Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs has welcomed Sarah Phillips as its new Interim Chief Operating Officer, supporting the charity’s work with children, young people and families across the South of England.
CEO, Peter Rufus said, “Sarah is a great addition to the team as she brings over 15 years’ leadership experience across the not-for-profit, emergency services and business sectors, including running her own marketing company and contributing to strategy and partnership development in a range of organisations”.
Helpful Hounds trains assistance dogs to support young people with a wide range of needs, helping them build independence and confidence in everyday life.
Sarah said: “Whether it’s helping someone leave the house, supporting an anxious child through the school gates or enabling a child to communicate for the first time, the impact of an assistance dog can be life-changing. We change the lives of young people and their families.”
Over the coming year the charity plans to grow its programmes, raise awareness across the region and introduce a new charity-trained dogs programme for families unable to train a dog themselves.
The organisation is supported by community fundraising, business partnerships and volunteers, and is currently welcoming new volunteers in areas including events support, administration, fundraising, marketing and puppy parenting.
Sarah added: “We all share responsibility to build a more inclusive world where everyone belongs. Supporting Helpful Hounds is one way people can do that right now.”
To find out more, volunteer, fundraise or donate, visit the Helpful Hounds website or follow the charity on social media.