As featured in the East Anglian Daily Times, Gina Long catches up with Belinda “Bin” Johnston, chief executive of Our Special Friends, a West Suffolk-based organisation she founded to protect and strengthen the bond between people and their animals. 
A veterinary surgeon by training, Bin’s career has been shaped by a deep understanding of both the clinical and emotional dimensions of animal companionship, and by a lifelong commitment to compassion, dignity and care. Through Our Special Friends, she has created a charity that quietly but profoundly supports some of the most vulnerable individuals across Suffolk, people facing isolation, illness, bereavement or major life change, helping them to remain connected to the animals who offer comfort, stability and purpose in their lives.
Her work sits at the intersection of veterinary science, emotional wellbeing and social care, and is widely respected for its professionalism, sensitivity and humanity. Beyond her leadership role, Bin remains closely involved in frontline work, contacting those referred to the charity, assessing need and ensuring support is thoughtful, appropriate and sustainable. Her belief is simple yet
powerful: people need pets and pets need people, however, for these relationships to thrive, they must be understood, supported and, at times, gently guided.
It is this clarity of vision, combined with warmth and integrity, that makes Bin Johnston’s contribution to life in our region truly extraordinary.
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