On Monday 30 October, the prestigious Fishmongers’ Hall in London played host to over 100 guests for a demonstration from our amazing assistance dogs.

Overlooking a sparkling Thames in the autumn sunshine, we were very privileged (and excited!) to be given access to one of London’s most historic organisations, and one of the twelve Great Livery Companies of the city.

We were honoured to be joined by our Royal Patron HRH The Duke of Gloucester for this very special occasion which in addition to the demonstration also included a drinks reception and talk from Phil Eaglesham who was joined by his canine partner Cooper.

Phil spoke from his heart, telling the crowd about the major impact that Cooper had on both his, and his family’s lives. Cooper has meant the difference between living a full life as opposed to not wanting to live at all. This has led Phil to speaking publicly for both Canine Partners and for the Heads Together campaign which is headed by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Heads Together aims to open up the conversation about mental health and support people, including veterans like Phil, to feel more comfortable opening up about their struggles with their mental wellbeing.

Also in attendance as part of the Canine Partners team were Jenni Bevis-Lacey and canine partner LBE, Sarah Godfrey and canine partner Emmett, Tabby Hart and canine partner Lindy, Jackie Kennedy and canine partner Kingston, Rob Marchant and canine partner Pandora, Clare Syvertsen and canine partner Griffin as well as Margie Woodward and canine partner Molly.

These amazing partnerships all made a huge contribution to the day, chatting to our guests and helping to spread the word about our work.

We received some very positive feedback from our guests, and are hopeful that this event will lead to wider and much increased support of our life-transforming work in the months and years ahead.

A big thank you to all those who made the event possible and attended to find out more about what we do.