The charity has partnerships in 80% of the counties in England and Wales and has had a regional instructor training and supporting partnerships in the north for the past three years. However, the new centre will allow the charity to significantly grow its services and support more people with disabilities in the region.
A new regional centre offers the charity the opportunity to run residential and short courses for both new and existing partnerships in Yorkshire and the surrounding region. The bond established between a disabled person and their assistance dog is essential to ensuring a strong future for the partnership. The new centre will give trainee partnerships just that opportunity to create a strong bond in a safe environment away from everyday interruptions.
Peter Gorbing is chief executive of Dogs for the Disabled: “We are delighted to be opening our new Northern Centre at Nostell Estate; the offices will give us fantastic facilities for training new assistance dogs and supporting our existing partnerships in Yorkshire and the surrounding area. There are still so many people who could benefit from an assistance dog to help them and the investment in the region will help us to reach more people.
“As a charity, we believe we can change people’s lives – offering the chance of greater independence, that for many people with disabilities seems a complete impossibility. Our commitment to our northern centre is long-term, but we are also appealing to people and businesses in Yorkshire to support our work and help us achieve our goal.”
John Harwood of Harrogate has been partnered with his assistance dog a labrador called Zilla for just six months, describing the impact that the dog has had on his life he said: “Zilla is just amazing, she has helped me be so much more independent, she does everything from opening doors to emptying the washing machine and even helps me get ready for bed each night. I wouldn’t be without her now – I’m so pleased to see the new centre and hope that many others will now also be able to benefit just as I have.”
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Date of issue: 28th May 2008
