A Helping Paw, a pet food bank in Northumberland, is seeking to open two additional hubs in response to increased demand for pet food assistance. Currently serving around 400 pets monthly—up from 100-150 last year—the organization aims to set up new hubs in Blyth and Newcastle to extend its reach.
Founder Tyesha Muncaster, who started A Helping Paw in 2022, says the charity’s growth stems from a growing number of requests from areas beyond its existing locations in Ashington, Cramlington, and Whitley Bay. Initially sparked by her love for her own two cats, Muncaster began the organization after receiving an overwhelming response to a social media post offering cat food she no longer needed.
Operating as a collection-only service, A Helping Paw provides emergency food parcels for a range of pets, including dogs and cats. With transportation challenges for some of their clients, additional hubs would make it easier for those in need to access pet food. The charity is seeking a small storage space, such as a room or portacabin, for weekly distribution.
Muncaster explains the mission simply: “We want to help as many pets as we can. No one should have to rehome their pets due to financial hardship.”
The charity is also looking for more volunteers. Current volunteer Nicole Redpath highlights the impact of their work, noting that it’s a “real team effort” that ensures many pets go to sleep with full bellies.
Source: BBC
