Celebrity vet Marc Abraham backs Brighton charity campaign

From L-R: Dr Marc Abraham OBE, Ruth Lumley (Together Co), Together Co CEO April Baker (holding Viv the dog), Jenny Eden and Jade Spiro from the RSPCA

Two Brighton charities have joined forces to promote the benefits of connection and companionship between people and animals with the support of celebrity vet Marc Abraham OBE.

Together Co, Brighton and Hove’s loneliness charity, and RSPCA Sussex North & Brighton will launch the #Paws2Connect campaign on the forecourt at Brighton Palace Pier in February.

#Paws2Connect will promote the positive effects pets can have on wellbeing, as well as highlighting the potential to match rescue animals from the RSPCA in need of temporary foster homes with the people Together Co supports.

The project has received backing from Brighton-based celebrity vet Marc Abraham OBE, television presenter and mental health advocate Gail Porter, and actor and animal rights activist Peter Egan, who will attend a special Valentine’s launch event on Sunday February 12 at Brighton Palace Pier.

Together Co has been chosen as the pier’s charity of the year and the Valentine’s launch is also a celebration of the new partnership with this iconic location.

Everyone is welcome to come along between noon and 4pm on February 12 to find out more about both charities and how they can get involved with the #Paws2Connect campaign, or any other volunteering opportunities.

April Baker, Together Co’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to be partnering and piloting #Paws2Connect with RSPCA Brighton. It’s an exciting opportunity which we hope will make a huge difference to the lives of those we support in the city.

“As Brighton Palace Pier’s charity of the year we are looking forward to making many new connections in Brighton, Hove and beyond, and we hope to meet many of you at the launch on February 12.”

Jenny Eden, manager at RSPCA Sussex North & Brighton said: “We are a nation of animal lovers and for so many of us, we couldn’t imagine life without our pets by our side.

“45% of pet owners said their pets had helped their mental health during lockdown, and studies have found a range of benefits that pets bring to our mental health and wellbeing - from being our most loyal companions to being our reason to leave the house every day.

“This partnership also gives us an amazing opportunity to highlight how important the mental health and wellbeing of animals is too - our pets give us so much, but in return, it’s vital we learn to recognise and understand our pets' body language, so we can take action when their mental health might need improving or protecting.”

Marc Abraham OBE said: “Fostering a pet can help our mental health in many ways, including providing companionship, increasing physical activity, reducing anxiety, boosting self-confidence and helping meet new friends.

“I’m really excited to see how many people and animals will benefit from this exciting #Paws2Connect collaboration between such wonderful Brighton charities.”

Anne Ackord, CEO of Brighton Palace Pier, said: “We are more than delighted to be working with Together Co. Piers are often places for people to meet and feel a greater sense of togetherness.”

To find out more about both charities go to www.togetherco.org.uk or RSPCA Brighton| RSPCA Shelter for animals (rspca-brighton.org.uk)