In 2013, Susan Fulton’s life was transformed when she was partnered with canine partner Esther the poodle. The pair live in Lowick, Northumberland where our presence as a charity was not well known.

After answering numerous people’s questions about Esther wherever she went, Susan came to us in need of more information that she could pass on to those interested in what our amazing dogs are capable of. Our awareness team encouraged her to become a speaker for the charity so she could deliver talks about our work and a first-hand account of the significant difference a canine partner can make.

With help from a friend to drive and set up the required technology, Susan and Esther began presenting talks to a mixture of local groups. She says of the experience:

“I enjoy delivering the talks immensely, but due to my disability, it is frustrating that I cannot do more. It’s good for me to have a purpose and we meet lovely people who are always massively impressed with Canine Partners and their amazing dogs!”

Susan injured her back over 20 years ago, and due to scar tissue on her spinal cord she is in constant pain and her back is at risk of going when doing simple tasks that many of us take for granted. Esther is able to lend a helping paw with tasks that include retrieving dropped items, loading the washing machine and much more. But when Susan’s back is particularly bad, she often has to stay at home with Esther and rest.

“From the success of the talks, people wanted to get involved but because of my limitations, I was already doing as much as I could. I couldn’t take on any more, which was very frustrating as the interest and potential for fundraising in the area was ever increasing.”

Luckily, in September 2017, puppy parent and fundraiser Marjorie Johnston moved to Newton-by-the Sea – just 20 minutes away from Susan. Marjorie was able to help shoulder the work, and with a lot of experience in fundraising for us already, she set up the Northumberland community group which now holds regular community events to raise awareness and funds for Canine Partners.

“I’ve been involved with Canine Partners for around six years now, and have taken four puppies through to advanced training as well as helping with fundraising in Scotland where I previously lived.” said Marjorie.

“Community Manager Dale put me in touch with Susan and together we knew the Northumberland area was untapped and that we could do more by way of awareness events and talks. We formed the North Northumberland and Scottish Borders community group and now have a core group of nine people.”

The group have exciting plans to establish themselves in the area, having officially launched in October 2018 at an awareness day at Newton Hall in conjunction with fundraising by its sister venue The Joiners Arms with 120 people attending. The Group will continue with awareness and fundraising events in 2019 and have been fortunate enough to be made Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club’s Captain’s Charity of the Year.

Could you form your own community group in your local area?

In order to help generate more awareness and funds to reopen our waiting list and help transform the lives of people with disabilities, we need more community groups to form across the country.

Community groups organise events in their local area to represent Canine Partners and showcase the work that we do. This can involve holding a stall at a local event, hosting coffee mornings and much more.

To find out if there is a local community group in your area, or to set up your own, visit our Local community group page and fill in the enquiry form to express your interest.