network in line with our strategy, launched last year and running through to the end of the decade. We are truly grateful for the commitment and dedication of our volunteers, and Michelle’s role will be key in providing the support needed to help everyone thrive in their roles.
ADCH’s Executive Director, Rebecca Cooper, expressed her enthusiasm, saying: “We are delighted to have Michelle joining our small team. Her experience will help us build on our plans to enhance volunteer support, ultimately strengthening the services we provide to our members.”
This role is made possible thanks to the generous support of Pets Foundation. We are deeply grateful for their support, which enables us to strengthen our volunteer network and enhance the support we provide to our members.
Laura Messenger, Funding and Partnerships Manager at the Pets Foundation, said: “We are proud to support the ADCH with a grant to fund their new Volunteer Manager, Michelle, who will play a vital role in optimising their volunteer programme. This position will make a real impact through the incredible work of the ADCH and its members, promoting a more effective and engaged volunteer network and further improving animal welfare across the sector.”
Please join us in welcoming Michelle to the ADCH team!
