20/10 - Weekly Update from Crosskennan!

To make a regular donation - text CLAS to 70660 to pledge £3 monthly!

A quick recap of the previous week for our readers on what's been happening at a very busy Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary!

2022 Volunteer Admissions Welcome!

We are delighted to start welcoming 2022 admissions for volunteers at the sanctuary. We know we are very delayed this year but we've been playing catch up since 2020 and the lockdowns which stalled all new training but not the applications. We know for many who have applied that they are no longer in a position to get involved or are no longer interested. We do understand this. However we hope there will be some who still want to get involved and if so we are just trying to confirm who to take forward. If you have applied this year we've included you in an email. As we've been trying to streamline the volunteer induction and training process as much as we can we have developed some new application forms which are specific to animal types and areas of volunteering. We will be running small group inductions in the coming months and need to confirm exactly what areas you are interested and when so we can best schedule everyone. Please respond as soon as you can so we can get dates confirmed! If you haven't received an email but were expecting one please check your spam/junk folders - if still nothing then email volunteer@crosskennanlane.org.uk or simply go to our website and apply afresh with our new applications! We also want to remind people, groups and businesses that we do offer Volunteer and Helper Days too; and will continue to do so while the weather allows. We can accommodate groups up to 12 people for the day; dates are determined by availability and at this time we are not taking any bookings past the 21st of December and this date may change depending on weather. So please book early if you can.

Fundraising at the Sanctuary

Get involved with fundraising at the sanctuary; help us make a difference and raise funds to help animals most in need!

We are having our first fundraising meeting of the year! We know it's a bit late in the year, but we've been delayed getting active again after Covid. We are aiming for the first/Second week in November - please RSVP if you can make it and let us know how you can help or when! RSVP HERE -https://www.crosskennanlane.co.uk/.../fundraising... The meeting will be held via zoom / google meet so don't worry about transport or getting to the location! We will be keeping things as brief as we can and this first meeting will be to try and organise our committee for the rest of the year (financial year).

If you can spare an hour (probably in the evening), then we would love to have you join! We haven't confirmed a date yet but again are aiming first/second week in November.

We need people from all walks of life, even if you want to pop your head in to say you can 'help out' when needed, or if you want to be full on involved it is up to you! We hope you can join us and as soon as we can get a few responses we will try and cement a date and time for everyone!

Christmas Ballot 2022!

It's that time of year again and our ballot tickets are off to the printers! We've got 10 brilliant and generously donated prizes up for grabs for only £1 per ticket! Prizes as follows:

• £200 CASH

• £150 CASH

• £75 CASH

• £100 Voucher for Creative Gardens - Galgorm, Donaghadee, Bushmills, Ballyclare

• £75 Voucher for M&S

• Round of Golf for 4 People at Ballyclare Golf Club

• 1 Night Stay at Loughmourne Glamping Pod

• Voucher for Sunday Carvery for 2 at The Dunadry

• £50 Voucher for Dobbies

• Gift Bag and Voucher from Bailies Auto Refinishers

All prizes have been generously donated by supporters and friends of Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary.

Draw will take place on Wednesday 21st December at Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary - everyone is welcome to attend. We need ticket stubs and money returned no later than Tuesday 20th December in order for them to be counted in the final draw! All proceeds go to the care of the charity's rescue animals. You can buy your tickets online now here:

All tickets purchased online will be entered into the draw - to save money we are not posting out ticket stubs but if you would like to have a note of your ticket numbers please email crosskennan@hotmail.co.uk and we will send your numbers on . You can also sell tickets or get physical tickets! Tickets are available in books of ten for anyone wishing to sell tickets on behalf of the sanctuary. - all tickets must be returned (sold or unsold before the draw date to ensure they are counted in the final ballot). If you would like tickets posted out to sell please email crosskennan@hotmail.co.uk and we will get tickets sent out. Thank you for your support this year!

Christmas Cards Reminder that we still have some of our Christmas and greeting cards for sale. Christmas cards are £5 for a pack of 10 and all funds go to the animals with the printing costs kindly sponsored!

Postage is £2

Mudcontrol Slabs - Donate?

