Friends at the End Volunteers

Are you:? 

• Knowledgeable about horse care and managing a variety of veterinary conditions? 

• An empathetic listener who can offer emotional support? 

• Happy to attend and advise on the day of euthanasia? 

Role: 

After completing the application process, our Friends at the End volunteers, or “Friends” as we call them, complete thorough training via our online platform, which covers some basic bereavement training. Our volunteers are also given guidance on where to signpost owners who need more help than we are trained to offer.  

Our Friends volunteers offer fantastic support to anyone struggling to make a decision regarding euthanasia by being an empathetic ear on the phone, or even face -to- face. They can support the owner in assessing the horse’s quality of life and be there to talk about any worries or concerns regarding the euthanasia itself or collection.  Often, they may attend on the day, either to hold the horse or to sit and have a chat and a cup of tea with the owner. Alternatively, some owners chose to get in touch after having had the horse put to sleep, when they find they need someone to talk to and support them with their feeling of loss. 

The owner will initially contact our Horse Care & Welfare Team to reach out for support. Once we have the details, we then contact the nearest Friend and link them up with that owner for whatever support is required, be it before, during or after their loss. 

Friends are also asked to promote the service to local veterinary practices and yards, and to help spread awareness of the support we offer, to anyone who needs it. Upon completion of training, you will be sent some advertising resources, as well as sympathy card packs to give to owners you support.