The Greyhound Trust urgently needs the help this Christmas

THE Greyhound Trust urgently needs the help of people in Lancashire area to find permanent loving homes for greyhounds like Sergio and to help us look after them over the festive season.

Every year the Greyhound Trust finds homes for thousands of retired racing greyhounds. Greyhounds like Sergio, who has been patiently waiting for 2 years for his forever home. It hasn't been easy for Sergio, left with a deformed leg from an old injury that didn't heal properly. Through the patient and loving support of our volunteers, Sergio travelled across the UK to a specialist vet, who carried out life changing surgery to give Sergio the quality of life he deserves. He is now with one of our volunteer foster families working on his recovery.

Despite it all, Sergio is a happy, loving, and affectionate greyhound. Blessed with the greyhound traits of a gentle nature, calm temperament, and devoted loyalty that have made them a favourite breed from the Egyptians to King Canute. The only breed mentioned in the Bible, good with children and the elderly alike, these elegant 40mph couch potatoes are making a return to popularity as an increasingly popular family pet.

Sadly there are greyhounds just like Sergio at our branches all over the UK. At our local branch in Lancashire, Redley has been waiting for his forever home. Redley is an eight year old boy who has retired from racing now and looking for his forever home. He is slowly learning about one to one time with humans as we don't think he's ever really experienced it. He is learning to take toys and treats from you gently, as his favourite thing in the whole world is food and toys. Redley has a lot of love to give, and with patience and understanding with the right family, he will flourish. He's a fantastic lad looking for a very special greyhound experienced home to call his own.

It costs the Greyhound Trust ₤10,000 a day to continue to help greyhounds like Sergio and Redley. Money that covers veterinary costs, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, leads, collars, food, bedding, and keeping them safe, secure, and comfortable this Christmas. Hundreds of committed volunteers will spend their Christmas cleaning out kennels and making sure all our greyhounds get walked and fed. We simply couldn't do this without their support.

To make that happen the Greyhound Trust is appealing for help, to find a forever home for Sergio, Redley, and the hundreds of others who you could give the ultimate gift this Christmas. If you are expecting a busy festive period and now is not the time to offer a home, perhaps volunteer a few hours to help with walking, donate some food, or even an old duvet to sleep on. Every single donation, big or small, makes a difference. Please help us, to help our greyhounds get their Christmas wish this year. Visit:-GreyHoundTrust.Org.UK/Sergio to find out more.
 

Mayor launches 'Always Room Inside' rough sleepers campaign

A public information campaign about Liverpool City Council's new approach to tackling rough sleeping has just been launched.  'Always Room Inside' is the message; ensuring there is greater public awareness about the Council's 24/7 provision to get people off the streets and into a warm, secure environment.  As well as the day facilities at the Whitechapel Centre on Langsdale Street, the Council has recently opened a new night shelter, at Labre House, on Camden Street which is already providing rough sleepers with overnight accommodation, where they can rest, wash, get something to eat and use computer and telephone facilities to keep in touch with family and friends.  Labre House is set to become a hub providing a wide range of services for rough sleepers, including:- GP and health services, welfare and housing advice and support to help rough sleepers turn their lives around.  Together with the Council's active outreach teams; which includes a Labre House minibus helping bring rough sleepers to the Centre; it is hoped that the numbers sleeping on the streets can be reduced and that no one has to spend a single night outside.  'Always Room Inside' branding will start appearing around the City Centre in coming days, including the large mounted display screens throughout the City Centre and at the end of the M62.  The hope is that it will encourage the public to urge any rough sleepers they meet to head towards Labre House for help and support.  Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, explained:- "There is nothing worse than finding yourself on the streets without a place to go in weather like this. I am absolutely determined that no human being should ever be in that position, which is why we have launched Labre House and the 'Always Room Inside' campaign. Altogether, the council spend ₤18 million a year helping people and families that have fallen on hard times, preventing many from becoming homeless in the 1st place. Rough sleeping is the visible bit of the problem; the tip of the iceberg; and now requires a more concerted approach. As a result, we have the funding and facilities in place to address the problem and this campaign will help to get the message out that help is available and that there is, literally, 'Always Room Inside.'"