Could you help us make this happen! Give us a pallet of Mudcontrol slabs to help tackle the mud this winter (and winters to come!) At the present time staff and volunteers are struggling to get the quad bike through a couple of the paddocks, let alone pushing wheelbarrows. Can you imagine what that is like for the horses standing in it? Of course they have access to dry and solid ground but for some they are just too nosey and want to be out watching the yard and therefore standing in the wet and mud. For £7.50 you can buy a slab to help create areas of hardstanding in our grass free paddocks. Click here to buy some slabs for us; https://www.mudcontrol.co.uk/.../crosskennan-lane-animal... Last day to support is the 28th!

Upcoming Events 2022

25th Anniversary Gala Dinner - 5th November 2022 @ 7:00pm Maldron Hotel, Belfast International Airport, 200 Airport Rd, Crumlin, BT29 4ZY Getting closer now! Less than a month to go until we swap the welly boots for the heels (or at least a shoe not covered in mud and hopefully clothes without pet hair!)

We are looking forward to letting our hair down and right now our main aim is to confirm numbers and dietary requirements!

We need to be able to confirm dietary requirements for the hotel and the numbers for the meal etc ASAP so please do book today.

This event is a celebration and a fundraiser - a chance for one evening to let our hair down and escape those stresses. Crosskennan was founded in 1996 - in 2021 we celebrated our 25th year. Due to Covid, our planned Gala dinner had to be postponed until the following year. Our birthday is the 6th of November so it is apt for us to finish out our 25th year with a party.

The Dinner will be held at The Maldron Hotel Belfast International Airport, beginning with a red carpet arrival, drinks reception followed by a three course meal, a few speeches (we will keep these brief) and closing the evening with music and dancing. We are trying to confirm numbers for the hotel and while many of you have said you are coming along you may not have bought your tickets yet. We would appreciate if you could buy tickets sooner rather than later so we can get a better idea of numbers.

We need to be able to confirm dietary requirements for the hotel and the numbers for the meal etc so please do book today.

We would love to have as many people attend as we can to help raise funds but also to share the moment with them. We would appreciate if you would share the event not just with friends and family, but colleagues, clients, customers. We aren't asking you all to come along (although would be lovely if you all could) but just to help us spread the word about the event.

We have a A4 poster that can be printed out if anyone is able to display it. It has a QR code for the booking page on our website. Here is a link to download the poster for printing - https://drive.google.com/.../1u13Jly6uLNlupdT3Cs8.../view...

If we can sell 10 more tickets that will cover our supplements bill for an entire month!

**URGENT APPEAL - Foster/Adoption!**

Do you recognise? Can you foster?

Foster/adopt considered.

This boy was found in the nutts corner area - he is safe at the moment but he can’t stay where he is. He is nervous but has been around the finders children and other 3 dogs and is good with all.

He’s not microchipped.

He has been howling when left alone overnight so please bear this in mind.

He will need someone able to provide time and TLC.

If that person is you please email rehoming@crosskennanlane.org.uk

Obviously if an owner doesn’t come forward he will need a permanent home. So far no one has claimed him in the area.

We need to get him into foster asap!

Please do get in touch if you can help. Please email rehoming@crosskennanlane.org.uk

Urgent - Towels, Blankets & Sheets!

We are in urgent need of clean towels, blankets and sheets. As the weather has begun to turn the dogs and other animals often come in wet and we are running low on the items as a result.

Unfortunately we cannot accept any items that have been used by other animals, as no matter how many times we wash things, the dogs still smell the other animal and destroy or mark the items. We also have no tumble dryer at the moment so finding things hard to wash and dry!

If you are doing a clear out or have any items you no longer need we would appreciate them! You can bring your donations to the sanctuary in Antrim between 10am-4pm, Monday to Saturday.

Thank you again!

Home from home... Cat Rehoming We still have 30+ cats and kittens seeking homes at present. Aged 10 weeks to 12 years there is a cat or kitten for everyone. This week we wanted to remind our readers of the wonderful feline friends we had:

Molly and Mabel

Approx 10 weeks old. Fully vaccinated. Being spayed and microchipped on 11th October. Two very bonded sisters looking for a home together. They have had a sad start in life witnessing their mother being knocked down and killed. This has left them a little traumatised so the depend on each other for courage and support. They are used to other cats but no experience of dogs so a dog free home would be best. They are both still quite timid. Will accept pets but don't like to be lifted. In the right home with experienced cat owners they will thrive. Tom & Dick Tom is approximately 4 months old. He is fully vaccinated and is getting neutered next week. Tom can be very shy and would need to be homed with his brother Dick as they are very bonded and rely on each other for confidence and support. Both are ok with other cats but have no experience of dogs. So ideally looking to be rehomed in a dog free home and no very young children. They will need to have there own space to go to until they get used to their new surroundings and if they feel the need for time out. Would need to be kept indoors until settled but then could have safe outdoor access. They are both lovely boys who would thrive in the right home.

