Midhurst-based assistance dog charity receives £100,000 grant to help it weather pandemic

Canine Partners was awarded the funds from the Barclays 100x100 UK Covid-19 Community Relief Programme.

Cat Harvey, Head of Fundraising at Canine Partners, said they were ‘so grateful’ to receive the funding.

“Like many charities, the pandemic has had a huge effect on our fundraising with all of our events this year cancelled and donations like this help us to continue our life transforming work,” she said.

The charity was chosen by a selection committee for the life-transforming assistance dogs it provides to adults living with physical disabilities across the UK.

Nigel Higgins, Barclays Group Chairman, said: “Covid-19 has created an unprecedented social and economic impact in the UK, with many sadly experiencing greater hardship due to the crisis.

“Incredible charities, such as Canine Partners have been playing a vital role in the UK’s response to the pandemic, ensuring urgent help reaches those most in need of support.”

“As a bank we have been doing all we can for our customers, clients and colleagues, and we hope that our 100x100 programme and wider community aid package helps ensure that everybody in the communities in which we live and work is supported through this crisis.”

Canine Partners teaches dogs to carry out a range of everyday tasks, including picking up and fetching items, opening doors and helping to undress a person.

They can even help to load and unload a washing machine and they can fetch help in an emergency.

To find out more about Canine Partners, please visit caninepartners.org.uk