A national dog welfare charity is delivering Christmas parcels to homelessness services across the South East in a bid to support people experiencing homelessness and their pets.
Dogs Trust’s Together Through Homelessness scheme sends out thousands of festive packages each year, containing essentials such as collars, leads and coats for dogs whose owners are without secure housing. This year’s parcels also include more than 1,200 balls and 1,250 toys, aiming to bring “a little extra joy” over the festive season.
Across the UK, more than 2,400 parcels will be delivered to 305 homelessness services. Among the recipients is St Mungo’s Brighton, which supports people experiencing homelessness throughout the region.
Remi Weremczuk, Service Manager at St Mungo’s, said the annual deliveries provide “dignity and care” to the people they work with.
“The parcels don’t just provide practical support; they remind the people we support that their relationships with their pets matter,” they said. “We are so thankful for this generosity.”
The charity has run Together Through Homelessness for more than 30 years, helping people keep their dogs with them while accessing vital services. Alongside the Christmas parcels, Dogs Trust provides free veterinary treatment and supports organisations to become pet-friendly.
James Hickman, Head of Outreach Projects at Dogs Trust, said dogs can be “far more than a pet” to people experiencing homelessness.
“Owners consistently tell us how important it is to share this small moment of joy with their animals,” he said. “As homelessness continues to rise, our work has never been more vital. No one should ever be forced to choose between their dog and somewhere safe to sleep.”
Since the scheme began, Dogs Trust says it has helped 93 services become pet-friendly and funded more than 33,000 treatments for over 11,500 dogs whose owners are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The charity is asking the public to support the programme over the festive period to help ensure more dogs and their owners can receive essential care throughout the year.
