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.”
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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?
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Trending
Manchester band Westside Cowboy release ‘thrilling’ debut album that critics are calling one of the year’s best
Emily Sergeant
One of the UK’s best rising bands have released their debut album today to glowing reviews from critics and fans alike.
Jimmy Bradbury, Reuben Haycocks, Aoife Anson O’Connell, and Paddy Murphy – better known together as Westside Cowboy – formed back in 2023 when they were students at the Royal Northern College of Music, so while they may not all be from Manchester, they definitely have the spirit of our city at the heart of everything they do.
After playing in different bands across the city throughout their student years, the four-piece joined forces to create Westside Cowboy – an indie rock collective credited with self-coining the genre of ‘Britainicana’.
Put simply, Britainicana is a cultural concept that mixes the hazy, mythic feel of American country and folk, with the sound of raw British punk, indie rock, and small-town life.
Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On / Credit: Clementine Schniedermann (Press Shots – Supplied)
If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll be pleased to know that Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On, to the world today (21 August).
And the reception from critics, arguably, couldn’t be better.
Prior to the release of their debut album, the band had released two EPs, including So Much Country ‘Till We Get There in January earlier this year, and had started to make a name for themselves with their popular debut single ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)’ in 2024.
They went onto make even further waves when they supported equally-rising American rock band Geese on their UK and Irish tour back in March – with many fans calling it one of the best support and main act combinations in some time.
Three singles from their debut album were shared with the world ahead of its release – ‘Kick Stones (The Boys)’ came first, followed by ‘Pin Up Boys’ and ‘Dobro’.
So, it’s fair to say the anticipation for album was high… and if the reviews are anything to go by (which we think they are), it looks like the band has very much delivered what they set out to achieve.
Westside Cowboy’s debut album It Goes On is now available to stream, or you can purchase a physical copy in a range of formats from their website here.
Take a listen👇
Featured Image – Press Shot (Supplied)
Trending
BBC Introducing LIVE is back with events across the North for grassroots music artists
Emily Sergeant
BBC Introducing’s flagship live event will return with a huge lineup of activities for aspiring musicians and music creators this autumn.
To celebrate and champion undiscovered talent across the country, BBC Introducing LIVE will include an array of live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels, and networking opportunities for grassroots artists, DJs, and music creators, all at the start of their careers.
Introducing LIVE will head across the UK, including hosting four special gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester.
The BBC Introducing Songwriting Camp is an invite-only event offering an ‘unparalleled’ experience for artists and creatives to develop skills and collaborate with industry professionals in a real music studio.
Then, on Saturday 28 November, BBC Introducing will host four showcases across Leeds, celebrating some of the best new music from across the UK – with independent music venues The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto all taking part.
While up in Sunderland, following the success of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there earlier this year, a special takeover event will take place at The Fire Station – with a day of panels, workshops, open mics, and an industry feedback centre planned, all designed to support and inspire the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals.
Other northern cities hosting events during this year’s programme are Gateshead, and major music city Liverpool.
Many successful artists, including the North’s very-own Sam Fender, as well as big names like Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, and Loyle Carner, all began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.
“Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does, and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet,” commented Kelly Betts, who is the Editor of BBC Introducing.
“BBC Introducing will be at events, panels, and gigs across the UK giving emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists.
“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape our culture and BBC Introducing’s flagship event will help some of the UK’s rising stars on their journey to achieve this.”
Emily Sergeant -
5th August 2022 
