PREVENTION
Inspiring
compassion in
young people "
…targeted support
with vital messages about
animal sentience.
"
A unique garden at one of our animal centres is helping inspire
children and young people to appreciate the importance of
animals in all our lives. A former entry at RHS Chelsea Flower
Show, the wildlife-friendly haven now graces our Stapeley Grange
Wildlife Centre in Cheshire. The engagement team there hosts
immersive classes for young visitors of all ages, as well as working
in local schools, community groups, museums and libraries.
The young people learn about animals, their needs and how their
own actions can improve animals' lives.
In a bid to prevent accidental or deliberate cruelty to animals,
the team also reaches out to young people who may be at risk of
harming them. In one such project, Outreach Officer Holly Cushen
works with Greater Manchester Police and HMP Manchester
on their Actions have consequences programme. "The workshops
educate young people about the ethical, emotional and legal
consequences of crime," says Holly. "These can affect not just their
victims, but also the perpetrator, their immediate circle and wider
society. Crimes against animals are no different in their impact.
Our Inspectorate frequently deals with animal cruelty cases in
this area, so I give the young people targeted support with vital
messages about animal sentience and welfare."
Holly is learning from her work with these partners, with a view
to creating Stapeley's own programme for these young people in
the future.
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
22