Supporting our animal friends
We know that having trusted connections where we feel appreciated is essential for our wellbeing – and that many times we find those connections in animals. Recognising the importance of these bonds, we are dedicated to ensuring that animals who provide us with care and companionship receive the help they need as well through our Animals that Care fund.
Through our efforts, we strive to preserve the vital connection between people and their beloved pets, promoting emotional wellbeing and creating a world where no one has to face life’s challenges alone. From working with therapy animals to ensuring our animal friends have the care and support they need, take a look below at just some of the work we’re proud to support.
Providing therapeutic services
Miniature Donkeys for Wellbeing, or ‘Minidonks’, provide wellbeing visits with miniature donkeys to people with life limiting conditions and those who cannot access activities due to mental or physical health conditions. They visit people in their own homes, at community locations, hospitals, psychiatric units and other healthcare setting, as well as working with special schools to provide ongoing visits to small groups of children with mental health needs.
Since being established in 2017, Minidonks have received a number of grants from the Foundation to support their activities, particularly for those with people in residential homes. People in residential homes have their care needs met and as such are deemed not to be “deprived”, however, life in a care or nursing can be isolating. If you add dementia into the mix, life becomes very difficult. Animal therapy is proven to provide a positive stimulus to all sorts of people in a variety of settings. Donkeys are naturally calm animals, with their slow and steady presence giving a feeling of security and comfort to the poorly, the elderly and those suffering from emotional difficulties.
“Staff tell us how excited the residents are, and when they are asked what activities they would like repeated, they always say that they want the donkeys to come again. One resident used to look after chickens and other farm animals and he talks to us about the horses he has known. Another resident is in very poor health and has been a cowman for many years. He is no longer able to talk, but on our last visit he smiled such beautiful smile when one of our donkeys brushed her whiskers against his face. Another lady was receiving end of life care and she was able to raise her hand and stroke one of the donkeys and the carers said that they could tell it had made her very content. Other residents in this home talk to us about their memories of donkeys and other animals, they become animated and talk to each other. Residents who would not normally leave their rooms make the effort to come into the communal areas because the donkeys are there.”
Ensuring no pet goes hungry
We’ve been working with the Blue Cross and their network of pet food banks to fill the bowls of dogs, cats and small animals as the cost of living crisis continues to affect families across the country.
When faced with financial difficulties, health challenges, or other crises this essential connections can be threatened. By providing support that helps with vet bills and pet food, we ensure that no one has to say goodbye to their cherished companion during tough times. Through donations from the Blue Cross and local Pets at Home stores, we’ve been able to help reduce pet hunger admist the cost of living crisis. By providing free or affordable pet food into local communities through our network of over 25 food hubs across the county, we’re helping to reduce the numbers of pets in distress or being abandoned.
“The pet food bank has helped tremendously. Sometimes it’s helped when I’ve had no money and then other times it helps you stretch out what you can buy.”
Working in partnership
The RSPCA East Norfolk branch not only rescue, rehabilitate and rehome sick and injured animals, they also run a Welfare Clinic for pet-owners who receive benefits and are unable to afford veterinary costs. They approached our ProHelp programme for professional support in expanding their Welfare Clinic by way of a new building where they can offer more extensive veterinary services.
What began as a humble request for design support and building advice, soon turned into a multifaceted project involving six businesses providing probono assistance. Two of these businesses were not ProHelp members but were compelled to be involved by the momentum of this project.
- John Dixon, Jordan Knights and Isaac Lenton from Ingleton Wood oversaw the project, providing design and planning assistance.
- Tom Lefever came on board as a structural engineer and Andrew Marshall advised on drainage and flood risk, both from Conisbee.
- Jon Allison and Greg Norman from Survey Solutions became involved to assist with topographical surveys.
- Jonathan Bundock from Golden Tree Surgeons helped with arbocultural surveys.
- Jonathan Nelson from Richard Utting Associates LLP joined the project as a quantity surveyor.
- Simon Wingfield from Wingfield Consultants provided strategic planning advice.
This project is a brilliant example of the power of collective action. What started as a request for planning assistance soon snowballed into a collaborative effort to help a small independent branch of the RSPCA which does not have the finances, resources or the know-how to take this project forward alone. The support of local businesses has resulted in RSPCA East Norfolk’s vision taking shape: they are closer to realising their goal of being able to provide additional veterinary services to those in receipt of means tested benefits within the local community.
“We are truly grateful for the support given and would recommend anyone with a similar need to reach out to Norfolk ProHelp!”
Help us foster the bond between people and animals
Through our Animals that Care Fund, we help preserve the vital connection between people and their beloved pets, ensuring that no one has to say goodbye to their cherished companion during tough times. Furthermore, we back causes that support service animals assisting those most in need, ensuring these life-changing companions are cared for.
You can support our efforts to keep these connections strong and ensure that both people and the animals the love receive the care they deserve by making a donation today.