Get involved
There are so many ways you can make a difference
If you need help deciding how to get involved, contact our supporter engagement team for some guidance. We can help you make a real difference!
Canterbury Oast Trust
Visit COT’s Rare Breeds Centre part of our Life Skills programmes.
At COT we believe that it takes a community to help people thrive
Whether you’re looking to give your time, share your expertise, or simply support a fantastic cause, there are so many ways to get involved. And every single one helps us continue supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism to live confident, fulfilled and more independent lives.
With your help, we can provide extra support, meaningful opportunities, and enriching experiences that make a real difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism.
Need help deciding how to get involved? Contact our supporter engagement team for some guidance – we can help you find your perfect fit.
Volunteer with us
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to get involved. Whether you can offer regular commitment or just a few hours here and there, we have plenty of opportunities. You might choose to:
- Welcome visitors at the Rare Breeds Centre
- Help with life skills programmes like computer skills or Art at the Farm
- Support someone as a buddy in our accommodation services
- Lend a hand with gardening, maintenance or events
No special experience is needed, just a friendly attitude and a willingness to join in. We’ll provide training and cover some travel expenses, too.
Fundraise for us
Fancy running a marathon, baking up a storm, or taking on a sponsored silence? However you’d like to raise money, we’ll cheer you on every step of the way! From schools and workplaces to clubs and individuals, fundraising is a fun and powerful way to support our work. Download our fundraising pack below.
Join the team
Looking for meaningful work that changes lives? Join our staff team! From care and education roles to farm work, hospitality and admin, our employees are at the heart of what we do. Full training and development support provided – plus the chance to go home each day knowing you made a difference.
Become a Trustee
If you’ve got professional experience and a passion for making a difference, becoming a Trustee is a brilliant way to use your skills. Our board helps guide and support the charity, ensuring our mission stays strong and sustainable. We’re especially keen to hear from people with backgrounds in finance, HR, social care, legal, education or business leadership.
Become a member of COT
As a family member or next of kin to a person we support, you can become a COT Member and stay up to date with all the latest news, events, and opportunities to get involved. You’ll receive regular updates, have a voice in shaping our future, and become part of a wider community supporting our cause.
Leave a legacy
A gift in your will can create a lasting legacy of kindness. Legacy gifts help us invest in the long-term future of our services and facilities, ensuring we can continue supporting people with learning disabilities and autism for generations to come.
Sponsor a project, event or animal
Looking for a meaningful way to support us as a business or individual? Sponsorship is a brilliant way to get involved, whether that’s backing an event, supporting a life skills programme, or sponsoring an animal or part of our farm attraction. It’s a great way to give back, raise your profile, and show your support for inclusive, life-changing work.
We’d love to work with you to find a sponsorship opportunity that’s just the right fit.
Visit the Rare Breeds Centre
One of the simplest and most fun ways to support us? Come and visit! Our family-friendly Rare Breeds Centre is a working farm, visitor attraction, and vital part of our charity. Every visit helps fund our work so you can enjoy a great day out while knowing that you’re contributing to a worthy cause. Enjoy our animals, play areas, woodland walks and tasty food, all with a purpose behind it.
Make a donation
Every donation counts. Whether it’s a one-off gift or a regular monthly contribution, your support helps us deliver high-quality care, training, and opportunities to those who need it most. You can donate online, by phone, or in person.
Become a Friend of COT
This amazing group of volunteers works on fundraising to provide social activities for our supported people from music festivals to holiday getaways, boat trips and discos.
Each of our services submits funding requests for their chosen activities to the Friends who also sponsor their own annual activities including discos and Christmas panto trips. Their dedication helps to enrich the lives of our supported people and they’d love to have your help!
Purchase our art
Our Art at the Farm life skills students produce some inspiring creations. From their designs, we create Christmas cards every year that can be purchased from our gift shop along with other beautifully crafted custom creations like tea towels and egg cups. You’ll also find original artwork for sale on the walls in our Granary Restaurant. The sale of all these items helps to support the work of the charity and also make beautiful gifts or keepsakes for your home. You can now also pick up some of our art pieces at Ethel Loves Me, a Rye gallery shop.
Whatever you choose, you'll be making a difference
Whether you volunteer, donate, become a member of the Friends of COT, sponsor an event or just visit the farm for the day, you’re helping us build brighter, more independent futures for people with learning disabilities and autism. If you have any questions or need help to get started, please complete this form to connect with our supporter engagement team. Thank you for being part of our story. Your help makes all the difference.