A Congleton charity which provides service dogs for people with Autism is joining funded projects throughout the UK in highlighting the amazing stories of animals coming together with humans to make their lives better.
Monday was World Animal Day (October 4th), an annual event which aims to raise the status of animals around the world. In homage to our friends from the animal kingdom that make the world a better place, on World Animal Day 2021, The National Lottery is highlighting the wonderful stories of how animals through some of its funded projects and charities throughout the UK are putting their best paw forward to help people in need across the country.
National Lottery funding goes towards a wide range of animal related projects – from city and community farms; funding the training of rescue dogs that help emergency services during natural disasters; projects that support people with disabilities and behavioural issues; and projects that provide animal assisted therapy – to support people and improve their wellbeing.
Over the last five years alone, The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded more than £17 million to around almost 200 animal-related projects across the UK which support people most in need.
One of the organisations putting their best paw forward thanks to the National Lottery’ support is Autism Dogs CIC in Congleton, Cheshire.
In response to the additional demand Covid-19 placed on their service, the charity was awarded a National Lottery grant of nearly £40,000 in May this year so they can continue to provide service dogs for people with Autism.
Autism Dogs support people with Autism by providing specialist trained dogs and on-going education and therapeutic support for every individual and their caregivers across the North West of England.
The Congleton charity was launched in April 2016 by Founder and Managing Director, Caroline Preston, and now with a team of 23 and around 50 to 100 volunteers training 20 animals each year, the community interest company is helping more people than ever, particularly post-pandemic.
More than £30 million goes to good causes from The National Lottery across the country every week, making vital projects like these possible.
Caroline, who has Autism herself, said: "We were hit badly in the lockdown and The National Lottery has helped us incredibly - they have been vital.
"The impact of the pandemic has been catastrophic for a number of our handlers and the families that we help.
"The National Lottery's funding gave us a plan and enabled us to help in any way we could. It brought immediate relief - it was a lifeline.
"Our sessions dominate around dog training, but some of it is also about psychotherapy and mental health. We've been able to deliver these sessions throughout the lockdown in whatever way we can.
"The dogs help people get out - they would literally be isolated without the dogs. A lot of our clients couldn't face going back to school or the shop or starting university when restrictions were lifted - the virus, this invisible killer, was scary for people."
Autism Dogs trains around 20 animals a year to help vulnerable people living with autism, with the funding going towards the dog training, PPE, as well as psychological support.
The Assistance Dogs are trained to provide essential help to prevent self-harm, regulate sensory overload, develop social skills and intervene during meltdowns.
Caroline added: “The dogs live life in patterns, so they help to add structure to people’s daily lives. The right natured dogs along with the right type of training help the autistic person regulate altogether.
“Dogs bring a calming reassurance. We only choose dogs that we know will enjoy the job - we want them to live really active and fun filled lives!
“We want the dogs to have fun because it encourages the handlers to do the same. The two help each other really and that’s the special bond they need to have.
It has long been known that animals serve as a source of comfort and support for people and for many - nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. But it’s not just love and companionship in our daily lives they offer as David Knott, Interim CEO at The National Lottery Community Fund, explains:
“Thanks to National Lottery players, these projects and the incredible animals they work with are changing people’s lives,” he says.
“Whether helping to improve mental health, reduce loneliness or providing a physical support, they are boosting people’s wellbeing and confidence so that they can better prosper and thrive.”
To find out more about how The National Lottery supports good causes throughout the UK, visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk
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