The importance of pets for care leavers in Stockport

Almost half of care leavers in Stockport own a pet; a relationship which provides them with love, companionship and emotional support.

Why?

Stockport recognized how important it was for their care leavers to have a pet, but this also presented some difficulties around how to care for pets responsibly.

What?

  • Stockport have worked over the last 2-3 years to help care leavers meet the financial challenges of living independently.
  • All care leavers can access support from their local pantry – see case study here.
  • They looked to extend this support to help their young people meet the rising costs of caring for their pets.
  • When young people attend their Local Food bank they can be offered pet food if needed through the development of a Pet Food bank.
  • The Leaving Care Team are also liaising with the Blue Cross so that we have an emergency stock of pet food available outside of the Food bank opening hours.
  • Links were made with the local Blue Cross charity and care leavers have been offered a Pet Welfare Toolkit and information on Living With Pets through the Greater Manchester BeeConnected app and the Local Offer web page.
  • Stockport are also in the process of developing workshop sessions on pets through the Blue Cross to offer as part of our Life Skills sessions for care leavers, including a survey to help care leavers inform the content of these workshops

What difference did it make?

Over the last 3 years there has been a significant increase in the number of care leavers who are pet owners in Stockport. As one care leaver said, My cat is a huge help, I don’t know where I’d be if I never bought him.