Assistance dog charity appeals for Rochdale volunteers as new training hub opens

Monday, 1 September 2025 11:51

By David Murphy

A national hearing dog charity is launching a new training base in Rochdale and is calling on local dog lovers to help raise life-changing puppies

A national assistance dog charity is opening a regional training hub in Rochdale, and it’s calling on local residents to help raise the next generation of hearing dogs.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People will officially launch its new hub at Rochdale Library between 11am and 1pm on Monday 15 September. The event will be attended by the town's Mayoress and will feature demonstrations of the dogs in action, alongside an appeal for new volunteer puppy trainers across Rochdale, Whitworth, Littleborough and Heywood.

The charity is seeking at least 15 new local volunteers to temporarily home and train young dogs for between six and 18 months, setting them up for their future work as assistance animals for deaf people.

Visitors to the launch will be able to meet volunteer trainers and their puppies, observe how the dogs alert their handlers to life-saving sounds such as smoke alarms, and hear directly from deaf recipients about the impact their hearing dog has made.

One such individual is Aaron Wise, 27, from Bacup. Profoundly deaf since birth, Aaron said his hearing dog Ellie had transformed his life by providing reassurance at home and during work travel: “Before I got Ellie, I’d lie awake at night worrying about missing the fire alarm or not waking up in time for work. I sleep soundly now. She even helps avoid awkward interactions in public by showing people I’m deaf.”

Volunteer trainer Karen Hardcastle also shared how the experience has been equally rewarding for those giving their time. “I never thought in a million years I could train an assistance dog,” she said. “But it’s the best thing I’ve ever done, learning a new skill, getting out, meeting people, and making a real difference.”

The charity’s expansion into Rochdale is in response to growing demand for hearing dogs nationwide. Each trained dog not only supports deaf individuals with practical alerts but also helps combat loneliness and social isolation.

Puppy trainers will receive full support from the charity, including weekly classes, one-to-one guidance from professional dog trainers, and all costs covered, from food and bedding to toys and vet bills. No prior dog training experience is required.

Lisa Meller, volunteering manager at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to bring our puppy training programme to Rochdale. Our volunteers are the beating heart of the charity. We're now looking for kind, committed people who want to make a difference while enjoying the fun and companionship of raising a puppy.”

The training covers basic cues such as ‘sit’, ‘wait’ and ‘down’, and introduces puppies to different environments, helping them become confident and adaptable.

Anyone interested but unable to attend the launch can find more information or apply online at https://www.hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteering/puppy-training by emailing volunteer@hearingdogs.org.uk or by calling 01844 348129.