Dick is approximately 4 months old. He has been fully vaccinated and will be neutered next week. Dick is a shy boy and relies very much on his brother Tom so they would have to be rehomed together. He is ok with other cats but has no experience of dogs so ideally would need to be rehomed in a dog free house and with no very small children as he is quite nervous. They would need a space of their own to go to for time out until they get to know their new surroundings. Will need to be kept indoors until settled but then could have safe outdoor access. Bean, Ash. Charlie & Bunce These beautiful kittens, born in August 2022, require a permanent home. Due to their background and close bond, they would need to be rehomed together in pairs.

Charlie is a black, male, medium to long haired kitten, with a small patch of white on his chest. He has a calm personality and is usually found curled up asleep, if not playing with the other kittens.

Bean is a black, female, short haired kitten. She is less shy than Bunce and loves the ball tower toys and the toy mice. Once she gets used to you, she will also approach you for attention.

Bunce is black, male and short haired. He is a little shy at first but very playful and will come over the second he realises you have treats.

Ash is a male tabby. He is always first to arrive for food and likes to hang around the food bowl. He is very friendly and once he knows you, he will start to come over and purr when you enter the room.

Sheba

After being found as a stray by a kind, caring lady. Sheba was taken in alongside her kittens to be cared for back to health. Now that her kittens have all found homes of their own, it's time that Sheba was able to find the love and care she so deserves. Sheba is a good natured tortie looking for a new home with someone patient - could that person be you?

Stevie

Stevie is a lot more confident than when we first advertised him looking for a home. He is demanding and is growing up to be very confident, talkative and playful. He likes good scratches but enjoys food the most. Like all kittens he is full of energy and loves playing with anything. He is especially fond of empty toilet rolls.

He is litter trained. Has been flea treated and wormed.

Martha Our 12 year old grey tabby Martha is looking out for a home of her own where she can live out the rest of her days with some well deserved peace and pampering. Living as a stray for 10+ years, I think it's about time Martha experienced the sweet life.

Martha moved into foster and had all her checks and a little TLC. Sadly she tested positive for FIV. FIV is not a death sentence but it does limit her options moving on. She currently lives all her days in one room of her fosters house, and she is quite content although would like to explore a little more. FIV cats can enjoy a happy life and can make wonderful companions. To prevent the disease from spreading, the RSPCA recommends FIV cats must be the only cat in the household, so if you'd like to have a one-cat home, an FIV cat might suit you. Adopting an FIV-positive cat can be really rewarding. Although nobody can predict the future, many FIV cats can potentially live long, healthy and full lives, just like a non-infected cat. They also have all the usual needs of any cat, such as a nutritious diet, mental stimulation and plenty of love! Rocky and Ripley

This gorgeous duo is Rocky and Ripley. Rocky the female is black with a little white on her tummy. Ripley is a beautiful brown-black.

They have been in foster for just over two months now after being rescued alongside their mum, Reina and brother Rumour (also advertised on the website). Rocky (f) and Ripley (m). Two little kittens who after a hard start in life are all about the fun and exploring. They're into everything. They enjoy being stroked and will seek out their foster carer's company. They like to snuggle together and where you find one you'll usually find the other.

These two are looking for a home together. They deserve someone to love them - could that be you?

Reina & Rumour

This gorgeous girl is Reina, a very chilled young mum who is looking forward to finding a home of her own very soon. Reina is only a kitten herself but already she's been a mum to 3 wonderful little kittens, Rocky, Rumour and Ripley.

Reina was caught with her kittens after living rough for a while. She's a very quiet cat, watching what goes on around her. Equally she loves nothing better than a good head scratch and tummy rub. She'll wrap herself around her foster carers legs at feeding time. She's very vocal chirping when she's upset or hungry. She can be an anxious cat and experience some fur loss when she came into foster care. It's all growing back now.

