Retired greyhounds lend a helping paw

20th October 2022

Dogs are proving to be ‘man’s best friend’ in Uttlesford, as retired racing greyhounds are giving people who are lonely and isolated, a much-needed morale boost through human-animal bonding.

Leading these canine companions is Ace Hounds CIC, who applied to Essex Community Foundation (ECF), the independent charitable trust, for funding towards their core costs to allow them to reach more people in the area.

Thanks to a £5,000 grant awarded from the Diana Tinson Fund, which is managed by ECF, Ace Hounds has been able to re-start their popular visiting programme where they take the dogs to people in their homes or care homes.

The programme was heavily impact by the COVID-19 pandemic and had to pause.

Susan Phillips, who volunteers for Ace Hounds, said: “The use of animals, especially dogs, has been proven to be therapeutic for people who are lonely or anxious, and feedback from our services has shown that our clients are leaving sessions feeling happier and motivated from the increased physical activity and time spent with the greyhounds”.

“Using animal assisted activities, we help people with dementia, learning difficulties, mental health difficulties, and people facing personal barriers to gain self-confidence”.

She added, “We have seen an increased need locally as there are many people, of all ages, continuing to feel the effects of the long-term loneliness and anxiety they experienced during COVID-19 lockdowns.”

Ace Hounds’ Project Leader, Elaine Sheppard, said: “I have been rehoming greyhounds for years and cherish the friendship and joy they bring to my life. It is wonderful to see them helping other people at these sessions. We have also recently started working in schools to help young people”.

Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF, said: “Uttlesford is a rural district, and this can mean that local people face higher levels of isolation and loneliness than those living in built up areas, so we are pleased to support this innovative solution”.

“We encourage other charities and voluntary groups working locally to please contact us if they are in need of funding.”

To apply for a grant to support your charitable work, complete this short online application form.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your organisations eligibility, please call our grants team on 01245 356018 or e-mail grants@essexcf.org.uk.