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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Manchester’s big wheel is returning to Exchange Square for the summer… sort of
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is set to reach new heights, as the big wheel that once stood proudly in the city centre is making a comeback this summer.
Well… sort of.
That’s because it’s not quite the same big wheel that many will remember from its glory days in locations like Piccadilly Gardens and Exchange Square throughout the 2000s, and more recently Albert Square during last year’s Manchester Christmas Markets – but it is a big wheel and it’s a big wheel that you’ll be able to hop on for a ride.
Celebrating the launch of its new Cloud Frappuccino blended drinks range, Starbucks’ Summer in the Clouds arrives in Exchange Square next Friday and Saturday (24 and 25 July), inviting people to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy panoramic views of the city below from a big Ferris wheel.
The two-day takeover will give customers the chance to unlock a ride on the big wheel with the purchase of any Grande or Venti iced drink from participating Manchester city centre Starbucks stores.
Both in participating stores – which in Manchester are Starbucks stores in the Arndale, City Tower Offices, on Market Street and on Fennel Street – and at the Ferris wheel itself in Exchange Square, you can expect complimentary Cloud Frappuccino-inspired candy floss, live music from DJ and presenter Ethan Porte, and a free photobooth with digital and printed photos.
Alongside the big wheel ride, there’ll also be the chance for members to win exclusive Starbucks merchandise across the two days too.
A limited number of additional ferris wheel ride tokens will also be available to win via the fairground-style Plinko game on site.
The new Starbucks Cloud Frappuccino blended drinks range includes a range of bespoke creations like the Strawberry Matcha Cloud Frappuccino, the Brown Sugar Cloud Frappuccino, and the Caramel Mocha Cloud Frappuccino.
With skyline views and summer sips, Starbucks says its Summer in the Clouds is set to be one of Manchester’s must-visit experiences this month.
Starbucks’ Summer in the Clouds arrives in Exchange Square next Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July.
Featured Image – Cédric Dhaenens (via Unsplash)
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Liam Fray says ‘yes’ to Courteeners supporting Oasis on tour amid rumoured 2027 dates
Danny Jones
Liam Fray has said that the Courteeners are ready to “answer the call” if/when it comes to supporting Oasis on their next big live tour, with rumours of dates for shows in 2027 ramping up.
The fellow Manc favourites were heavily suggested as potential support acts for the Live ’25 reunion gigs, but Cast and Richard Ashcroft were ultimately selected as the warm-ups for the world tour.
With that in mind, when asked if Courteeners would be ready to open up for Oasis on their still only hypothetical tour next year, Fray had a very quick answer:
Not to speak for the Middleton musician, but it’s a bit of a no-brainer, really.
As you can see, in a recent interview with Radio X host Johnny Vaughan promoting the indie rockers’ new single, ‘Plus One Forever’, the 41-year-old frontman made it clear that he and his bandmates would bite hands off if the other Liam and/or his brother Noel offered a slot to them.
The younger Gallagher brother definitely had plenty of fun teasing supports last time around, before making some fairly more obvious posts and then seemingly just announcing them on social media according to his own timeline.
LG does what he wants, after all.
As for the supposed ’12 nights at the Etihad Stadium’ reported recently, not to mention all the other sets across the country that would no doubt follow should they come to fruition, Fray could say little else other than simply “Yes” to the prospect.
Joking, “Well, it is from me – I don’t know if someone else has said no!”, there have been no other indications on this front, but it’s safe to say it’d be a huge booking for everyone involved and a HUGE crowd-pleaser; Liam looks to be working on one of his own, elsewhere, too…
The two lead singers have both graced the stage of the Emirates Old Trafford stadium at Lancashire County Cricket Club, as well as Heaton Park, respectively.
Liam noted that he was at Heaton Park himself for that unforgettable summer last year, and also praised Wigan’s very own Ashcroft for being “unbelievable” when he caught him at Wembley. Big shoes to fill. The question is, who would you like to see supporting Oasis on their possible tour dates in the future?
In the meantime, we’ll have to be satisfied with gearing up for the release of the highly-anticipated reunion documentary, with the title and a first trailer now revealed.
Emily Sergeant -
5th August 2022 
