Dogs Trust is in urgent needs of more foster carers in Greater Manchester to temporarily-care for the dogs of domestic abuse survivors.
After sadly seeing an 88% increase in demand from owners in need post-COVID, the Dogs Trust Freedom Project – which was launched back in 2019, and is a specialist pet fostering scheme run by the UK’s largest dog welfare charity – is appealing for more dog-lovers to become foster carers, so that it can lend a hand to even more survivors of domestic abuse.
The Dogs Trust Freedom Project has already provided foster homes for 147 dogs in the North West since being launched, and it’s services have enabled survivors to access safe accommodation without the fear of what may happen to their dog if they cannot take them with them.
“Sadly, there is a strong link between domestic abuse and abuse to pets,” explained Joanne Jackson – Regional Manager at the Dogs Trust Freedom Project.
“Research shows pets will often be used by a perpetrator as a tool to threaten or coerce their partners.”
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Become a foster carer for our #FreedomProject and you’ll help a survivor of #domesticabuse flee to safety without the fear of what would happen to their dog. 💛
She added that this is “incredibly frightening” for survivors.
“As many refuges are unable to accept pets, survivors are understandably concerned about their dog’s safety when they need to escape.
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“While we already have fantastic volunteer foster carers in place in the region, we urgently need the dog loving public to come forward to volunteer.
“Foster carers to help us support people and their pets when they need it most.”
Dogs Trust is in urgent needs of more foster carers in Greater Manchester / Credit: Dogs Trust
How can I volunteer?
The Dogs Trust Freedom Project says it is particularly looking for volunteers who are at home during the day – potentially people who are retired, or work from home – and they must have had some prior experience of caring for dogs.
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They will also need to be able to commit to fostering a dog for at least six months, although holiday cover can be provided.
All pet food and the cost of veterinary treatment is covered by Dogs Trust too.
The charity explains that involvement in fostering through the project is always kept completely confidential to a bid to protect both the dogs and the foster carers, and dogs are not fostered within the area that the owner is from.
The foster carer will not know who the owner is or where they live.
The dog welfare charity has sadly seen an 88% increase in demand from owners in need post-COVID / Credit: Dogs Trust
Think you’ll be able to lend a hand?
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If you think you can help or would like more information on the service, then head on over to the Dogs Trust Freedom Project website here, call 0808 196 6240, or you can apply online.
Featured Image – Dogs Trust
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Stretford’s free neighourhood festival returns this weekend
Danny Jones
Stretford’s still fledgling and completely free all-day festival is BACK for 2026 and is happening this coming weekend.
So, if you didn’t have plans this Saturday, you do now.
Simply named StretFest, this is the third edition of the now annual celebration in one of Manchester’s fastest growing neighbourhoods – and an increasingly up-and-coming one at that.
Kicking off in the morning and running right into the wee small hours thanks to a healthy dose of varied daytime activities, evening events and de facto afterparties, there’s plenty on the cards.
🎉 It's the big one on Saturday! Stretfest is back & we're thrilled to have a fab selection of LIVE Music on from 3pm – 8pm for it!
We can't wait to greet loads of faces, old and new. #Stretford will be buzzing with activity so come on down & make a day of it ! 🍻 pic.twitter.com/16Rnn5w1qj
StretFest only started back in July 2024, but it has quickly grown into a cult favourite not only among locals living in and around the Trafford town, but also among plenty of people from all over Greater Manchester, with last year seeing more visitors than ever.
Based not just over at Stretford Mall but the surrounding parks, Public Hall, across the bridge and an area they dub ‘The Beach’, there are several distinct but equally vibrant hubs, all offering something different.
For instance, venues like Longford Tap, Head Bar and Stretford Canteen are all involved, as are the likes of the Library and Martin Luther Church, but also recently opened cafes like Swig and Cuppello’s, as well as many, many more.
To be honest, we’ll probably be popping over for all the food and drink alone.
And, of course, there’s going to be plenty of live music, DJ sets, other bits of entertainment, and all-around fun to be enjoyed; there’s even going to be everything from arts, crafts and workshops, to pirates and boat rides.
Getting underway from as early 9am – thanks to the likes of the regular Stretford parkrun crew teaming up with the festival, and Mr & Mrs hosting a coffee morning for their first birthday – there really is going to be something for everyone from start to finish.
You can see the full StretFest schedule or build your own personal day-into-night programme HERE.
As for what else is on the cards for the final few days of March (give or take a couple), you can find out what else is on in and around the ten boroughs down below.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures/Adrian Michael (supplied)/The Manc Group
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Stockport County defender Brad Hills ruled out for the rest of the season
Danny Jones
In a big blow to their promotion push, Stockport County have been hit with a major injury and loss to their first-team squad, as defender Brad Hills has been ruled out for what looks to be the remainder of the season and then some.
Not what Hatters will want to hear with crunch-time in and around the playoffs now well underway.
Having emerged as even more of a starring centre-back this year, following his initial loan spell with the club during the previous campaign, Brad Hills has arguably been one of Stockport’s best and most reliable players in 2025/26 thus far – but not County will have to do without him.
Although the exact severity is yet to be fully revealed, the former Norwich City youth academy graduate is said to have hurt his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Confirming the news on social media, the Greater Manchester side stated: “We regret to inform supporters that Brad Hills sustained an ACL injury in Saturday’s draw at Luton Town that will rule him out for the foreseeable future.
“Our full focus is on supporting Brad throughout his recovery – we know he’ll come back stronger”
For anyone unaware, ACL tears/ruptures are among some of the worst injuries in football, and depending on the extent of the damage, it can take anywhere between six months and a full year to bounce back.
Safe to say, therefore, that supporters have been left gutted by the update, with one commenting, “Awful, awful news”; another simply wrote, “FFS”.
After typing a very long expletive following the show news, fan podcast The Scarf Bergara Wore wrote: “Wishing Bradley Hills a speedy recovery – come back stronger!
Since becoming a permanent signing back in August, he’s earned multiple man-of-the-match awards in blue and white, not to mention contributed to a decent number of clean sheets. He’ll be a big miss in their backline.
While it’s no doubt a big setback as the League One team looks to get promoted into the Championship, the absence could see manager Dave Challinor reshuffle the pack and perhaps even the formation for the remaining fixtures.
One option is Louie Barry, who – depending on the setup – could finally be set for a return to the pitch after he was signed on a third loan deal this past January, but is still continuing his own rehab following a knee operation.
Put it this way, with not many games left, lots of County fans are probably wishing that the pending and potential further changes in the EFL could have come sooner…
Emily Sergeant -
5th August 2022 
