Good News

It’s been a decade since pioneering service, Keep Your Pet established itself within the community and it’s fair to say they’ve been successful in their endeavours, as a testament to their ever-growing clientele and impressive volunteer base of 115 members. In conjunction with Age UK York, Keep Your Pet provides local, shortterm support for elderly domestic pet owners in times of ill-health or other emergencies. Over the years they have provided essential assistance such as short-term fostering, dog walking and home feeding, whilst being host to fabulous fundraising events, from doggie fashion shows to carnivals and ceilidh dancing. With the evidence of increased social withdrawal following the pandemic, the organisation recognises that now, more than ever, the support that they offer is increasingly signifi cant. For example, to help rebuild the confi dence of those who have become nervous about venturing out since lockdown, the organisation is now offering a ‘walk alongside’ service, whereby Keep Your Pet volunteers walk with an owner and their dog. Hoping to reach a wider demographic, Keep Your Pet is actively appealing for suggestions and contacts to ensure that support reaches all who need it. Going forward, they are setting their sights on building more partnerships with other local businesses that support their aims, such as supermarkets, vets, animal food suppliers, animal rescue services, and most recently, were invited to put on a display at the Clifton Moor Tesco store. As an organisation that relies heavily on fundraising and donations, the team behind Keep Your Pet are now also calling for willing volunteers to help with their exciting programme of events, with delivering leafl ets and posters, or simply spreading the word about the service.

Want to get involved? For more information on how you can help or for future events, visit https://keepyourpet.co.uk/

JOIN THE CLUB THE CLUB

Blaze Trails - York & North Yorkshire Baby Walking Group

A community of parents and carers who empower each other to get out walking with their babies and toddlers, Blaze Trails organise baby-carrying, pushchair and toddler walks within an hour of York. All walks are free to attend and each week they share a post about their chosen walk, with a link to book a place. All walks are organised by mighty mums, Erin and Gabby, who are both on hand during the walks to offer friendly advice, support, and a good old natter. For more information, email blazetrailsnorthyorks@gmail.com.

Social Yorkies

Looking to get out there and meet new people? Get social with York IVC, a friendly social group with over 60 active members. Activities include walks, meals out, pub quizzes and club parties. There’s a varied events programme each month, and the yearly membership is £20. The member-run club welcomes newbies to try their fi rst month’s programme without paying a membership fee so that they can get a feel for the club. For more information, visit yorkivc. club.

York Girl

Bringing over 2,400 local women together, this valuable support network was formed to build friendships with like-minded women, fi nd housemates, travel companions and business connections. With monthly meet-ups and other exciting events across the city, this welcoming group will ensure you feel at home in York. For further information, visit citygirlnetwork.com.