Rumour like his mum is a quiet cat, a bit more wary of human company than his siblings. He's enjoys a good snooze and finding new boxes to play with. He's learning to be OK with a head scratch. Like his mum he can be vocal at tea time!

Here Reina is, sunning herself waiting for her purrrrr-fect home.

We have a rehoming fee of £70 for cats. All our cats are neutered and if not neutered at the time of rehoming, will be required to be neutered as soon as permitted by a vet. All adoptions will only take place following meeting the cat at the sanctuary and a home check.

Unfortunately due to the large number of applications we can receive per cat we do have to state that we may not be able to contact every unsuccessful home. Adoptive homes will only be considered in NORTHERN IRELAND. We are sorry we cannot accommodate further afield but this ensures we can carry out effective home checks and you have a chance to meet the cats before adoption.

The importance of Spaying/Neutering your cat

We would also like to encourage neutering and spaying of your pets. There are so many cats on the streets without people to hep. Why would you add to the ongoing problems. There are more and more everyday needing help and we haven't the capacity to help anymore with our waiting list already overflowing. These cats/kittens need rescued, vet care, spayed/neutered and a kind, caring home. We have 60+ cats in our care currently and costs ramp up quickly. Spaying/neutering a cat costs roughly £35 each incl. discount (depending on vet as our fosterers are based in different areas and attend different vets). With vaccinations, flea treatments, worming and microchipping as a standard, these costs can mount up.

If you can help with the costs, please help using the donation information at the bottom of our page.

Or text CLAS Paws to 70660 to pledge £3 a month. Food, litter, milk, wormers, etc are all welcome too!

Dog Rehoming Koba

Our lovely 6 year old staffie, Koba has been on our list for over 3 months now. Unfortunately due to his owners health, he isn't getting the same attention he is used to and they've made the difficult decision to rehome him to a family who can give him the attention he deserves. Koba is lovely, friendly dog. Good with children and okay with other dogs although introductions will be required for any children or dogs in the home.

He is a happy boy who enjoys attention but can be left out in the dog run for periods of time. Could you be the love and affection Koba desperately needs?

Soya

New home needed - 4 year old, great dog who adores kids, fully house trained and just looking for a home where she can get the care she needs. Unfortunately current home aren't able to provide the exercise and attention she needs.

If you'd like to put your name forward, please contact us at: rehoming@crosskennanlane.org.uk

Shadow

Shadow is a one year old lurcher looking for a new home. She loves napping on the sofa (or anywhere she can get to), long walks with a good run, meeting people and other dogs, eating food and getting cuddles. She is looking for a new home due to the other dog in the home not accepting her and it's not fair on either. Ideally would like to get her a new home as soon as we can so she can get off living her new life.

PLEASE NOTE - HOME FROM HOME - this dog is currently not at the sanctuary and will remain in its current home until rehoming. All meetings will take place either at the dog's home or in the Armagh area.

Honey

This is Honey, she's a 4 year old, a border collie - American Bulldog cross. She's been in her home since puppyhood and it's a very upsetting rehoming which comes after a lot of changes in Honey's home which have made life stressful for her. She briefly went to a new home after being advertised that didn't work out and she is back with her original home and will be taking her time meeting any potential homes.

She is a kind-natured dog and has grown up with kids and cats. She’s a very active dog but for the last while she hasn't got the same attention and exercise. She needs a home able to provide a good amount of exercise and stimulation. She is a strong dog and will pull on the lead, so someone who can cope with this or work on her retraining is a must.

She loves her home comforts and as mentioned has lived with cats her whole life - she is much more enamored with the cat than the cat is with her. She doesn't have much experience with dogs, and while we won't completely rule out homes with another dog, introductions would need to be done slowly. She’s a very playful dog with loads of energy.

PLEASE NOTE - HOME FROM HOME - this dog is currently not at the sanctuary and will remain in current home until rehoming. All meetings will take place either at the dogs home, or in the area. Finn

This beautiful big boy is Finn - he is a 4 year old hound mix and sadly needs to find a new home. He has a few reasons for a needing a new home; firstly his little dog companion doesn't want to be his friend. Second his owners are worried they don't have the time for him and his training has lasped.

