Give a Dog a Bone... and an animal a home is a registered charity tackling loneliness and social isolation in our ageing years, through animal companionship. We have two distinct projects: 1) Providing financial support to the over 60s to afford a rescue pet companion (UK wide) 2) Companionship in the Community - a community space project, providing a safe space for retired people to make new friends, learn new skills and mix with our special team of Companionship Dogs (currently Scotland only)
What skills and resources were you able to draw from the community for this project?
Volunteers have provided free activities such as Reiki, Chair Yoga, Creative Writing and Crafts, as well as helping us man stalls and community spaces. Friends have designed our brand and our website and provided PR support. Our charity is built on the good will and skills of our local and online community.
The challenges
We wanted to tackle two of society's problems - loneliness in our ageing years and the rising number of animals in shelter
Addressing the challenges
Our charity has enabled hundreds of older adults and rescue animals to live a happier life - together. It's a WIN/WIN - with our financial assistance, the person gets a friend and the animal gets a home! In addition, we welcome hundreds of individuals to our community spaces each week - providing free activities to the over 60s such as Spanish, Chair Yoga, Mindfulness and Reflexology as well as Group Dog Walks for the whole community (with, or without, a dog), Pet Food Banks and a Tea and Chat service for anyone, of any age. Everything we do is free and our special team of Companionship Dogs are always in the mix, ready to give our visitors a friendly paw!
The achievements
2015 Recipient of the Prime Minister's Point of Light Award 2016 Winner, International Fund for Animal Welfare 'Community Award' 2017 Finalist, Pet Plan & Association of Cats and Dogs Awards 2019 Winner, 'Amazing Contribution to Community' Award 2019 Finalist, 'Pioneering Project', SCVO Charity Awards 2029 Winner, 'Celebrating Communities', SCVO Charity Awards
Token Project / Move One Million
Johannesburg, South Africa