Osgathorpe based national assistance dog charity opens doors to helping more disabled people
LOCALLY based national assistance dog charity Canine Partners has officially opened its brand new kennel block to its dogs in training, allowing them to train more assistance dogs for disabled people.
The charity, which has two national training centres including one near Osgathorpe, Leicestershire, held an opening event on Thursday 23 September, which was attended by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester.
Canine Partners trains amazing assistance dogs to transform the lives of people with disabilities, boosting their confidence and independence.
Previously the charity had used temporary accommodation and volunteer homes for the dogs in its advanced training programme at the Midlands Training Centre, which limited the number of dogs that were able to be trained as assistance dogs.
“With significant support from charitable trusts and foundations, corporate supporters, organisations and individuals, we were able to secure enough money to build these fantastic new facilities,” says Cat Harvey, Head of Fundraising. “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated to our ‘Raise the Woof’ appeal and for enabling us to continue transforming lives for years to come.”
The new kennels can house up to 40 dogs at any one time, which means that in future years, the charity will be able to help many more disabled people enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life, by being partnered with our assistance dogs.
The dogs are taught a range of everyday tasks including picking up and fetching items, opening doors and helping to undress a person. They can even help to load and unload a washing machine and they can fetch help in an emergency.
To find out more about Canine Partners or to make a donation to help transform the lives of disabled people, please visit caninepartners.org.uk
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About Canine Partners
Canine Partners is a registered charity that assists people with disabilities to enjoy a greater independence and quality of life through the provision of specially trained dogs, whose well-being is a key consideration.
More than 1.2 million people in the UK use a wheelchair, and a significant number of those would benefit from a canine partner. The dogs are carefully matched to the applicant’s needs and lifestyle, no matter how challenging. They are trained to help with everyday tasks such as opening and shutting doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches and getting help in an emergency. The Charity is working in partnership with Help for Heroes, and aims to train dogs to meet the needs of people with even the most complex disabilities including members of HM Armed Forces.
These life transforming dogs also provide practical, physiological, psychological and social benefits including increased independence and confidence as well as increased motivation and self-esteem. A canine partner also brings companionship, a sense of security and increases social interaction.
Canine Partners relies on donations to fund the creation of its life-transforming partnerships.
For further press information contact Elly Fiddy
T: 01730 716031, E: ellyf@caninepartners.org.uk
Canine Partners, Mill Lane, Heyshott, Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 0ED
T 08456 580480 F 08456 580481 E: info@caninepartners.org.uk
Visit Canine Partners’ Web site at www.caninepartners.org.uk
Registered charity number 803680
Registered in Scotland SCO39050