By: Jena Parkin
“Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a purpose” –
Garrison Keillor
Hi! My name is Jena and I’m an admin volunteer at the Tyneside Adoption Centre. I’m still in training, but I’m thoroughly enjoying this role! I started volunteering for Cats Protection back in 2015 whilst living in Plymouth and pursuing a degree in Fine Art. I had some free time and I wanted to put it to good use, so I visited the university volunteering department, told them I was interested in helping animals, and I began to volunteer in my local Cats Protection charity shop.
The people there were lovely and I quickly became friends with everyone, including the local volunteer welfare officer, Tracy.
I began to shadow Tracy on TNR trips in the community (that stands for Trap, Neuter, Return; a way we can help feral cats that can’t be rehomed), and assisted her on home visits and helping our branch volunteers who were fostering some of our cats. During my final year at university I was sadly unable to continue volunteering due to the unsociable working hours. However when I moved back up North I decided I wanted to help out once again, and in July 2019 I joined the team at Tyneside Adoption Centre.
When I first started volunteering I was terribly nervous.
I didn’t think I’d be good enough and I was worried that I would make loads of mistakes. I soon found out I needn’t worry; everyone I’ve worked alongside both in Plymouth and at Tyneside has been nothing but kind and supportive.
It can be scary at first but we’re all human and need to start somewhere, I learned that it’s totally okay to make a few mistakes – that’s how we learn! If I’m ever stuck or unsure about something there’s always someone around to help out. I’ve learned a lot about cats and how to meet their welfare needs, but most of all volunteering has helped me to gain confidence in my own abilities, around speaking to new people, and with cats too. Meeting people, being part of such a great team and being able to help animals in need has also really supported me with my own mental health struggles.
I’ve met so many brilliant people since working with Cats Protection and I actually found one of my best friends, Elena, back in the Plymouth charity shop (below); we still chat regularly and I’m hoping to go back and visit as soon as I can! Volunteering has been one of the best things I’ve chosen to do and I honestly can’t recommend it enough!
To anybody who may be on the fence about volunteering, my advice would be: just go for it!
Elena (Right), just one of the great friends I’ve made along the way!
Jena has been a dedicated member of the team at Tyneside since July 2019. She lives with her mum, her mum’s partner and their 8 dogs, so a fuzzy cuddle is never far away (but it’s great to find some more civilised feline company at the centre after spending so much time around the boisterous canines at home!) When Jena isn’t volunteering or working she enjoys reading, playing the piano (for her ears only!), watching movies and playing video games.
Cats Protection Tyneside Adoption Centre 