He is a big boy and is very excitable meeting new people. He is good on the lead when out walking but at present he isn't getting the excerise and stimulation he needs. He is all up to date on his vaccinations. They have no knowledge of him in the car as neither drive so have never had the opportunity to test him. He's been living in the garage with outside access as he's too big for the house and the other dog doesn't like him; so his housetraining is not great either. He has no experience with young children - but has been around teenagers.

Theo

This beautiful boy is Theo, a 15 month GSD/ Rottweiler male dog. Since the home circumstances changed Theo hasn't been getting the stimulation and exercise he needs and the family have come to the heart-breaking decision to rehome him.

Theo has a lot of energy and is a very smart dog. He needs someone with experience with large dog breeds and who will be able to work with continuing his training and handling. He loves to play and has many favourite toys and games! He gets very excited when playing and as a bigger dog can need a bit of room! He is great meeting people and with dogs he knows. He has little to no experience with cats and can be nervous meeting new dogs when out and about.

He enjoys being groomed, although has had no experience with getting a bath yet! He has learnt his basic commands although still needs to work on his recall. He does need a secure garden and ideally a large garden with room for him to stretch and play safely!

Due to his history and current training status we are looking for the following from a home; No other pets No children under 12 A large secure garden Someone with experience with the breed/large working breeds

Theo's current owner says "Theo is very willing to learn and receptive to training but needs the right person to show him direction, he has a lot of energy. He is loving and willing to learn and will make a great companion for someone."

Ruby

This beauty is Ruby, a 7 month old border collie who is needing to find a new home due to no fault of her own. She is a brilliant dog and has so much to give. Her home circumstances have changed and they've made the decision to try and find her a new home to give her the best chance.

Ruby is your typical border collie, intelligent, loyal and full of energy. She is used to over 2 hours of exercise and play time a day (split into two hour long walks/play). She loves to play fetch and tug of war and is used to off lead and on lead walks and play.

She isn't a saint we will admit, with trying to steal cat food being one of her bad habits as well as destroying her toys when bored. She can be given to chase vehicles too although does have a good recall.

She currently lives with cats and goats at her current home and gets on well in general with other dogs and animals. She can be a little nervous meeting unfamiliar animals but once she knows they are friendly she just wants to play.

She needs an active home, with space to explore. She is used to trips to the forest or the seaside so ideally a home that wants to have adventures with her too! She has not much experience with children so we cannot say how she will be living with them, for that reason our preference will be for adult only homes, or homes with older children.

Ruby's owner's want the best home for her and are willing to wait to find that perfect home. They've said their preference would be a countryside home with an owner who either works from home or is home most of the day.

If you think you can give her the home she needs please fill in an application form on our website.

Brodie

This handsome man is Brodie, a 1 and a half year old Border collie with lots of energy and brains to spare. He's looking for a new home where he can get the stimulation and exercise he needs. He is an active dog and although he gets long walks and play time in his current home it's not enough to meet the needs of his natural working brain. He is looking for a home where he can put his brain to use; potentially in a home where he can do some 'work'; he could be a great dog to take part in agility or flyball.

He is a great companion and after all the fun and games of the day he curls up on the sofa with his owner to watch tv. Unfortunately he is too active for the young children in the home and his herding instincts are kicking in at times.

He needs a home where he can let his instincts work and an owner who is familiar with border collies. He is a wonderful dog; wary of strangers at first but loving of his people. He will make a wonderful loyal companion to the right person and the right home.

Ideally he is looking for a home with space, ideally in the countryside but not essential as long as his exercise and stimulation needs can be met. He needs an active home and a home where he can be part of the daily life as he is used to presently.

So what he's looking for; Active Home Adult / older children home A 'job' Space

If you think you can give him the home he needs please fill in an application form on our website.

Check out all dogs seeking homes here

https://www.crosskennanlane.co.uk/dog-rehoming/

Equines

We have a number of beautiful horses and ponies who are looking for companion homes. Can you offer a home to a rescue, horse, pony or donkey? Each one is special in their own way, all are non ridden due to age or injury but that doesn't hold them back from being incredible companions, friends and yes 'field ornaments'! Not all are currently on site at the sanctuary but we would love to find them all new homes (or as many as we can) before the winter.

