Venue Description

We are a unique, award-winning charity, tackling loneliness for older adults through animal companionship and friendship. As part of our charitable offering, we provide community space venues in Shawlands, Troon and Alloa where people are welcome to come in for a free hot drink and a biscuit, and enjoy the company of our companionship dogs, staff and volunteers. At our venues, we offer group activities and relaxing therapy treatments to over 60s, for free, and their beloved canine companions are welcome too.

Accessibility

This venue has push door access and a member of our team is always available to open the door for visitors. Behind the door there is a fully accessible short metal gate, this is kept closed to ensure the safety of the dogs on the premises in the event the door is opened while they are roaming. This gate opens fully and can fold into segments. The floor, from entry, and throughout public access areas is flat, making the venue accessible to large wheelchairs and walking frames. Entering the premises brings you directly into the tea, chat and activity area of this venue - these services are accessible. Our tables are a standard height and we are able to move chairs, as required, to facilitate wheelchair users. We normally have at least one team dog who is allowed to free roam the premises and often have multiple visiting dogs in the premises too. Any visiting dogs should be kept on a short lead. We occasionally have background music playing in the venue, however we can change the volume or turn music off as required. Our toilet facilities at this venue are accessible.

Awards List

Awarded Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - The King’s Birthday Honours June 2023 Winner of: Special Recognition Award at The People’s Pet Awards September 2022 Winner of: Pride of Scotland Community Hero Award (TSB Community Hero) June 2022 Winner of: Celebrating Communities at The Scottish Charity Awards June 2019 Winner of: Amazing Contribution to Community category at the Amazing Women Awards March 2019 Winner of: International Fund for Animal Welfare’s ‘Community Award’ October 2016 Winner of: Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award September 2015

Toilets

Our toilet facilities are accessible. There are no steps into the toilet and the door is wide. There are grab rails and an easy turn tap in the toilet.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.

Assistance dog facilities

Other assistance dog facilities

We always have water available for visiting dogs. There is a grassy area just along the street, less than 0.1 miles from the venue, where dogs can be taken to toilet.