Guide Dogs is currently on the look-out for people in parts of Greater Manchester to take on the volunteering role of Fosterers.
The long-standing charity – which has been providing mobility, supporting research, raising awareness, and campaigning for the blind and partially sighted since 1934 – relies on the help of its network of over 14,000 volunteers across the UK to help it make a difference and improve the lives of the visually impaired, and Fosterers are a vital part of the training journey.
Guide Dogs North West – which is based at the state-of-the-art training school in Atherton – has taken to social media this week to say it’s looking for some new Fosterers to join its volunteer network in our region, and is calling on dog lovers who can commit to the important role to get in touch.
“We’re looking for people to look after our dogs during the evenings and weekends near to our centre in Atherton,” Guide Dogs North West explained.
The role of a Fosterer – which was formerly called a Boarder – is to provide a temporary home for a dog while they’re in training, and follow the Guide Dogs way in relation to the welfare and handling of the dog.
ADVERTISEMENT
One of the most crucial parts of the Fosterer role is being able to drop the dog off between 8-9am and pick them up between 5-6pm at a Guide Dogs site or a site near a trainers’ home each weekday, which means you will likely need to live nearby to the Atherton training centre or be fully-committed to travelling.
According to the Guide Dogs website, Fosterers will receive full training for the role and must be willing to provide a welcoming and safe environment for a dog for the time required, as a consistent home is “particularly important for our dogs in training”, as well as making sure the dogs are appropriately fed and exercised, and they carry-out the same behaviours and commands as your trainer / supervisor.
ADVERTISEMENT
In the event of an emergency, Fosterers will also need to make sure the dog receives veterinary care, and that Guide Dogs is informed immediately.
Guide Dogs is looking for people in parts of Greater Manchester to take on the volunteering role of Fosterers / Credit: Guide Dogs UK
Fosterers will also ideally be people who get enjoyment from working with dogs and have suitable accommodation, perseverance to help support the training of the dogs, and good communication skills too.
What will you get in return? Well, volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time, you’ll get a dedicated volunteer manager / key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with the charity, and of course, you’ll get lots of cuddles from the new four-legged friend you’ve welcomed into your home.
ADVERTISEMENT
This could be a chance to play your part in changing lives.
Fancy it then? You can find out more information about the role of a Fosterer and find out if you’re suitable on the Guide Dogs website here.
Featured Image – Guide Dogs
Trending
Manchester City reach ‘agreement in principle’ to sign winger Antoine Semenyo
Danny Jones
Yes, if the latest reports are to be believed, Man City are further bolstering their offensive options with a deal for another wide forward in Bournemouth star, Antoine Semenyo, now virtually done.
Having emerged as one of the Premier League’s hottest properties over the past couple of years, Antoine Semenyo has gone from not only being an extremely prolific winger, but beyond a flavour of the month, with multiple teams expressing their interest in recent months.
That being said, despite being linked with local rivals Manchester United, current champions Liverpool and an already heavily staffed Chelsea side, it looks as though City have now won the race to sign Semenyo – one they seem to have been leading since the start.
According to sports journalists Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, the Blues have now reached an ‘agreement in principle’ for the Ghanaian international, meaning it is merely just a case of crossing Ts and dotting Is.
🚨 BREAKING: Antoine Semenyo's move to Manchester City from Bournemouth is now agreed in principle. Clubs in process of drafting paperwork.
Clarity on Semenyo's move date expected in the next 24 hours.
As per the update on New Year’s Day (and the opening 24 hours of the 2026 January transfer window), the talkSPORT correspondents claim that while final personal terms are still to be fully confirmed, the deal is effectively done.
Semenyo’s release clause was set at £65 million, which is approximately the same figure they sold former striker Dominic Solanke to Spurs for, but inevitable add-ons and bonuses are likely to set a club record fee in terms of player sales.
Writing on social media, Crook said: “Semenyo move from #AFCB to #MCFC pretty much done now. Deal agreed in principle, and contracts being drafted by the two clubs.”
Moreover, Semenyo joining City could also set a few other dominoes in motion once officially over the line and fully announced…
However, it is also thought that manager Andoni Iraola’s insistence that the draw against Chelsea was “definitely not” his last game suggests that City fans will still have to wait some more before they see him in the sky blue strip.
The Cherries’ boss has been clear that he wants his attacking talisman to feature in their upcoming game against Arsenal this weekend.
As a result, this will most likely see completion of the albeit all but done transfer delayed even further, hence why Pep Guardiola and co. will have to wait to try him in the starting XI.
It’s also worth noting that although the 25-year-old made it clear he doesn’t just want somewhere he can win trophies, but has already named the Etihad Stadium as his desired destination, many have suggested that he could end up losing momentum amid the wealth of attackers being rotated.
Happy with the business, Blues? And as for you neutrals, do you think it’s the right next step for him?
Manchester United recall three youth academy players from loan moves
Danny Jones
Manchester United have recalled three academy graduates from their respective loan spells.
With the January transfer window now officially open and Man United facing a mini injury crisis, it’s possible that at least one of them could remain with the squad.
Based on the positions that the first team is currently suffering from absentees, it’s possible that a pair could be restored to the wider squad.
First and foremost of those is Toby Collyer, who made his debut last year and has already made a baker’s dozen appearances for the Red Devils.
As you can see, Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion confirmed that Collyer would be returning to his parent club on New Year’s Day 2026.
The 21-year-old Worthing-born and 251st United academy graduate could be a useful rotation option for Ruben Amorim for the rest of the season.
With creative cogs Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo currently out injured, not to mention Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, fellow youngster Jack Fletcher, and even once again fit defender Lisandro Martinez sharing roles in the middle of the park, the midfielder could come in handy.
Fletcher’s twin brother, Tyler (both sons of former player Darren Fletcher), could also be set to play his first game for his boyhood club very soon.
As for the other two youth players having their loans cut short, BBC Sport has reported that defender Sonny Aljofree and goalkeeper Elyh Harrison are being recalled to the Carrington Training Complex.
United have officially recalled Toby Collyer from his loan spell at West Brom. Will be a few similar moves this month with Elyh Harrison and Sonny Aljofree also coming back to the club. United exploring various loan exits in January #mufc
In addition to Collyer having his progress hampered by injury problems, Aljofree and Harrison simply haven’t enjoyed enough regular playing time.
Despite making promising starts, both Aljofree and Harrison haven’t been part of the starting XI for Notts County and Shrewsbury Town, respectively, since September.
Who do you think could stay for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign and who do you think is likely to leave before the end of the month.
Beyond that, do you think Man United should bring anyone else in this winter?
Emily Sergeant -
9th March 2022 