Please fill in an application form on our website; specify companion only and let us know what you are looking for. We may not have someone suitable but we have quite a selection. At present most people want ridden equines so these guys so often get overlooked.

https://www.crosskennanlane.co.uk/equine-application

All horses and ponies will only be rehomed after at least one meeting with the horse and following a home check.

Emily & Elijah have been working incredibly hard this past while to improve their chances of finding a home of their own.

The mother and son duo have been practicing their leading, their lifting of feet and their manners.

They would adore a family who would shower them with attention. Elijah would love a sensible (half mad) child of his own to torture (love). Emily enjoys quiet attention and often lets her son have all the attention. So, a parent child combo could be perfect for this parent and child combo! They are bigger donkeys with some specific requirements:

- An extra large stable for the two to be housed together if possible but provision for separation (2 stables) if required.

- Limited grazing / grass free turnout / track system?

We love them at the sanctuary and we will miss them when they find a home but they deserve a family who can give them all their extra time.

PIGGIES

'Belfast Pigs'

These pigs were found at the start of September 2022 with still no luck of finding their owner. We know there is a high probability they have been dumped but we want to ensure they do not have a home out there looking for them.

If you do recognise them please let us know - please remember proof of ownership will be required!

Email office@crosskennanlane.org.uk

Finally we announce the winners of our... Big CLAS Online pet Show 2022!

Our latest online stories...

13/10 - Weekly Update from Crosskennan!

A quick recap of the previous week for our readers on what's been happening at a very busy Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary!

06/10 - Weekly Update from Crosskennan!

We appreciate your support!

It's always overwhelming to us how caring our supporters are. We just want to say a huge thanks to all of you this past week who gave in one way or another.

A few big thank-yous to our kind donors this week - two lovely ladies left up blankets and a donation on Tuesday, approved by Willow the dog as you can see! And today a lady called Caroline left lots of clean blankets and towels up as well. Thank you for helping us keep the animals clean and warm in the turning weather!

Donation of the Week Every Friday we have decided to post an appeal for something specific that will go towards helping our wonderful animals in care.

This week we have a need for: Frontline Spray

We use this for both the dogs and the horses and we are completely out!

Can you help us stock up?

We've just ordered 2x 250ml bottles for £52 (including the delivery).

Can you help us cover this cost?

If 50 people donated £1 via paypal we would cover this expense - paypal.me/crosskennan

We are trying to get stocked up on things before the winter when our costs will double in general. So any help is appreciated getting our stores restocked! You can also help us directly with the Vet bills with direct donations to our vets - the main being Clare Vets in Ballyclare and Cedargrove Vets in Belfast. You can help pay off part of our bills or put some credit on our account! You can of course also donate online to help - Paypal People's Fundraising Just Giving Our Own Website

We really appreciate your support - and there are so many other ways you can help us help animals.

We can accept Food donations,Supplements, toys (no stuffed toys or tennis balls please), bedding (blankets, towels, and sheets are welcome!), and we can recycle old lego, mobile phones and used stamps!

Did you know you can help raise money every time you sell on eBay? If you are a frequent seller on eBay, did you know that items that benefit charity may sell faster? By donating 10%+ your item will feature a charity ribbon and may even feature in the "Charity Shop"

On top of all that, you reduce your seller fees and can enjoy tax free savings! Want to learn more about this scheme? Click below to find out more...

We're on the lookout - can you help?

Thank you for choosing to become part of Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary’s team. Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary is a registered Charity whose main aim is to provide a sanctuary for animals who have suffered abuse, neglect or have found themselves without a home. We also provide rescue, rehabilitation, training and advice to pet owners and the general public on training, welfare and general care. Through our Animal’s Helping People program we provide animal assisted therapeutic activities. Volunteers are essential for our service provision and we hope involvement with Crosskennan will offer you opportunities for your own personal development. Our current roles on offer:

**NEW** Job Title: Yard Team Member Accountable to: Sanctuary Manager Hours: TBC Based at: Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary - Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT41 2QY Type of Employment: Part time - inclusive of weekend shifts About the job: This is very physical work, from mucking out, handling horses and ponies, grooming, feeding, health checks etc.

We are only a small team but we are caring for over 40 equines currently as well as many smaller animals, including dogs, cats, hens, ducks, etc.

You will have to work with both the staff team and the volunteers and report to the Sanctuary Manager.

All of our animals are rescued and many have behavioural problems left over from previous homes; anyone applying ideally needs to have experience working with equines at a minimum.

