26 March 1998

National Lottery Charities Board gives £3.6 million to Pets for People

The National Lottery Charities Board is providing £3,585,902 to fund 34 projects which help people care for their pets and companion animals.

These awards are part of a £100 million payout to 1,002 projects in England under the National Lottery Charities Board’s fifth grants programme, Improving people's living environment and Voluntary sector development.

Janet Paraskeva, National Lottery Charities Board Director for England, comments: ‘Pets benefit their owners in numerous ways. For example, a disabled person can achieve a greater level of independence with the assistance of a well trained dog. This not only provides practical assistance, but also takes some of the pressure off other care services.

‘Similarly, children can gain a lot through the care and welfare of their animals, and these awards will enable more people to benefit from animals.’

Stella Clarke, Chair of the England grant making committee, welcomed the grants: ‘This is good news for the voluntary sector and for hundreds of people and communities in England. I am delighted that we have been able to award grants to so many excellent projects and I am particularly pleased that we have again made many grants which will improve the quality of life of disadvantaged people and local communities.’

Dogs for the Disabled receives £597,595 to set up the country’s leading dog training centre to provide dogs to help disabled people in their everyday lives.

The £339,351 awarded to the Michael Elliott Trust for neglected and abused donkeys. Children, and others with special needs, can adopt a donkey to ride and care for.

The Blue Cross receives £180,000 for a nationwide Pet Loss Befriending Service telephone line staffed by trained volunteers. This project will offer advice and support people whose pet has died, including older people and parents who have to explain the loss of a pet to young children.

A grant of £150,000 to buy and refurbish a building will help the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy to rehabilitate mentally ill or disabled people through riding therapy and horse care.

To interview grant recipients or to speak to Janet Paraskeva or Stella Clarke, telephone the press office on 0171 747 5200.