Guest speakers at business lunch clubs can provide valuable and interesting information to members, however by the time you return to the office its easy to forget what was discussed.
With this in mind we thought it might be helpful to provide you with some information on speakers who feature at the lunch clubs.
At the Brighton & Hove business lunch club on Friday 15 June, Alison Bailey from Canine Partners took to the floor in the charity spot to tell members about the great work they do. Following on from this, below is a Q & A with Alison and some information about Canine Partners.
What is Canine Partners?
Canine Partners is a registered charity that assists people with disabilities to enjoy a greater independence and quality of life through the provision of specially trained dogs, whose well-being is a key consideration.
Who do you work with?
The Charity is working closely with the uniformed services to provide assistance dogs to those injured while on active duty.
Why is the work Canine Partners does so important?
More than 1.2 million people in theUKuse a wheelchair, and a significant number of those would benefit from a canine partner. The dogs are carefully matched to the applicants needs and lifestyle, no matter how challenging. These life transforming dogs also provide practical, physiological, psychological and social benefits including increased independence and confidence as well as increased motivation and self-esteem. A canine partner also brings companionship, a sense of security and increases social interaction.
What sort of tasks are the dogs trained to do?
They are trained to help with everyday tasks such as opening and shutting doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches, and getting help in an emergency. The Charity aims to train dogs to meet the needs of people with even the most complex disabilities including members of HM Armed Forces and is working closely with the Forces charity Help for Heroes who have funded several partnerships of injured ex-servicemen and women with canine partners.
Canine Partners receives no government funding and relies solely on public donations. For further information visit www.caninepartners.org.uk or phone 08456 580480.
Registered charity no: 803680 (EnglandandWales) and SC039050 (Scotland)
