Dogs Trust issues urgent appeal for foster carers in North West to help dog owners fleeing domestic abuse

A specialist dog fostering scheme which supports people fleeing domestic abuse is issuing an urgent plea for more foster carers across the North West after seeing a 23% increase in demand for its services over the last 12 months.

The Freedom Project, managed by Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, offers a lifeline for dog owners who are escaping from domestic abuse. It provides temporary foster homes for dogs, enabling survivors to access safe accommodation without the fear of what may happen to their dog if they cannot take them with them.

Pets are often abused and, in some cases, killed by the perpetrator of domestic abuse in order to control and coerce. In addition to the physical abuse that pets may suffer, Dogs Trust found that 97% of professionals working in the domestic abuse sector also said that animals are often used as a means of controlling someone experiencing domestic abuse.

So far this year, Freedom Project volunteers have fostered 211 dogs, allowing 163 people to flee domestic abuse.

Due to the increase in demand on its services, Dogs Trust's Freedom Project now urgently needs additional volunteer foster carers so that the scheme can support more people. All costs are covered by Dogs Trust, including vet bills, food, treats, grooming and bedding.

Involvement in fostering through the project is always kept completely confidential to protect both the dogs and the foster carers. Dogs are not fostered within the area that the owner is from and the foster carer will not know who the owner is or where they live.   

James is currently fostering for the Freedom Project:- "I really wanted to get a dog, but I feel ready for the long-term commitment at the time. Fostering through the Freedom Project seemed like the perfect solution. It's also meant I have got to meet different breeds of dogs and it has really opened my eyes to types of dogs that I didn't think I'd like! At first, I didn't realise the impact of fostering fleeing abuse would have on the family, being separated. I was just focused on me and the dog. But after my 1st foster, I received a card from the owner thanking me for looking after their dog. This made me feel a connection to them and made me realise what I was doing. And I embraced fostering in a much different perspective after that. Fostering became much more rewarding for me then. I feel proud of my efforts and happy for the families I have helped because I know the impact it's had on them being able to change their lives. I also feel very proud of the dogs because they've been through a lot too."

Laura Saunders, Freedom Project Manager at Dogs Trust said:- "We've seen 1st hand the ways that perpetrators use dogs to coerce, control, physically harm and threaten within abusive relationships. This is incredibly frightening for survivors and is often aimed to leave people isolated. By providing temporary foster homes for dogs, we support survivors to access safe accommodation with the reassurance that their dog will be taken care of until they can be reunited. Whilst we are pleased to have been able to help so many people, there is still very much a need for our service, and we urgently need more foster carers across the UK so that we can continue this life-saving work." 

The Dogs Trust Freedom Project is looking for volunteers who are at home during the day, potentially people who are retired or work from home. They must have some experience of caring for dogs and be able to commit to fostering a dog for at least 6 months.  

If you think you can help or would like more information on the service, visit:- DogsTrustFreedomProject.Org.UK or call:-  08081966240.

A Hoylake mortgage brokerage are celebrating their 3rd birthday with a big Wirral coastal walk for the homeless. Root Mortgages' charity walk is taking place on:- Monday, 28 August 2023, with many other local people and businesses joining them, in order to raise funds for their charity partners, Wirral Ark.

Founded in 2021, Root Mortgages have become one of the fastest growing new businesses in Wirral; with over £50 million of lending secured for over 300 home buyers and over 100 5 star reviews. That said, Directors Rhys Davidson and Kieran Wooley have a very community focused ethos.

Root Mortgages offers a no-fee advice service (usually £500) to those working in the emergency services and 1st time buyers. In 2021 they sponsored the Santa Dash and earlier this year they teamed up with CSB UK to help deliver a better experience for kids playing grassroots football, as well as sponsoring local leagues.

Their annual walk, now in its 3rd year, has raised over £3,000 for local charities and this year's walk will raise money for Wirral Ark; a charity based in Birkenhead that bridges the gap for those who are destitute. The walk is taking place on:- Monday, 28 August 2023, at Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton, at:- 10.30am, and finishes at The Green Lodge in Hoylake for food and drinks.

Root Mortgages' Rhys Davidson said:- "Whilst we are facilitating people's purchases of their dream homes, we are also mindful of those less fortunate. We teamed up with Wirral Ark earlier this year and decided to donate £10 of every mortgage deal to their cause, as well as choosing them as beneficiaries of our annual walk."

Founded in 1991, Wirral Ark provides accommodation and support for:- 100 to 200 people facing homelessness each year, through their 11 accommodation centres. The charity has 35 staff and helps a wide range of people, from those suffering with addiction to those who have been victims of domestic abuse. They have helped over 5,000 people since forming over 30 years ago.

Root Mortgages' Kieran Wooley said:- "Back in 2022 our walk raised over £1,500 and we aim to surpass that this year. It's a great community event and an opportunity for us to catch up with all our clients we've helped and network with other businesses whilst raising money for a great local charity."

The walk is taking place on:- Monday, 28 August 2023, starting at:- Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton, at 10.30am, and finishing at:- The Green Lodge, Hoylake for food and drinks. Anyone can get involved and there's a GoFundMe for people to donate.

Wirral Ark Manging Director Paul Hardman said:- "Our charity is very grateful for the support of Root Mortgages and it's truly refreshing to see a company such as a mortgage brokerage not forgetting those who find themselves destitute. Their efforts will help raise funds for our forward thinking projects, such as:- holistic therapy sessions, PTSD courses, photography, art and music workshops and gardening projects."