Testimonials from our volunteers

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 I began volunteering at Sally’s Duck Rescue two years ago during a particularly low point in my life when I was struggling with anxiety & depression. Being newly retired, I felt stuck in a rut and knew I needed something meaningful to get involved with. I’ve always loved ducks and birds in general, so joining the rescue felt like the perfect fit.

From the very beginning, volunteering here has felt like a form of therapy. I’m always made to feel welcome & genuinely appreciated for everything I do .

Yes , the work can be hard , mucky, & muddy at times , but getting out in the fresh air and doing something hands on gives me such a sense of purpose & achievement. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing the ducks settled into fresh, clean straw after I have emptied out the wet bedding.

The tasks can be quite physical, but I feel so much fitter now than I did two years ago , which has also helped with my mental health , I have also managed to to lose 18 kg in weight over that same period .

I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting other volunteers..some of whom have become good friends.

The support at the rescue is incredible, either Sally, Tim or Leanne are always around if a problem arises , and nothing is ever too much trouble .

The rescue has truly been a place of healing for me . My mental health has improved enormously and my confidence has grown in ways I never expected. It warms my heart to see poorly or abandoned ducks thrive , grow stronger & eventually find the loving forever homes they deserve.

If anything can lift the spirits, it’s witnessing that transformation.

Volunteering has also been a huge learning experience. I’ve discovered so much about ducks , different species their health needs , personalities, the way they interact and caring for ducklings / goslings . It’s all so fascinating and an absolute privilege to be part of.

To volunteer at Sally’s Duck Rescue has truly been the best experience of my life. I have loved every minute of my time here, so much that I never want to leave! It is a group of such likeminded people who are all working for a common cause, and such a warm, welcoming community of unique individuals. Volunteering here as made such a huge difference to my entire life, making me a happier person generally as I have a newfound sense of purpose and a passion I never would have expected to find. Before finding Sally’s duck rescue, I was often lonely and not an adventurous person, however now I have an amazing group of people I know I can rely on, and it has built up my confidence to such a degree that I am now at university, over 200 miles away, living alone and making friends in a completely new city.  

My mental wellbeing has been significantly improved, as it has given me something to work for, and a positive outlet for me to be who I truly am without judgement. Everyone I know has noticed a huge change in my demeanor for the better because I am so much happier in myself and have a passion for something, even though its niche, has completely consumed me and I have fallen in love with the rescue and all the animals I help to take care of.  

Everyone at the rescue is so incredibly kind and thoughtful, working together as a team towards the same goal, and they are all so selfless. You are never alone at the rescue, there is always someone around to help whether with cleaning out houses or giving you advice, or just offering a shoulder to cry on. Sally and Tim are incredible, running such a friendly and welcoming place, and have always been there for me, helping me through my A-Levels, letting me study every day surrounded by the joyful sound of ducks quacking, and encouraging me to push myself out of my comfort zone. My favourite part of volunteering here is how welcome you feel no matter who you are or how often you volunteer, every help is so much appreciated. Also, there is nothing better than knowing you are making a difference and seeing how the animals thank you – duck cuddles are the best medicine! Emily.

My name is Liv and I am writing to share my experience volunteering at Sally’s Duck Rescue for approximately a year and a half now. I believe it has been one of the most significant decisions I have made in my life.

Sally and Tim are exceptional, and their kindness and professionalism are truly remarkable. Additionally,  at Sally’s Duck Rescue is incredibly supportive and understanding, particularly in regards to my mental health.

Volunteering at Sally’s Duck Rescue has had a profound impact on my life. It has provided me with a sense of purpose and belonging, and it has helped me to develop a strong sense of self-confidence. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my time to somewhere I call my safe space and to make a positive difference in the lives of the feathered ducks and birds.

The best part is seeing the ducks snuggle up in a nice, clean bed that I  made , watching them run around together , enjoying the absolute splashing and snorkelling in the fresh pool of water, to seeing them have a happy life simply by giving them love and affection, gives me a sense of peace and appreciation.

After retirement and a move across country to a small village I was looking for something to pass the days, then I saw it. "volunteers wanted*"do you have some spare time? Sally's duck rescue needs volunteers. So I emailed went to visit and so it began. 

Two years later I'm still here. The fresh air the physical work, and the ducks and chickens can literally change your mood....clean a duck house in the open air listen to their silly squabbles and constant chatter will bring a smile to any face. Wake up feeling in a bad mood watch and chat with the birds and suddenly you feel so much better. They say connecting with nature is so good for mental health well there in the middle of the field wind, sun, rain, cold I defy anyone not to feel connected.

For anyone not afraid of a bit of work wanting to spend time outside and with a love of ducks

(and chickens) Sallys Duck rescue is definitely the place to be.

Being at Sallys Duck Rescue is really rewarding, and has a very friendly relaxed atmosphere. 

It's helped my mental health and wellbeing enormously. I feel so much happier being outside in the fresh air and helping with all of the animals. I feel able to focus better on things.

Im so much happier and gaining much more self confidence again, and really enjoying the exercise too.

I feel everybody is ready to listen and help if needed.

I love all of it. The being outside and getting dirty, knowing that I am helping is an amazing feeling.

Volunteering at Sallys Duck Rescue is really cool, its somewhere you can be hands on and busy all the time, working with the ducks and all the other volunteers is really rewarding. Its a good community to be a part of.

Being able to spend time outside with all the birds always lifts my mood and gives me something to look forward to.

Its given me more confidence with being around different animals but also with people.

Everyone's very kind and willing to help you with literally anything, everyones really supportive. 

My favourite part is open up because I like saying hello to all the ducks and also always being able to be involved with different aspects of the rescue every time I'm there, everyones always included and I really like that.