Please read more HERE and complete an application form - email a copy of the application form to our office - office@crosskennanlane.org.uk

Description Role: Press/Media Assistant Position: Voluntary Location: Remotely Time Commitment: Flexible Reports To: Main Admin

Purpose: As a Press/Media assistant you will be required to represent the sanctuary to the media, both reactive and proactively. You will respond to enquiries from journalists, write press releases, try to interest journalists in our stories and campaigns, arrange for spokespeople to speak to the press or speak to them directly yourself, and monitor media coverage.

You will help us raise awareness of the work we do, help animals get the help they need or raise awareness of the different welfare issues the sanctuary is facing. You will assist with promoting fundraising, events and rehoming stories; helping us raise funds and find homes for the animals in our care.

Main Responsibilities: - Check for and respond to media enquiries, correspond with journalists, answer queries. - Write press releases - Phone or email journalists to try to interest them in Crosskennan’s stories, work and potential features. - Proof-read and if necessary rewrite media statements. - Meet journalists and foster good relations with the media. - Write for Crosskennan’s website and social media pages.

Preferred Skills/Qualities: - Ability to work independently without close supervision, but open to asking for help and support. - Be able to write clearly, accurately and succinctly. - Good written english is essential. - IT and web savvy. - Good interpersonal skills - Able to cope with pressure and meet deadlines - Email knowledge is essential. - Experience of media and press is preferred.

Training and Support: You will have an induction to the organisation working closely with our Main Admin

Benefits: - Ongoing personal development. - Making a real difference to the sanctuary’s work and reach. - Gaining experience within journalism/media. - Experience working both independently and with a team.

To Apply: Please send a short covering letter to volunteer@crosskennanlane.org.uk detailing your experience, fit with the role and why you want to volunteer with us.

Upon receipt of your application we will seek to arrange a short telephone/zoom interview or face-to-face meeting where we may ask for details.

Could you join us as a Maintenance Volunteer?

With over 150 animals on site annually on average, the sanctuary gets a lot of wear and tear.

This is why we need maintenance volunteers who are willing to come in and undertake DIY and associated tasks, such as sweeping the yard, strimming weeds, power washing, and cleaning the windows, doing runs to the dump etc.

Make a real difference to the lives of the animals in our care and enhance the experience for volunteers and visitors! For those who have skills and experience it is a great opportunity for us to open up some skill sharing!

This role will suit people who… enjoy variety, enjoy getting their hands dirty, like meeting people, have a friendly and helpful nature and like helping others and be part of a team.

Email volunteer@crosskenannlane.org.uk if you can help!

**We have received a high volume of applicants for roles working on-site with the horses, cats and dogs. Due to this, we require more time than normal to induct, ieach of these individuals. With all this in mind, we're working around the clock to get through the applicants and hope to get back to you all very soon!**

Don't forget our upcoming Crosskennan Charity Dinner Dance this November to celebrate 25 years of saving lives. Celebrating the people who have helped and the animals they have saved!

PayPal.me/crosskennan

www.crosskennanlane.co.uk/help

https://www.justgiving.com/crosskennanlaneanimalsanctuary

https://www.crosskennanlane.co.uk/wishlist

https://www.amazon.co.uk/crosskennanwishlist

https://switchforcharity.uk/CrosskennanLane/

Help us to help them!

Please, CLICK here to Make a Donation (PAYPAL)!

Make a one off donation on our website CLICK HERE!

Or you can send a donation via bank transfer to

Sort Code: 950202

Account Number: 31184288

Account Name: CROSSKENNAN ANIMAL

If you want to get stuff delivered to us you post it directly to: Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, 26 Crosskennan Lane, Ballynoe, Antrim, BT41 2QY

Or send us an email to crosskennan@hotmail.co.uk to arrange a drop-off of donations!

Did you know you can send grocery deliveries to us too? Just let us know in advance, and you can do a ASDA, Tesco's, Sainsbury's Online delivery and get it dropped off at the sanctuary. We can make use of so much from your local supermarket, from fresh fruit and veg, to frozen peas and sweetcorn, fresh chicken, ham, liver, washing up powder/tablets, dish soap, bleach, disinfectant, toilet rolls, dog food, cat food, birdseed... The list could go on forever!