• 01284 247077
  • office@ourspecialfriends.org
Our Special Friends - helping people and animals help each other

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    Home About Us Our Mission, Vision and Values

Our Vision

A world in which the power of animal companionship is recognised and integrated into effective care and support plans to enhance the lives of people and their animals.

 

Our Mission

To identify, develop, promote and deliver animal companionship support services that secure the benefits of animal companionship for people experiencing times of vulnerability, and enhance welfare for both.

 

Our Goals

  • To develop and demonstrate the role of an Animal Companionship Practitioner (ACP) and the effective application of Animal Companionship Support Services (ACSS) to vulnerable people in society as a functioning unit in its current location.
  • To deliver and evidence outstanding ACSS in its current location
  • To expand the adoption and provision of ACSS locally, through outreach, education, training and partnerships with like-minded organisations and agencies and secure budgetary support from them.
  • To ensure financial stability.
    a) Firstly to ensure its sustainability as a provider of ACSS in the current locality.
    b) Subsequently to enable the expansion of properly resourced animal companionship support services in other locations.

 

Our Values

Compassionate

By actively listening, offering support, and creating a nurturing environment, we ensure both people and their pets feel valued, cared for, and understood.

Person-centred

Our approach is tailored to each person, ensuring that we respect their unique circumstances, empower their decisions, and support them in non-judgemental ways that best serve their individual needs and goals.

Community-Focused

We engage with local communities, volunteers, and supporters to create a nurturing network that enhances the lives of both people and pets. Our efforts foster a sense of belonging, collective wellbeing, and mutual support, helping individuals feel less lonely and more connected to their community.

Collaborative

We actively seek partnerships with individuals, organisations, and other stakeholders to pool our resources and expertise. Through these collaborative efforts, we aim to achieve significant, lasting impacts on the wellbeing of both people and pets, addressing their needs in a holistic manner.

Responsive

By staying attuned to the challenges faced by both people and pets, we provide timely support and solutions that meet their immediate needs while considering long-term wellbeing.

Contact Our Special Friends

If you have a general enquiry please fill out the contact form below.

If you would like to refer yourself or someone that you know, or you would like to join our lovely group of volunteers please select the appropriate form on the right.

Contact Form

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    Phone

    01284 247077

    Email

    office@ourspecialfriends.org

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    Our Special Friends
    Unit 4, The Vision Centre
    5 Eastern Way
    Bury St Edmunds
    IP32 7AB

    Our Special Friends is a Registered Charity: 1156778

    Our Special Friends is the trading name of Our Special Friends Ltd. (Company Reg. No: 08769892 England and Wales).

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