Harry Williams (33, Weymouth) will be joined by Luis Parsons and Dean Parsons (both Wimborne) as they begin the challenge on 24 April, navigating lochs and exposed coastline around Fort William. The route will test their endurance as they paddle and trek through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking and unforgiving terrain.

The expedition carries deep personal meaning. The trio are undertaking the challenge in memory of a Jenson – a much-loved golden retriever closely connected to the Parsons family. Jenson accompanied Luis during years working in the outdoor industry, helping people of all ages access adventure activities.

“Jenson brought joy to everyone he met,” the team said. “He was never formally trained, but he showed exactly what an assistance dog can be – calm, supportive and instinctively in tune with people.”

The trio chose to support Helpful Hounds not only because of their shared love of dogs, but also due to a meaningful local link.

A dog named Charity, trained by the organisation, previously worked as a support dog at Weymouth College where all three men have worked at different points in their careers. Seeing that impact first-hand cemented their decision to fundraise for the charity.

Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs provides trained dogs that support individuals in gaining independence, confidence and an improved quality of life.

All three challengers bring extensive outdoor experience:
• Harry Williams – a dog walker, with 10 years in the outdoor industry
• Luis Parsons – skilled labourer with 15 years’ outdoor experience
• Dean Parsons – landscape architect with a strong background in outdoor work
Despite their experience, the team expects the biggest obstacle to be Scotland’s unpredictable conditions.

“This is going to be one of the toughest things we’ve ever done,” said Harry. “The weather will be the hardest part – some sections are very exposed, so we’ll be relying on the right conditions to travel safely.”

The group has already raised £500 and is encouraging the Dorset community to support their efforts and follow their journey.

“It’s for an incredible cause that makes a real difference to people’s lives,” Harry added. “It also means a lot to do this in memory of someone very special.”

Donations can be made via: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/charitycanoeadventure

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Peter Rufus, trustee and volunteer CEO at Helpful Hounds, said: “Hope & Hounds provides a great opportunity for people to come together to support two local charities whilst enjoying a great social event.”

The planned route will take participants from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier and back again. The event is open to all dog owners and will feature Easter egg prizes for the Best Dressed Dog and Most Sponsorship Money Raised, as well as a craft competition for children.

Entry is £5, and all participating dogs will receive a special medal.

The fundraiser is held in partnership with Hope Housing, Training & Support Ltd, a charity aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals in Bournemouth by providing supported housing for single people experiencing homelessness. Alongside accommodation, they offer training, education, and personal development opportunities to help residents move forward into independent living, non-supported accommodation, and employment.

Julie Berti, CEO of Hope, said: “Following successful sponsored walks in previous years, Hope & Hounds is back by popular demand, and we are hoping dog owners and their pets will join us for a fun walk in aid of two great causes carrying out vital work, helping vulnerable people in our community.”

Join the Hope & Hounds Beach Walk with your family

To register for the event, click here to head to the Eventbrite page.

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CEO, Peter Rufus said:

“Sarah is a great addition to the team as she brings more than 15 years of senior leadership experience across the not-for-profit, emergency services, professional services, events and technology sectors. She has a strong track record of organisational growth, strategic planning and team leadership, including founding and running Octima Marketing, where she led the business through the pandemic while maintaining growth and championing strong relationships”.

In previous in-house leadership roles, Sarah has contributed to organisational strategy, partnership development and income generation, and has overseen complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. She also holds a CIM Professional Diploma in Marketing and has completed training in safeguarding, mental health first aid, leadership and project management. Alongside her new role, she also serves as a non-executive board member of a local social enterprise.

Speaking about joining the charity, Sarah said:

“Helpful Hounds supports inclusion, accessibility and wellbeing every single day. Whether it’s supporting someone to leave their house, helping a non-verbal child speak their first words, or enabling an anxious child to get through the school gates each morning, the impact is extraordinary.”

Helpful Hounds trains assistance dogs to support children and young people with a wide range of needs, improving independence and quality of life for both individuals and their families.

Sarah added:

“We don’t focus on a single condition. Every dog is trained around the individual and what they need to live more independently. We change the lives of young people and their families.”

As COO, Sarah will work closely with the CEO to develop the charity’s business strategy and long-term sustainability, while ensuring families, schools, volunteers and staff remain at the heart of the organisation.

“The opportunity to streamline the organisation so our trainers and volunteers have the tools they need to support as many people as possible really excites me,” she said.

Over the next 12 to 18 months the charity aims to expand its programmes, grow public awareness across the South of England and achieve full membership of Assistance Dogs International. A new charity-trained dogs programme is also being developed to help families who are unable to train their own dog access support.

Sarah, who owns two Labrador retrievers, says her personal life also connects closely to the charity’s mission.

“I have many friends and family members with additional needs and I see first-hand how their needs are not always met in the community. We all share responsibility to build a more inclusive world where everyone belongs. Supporting Helpful Hounds is one way people can do that right now.”

The charity is supported locally through community fundraising, corporate donations, legacies and volunteers and is looking to expand involvement further. Volunteers are welcome in roles including events support, administration, fundraising, marketing and puppy parenting.

Helpful Hounds is also continuing partnerships with ASDA in Bournemouth and Cascades in Portsmouth, alongside community events, school fairs and local festivals throughout the year.

Sarah said:

“We want people to feel joyful, purposeful and fulfilled when they engage with Helpful Hounds because they are directly helping families live fuller lives.”

People can support Helpful Hounds by volunteering, fundraising, partnering as a business, or donating via the charity’s website and social media channels.

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At the end of this partnership, Helpful Hounds was delighted to receive a donation cheque presented by John Jennings from AFC Bournemouth.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Peter Rufus, CEO of Helpful Hounds, said; “The two seasons seem to have gone so quickly and it has been great to follow the Cherries’ performance in the Premier League. Raffi, our Ambassador Dog, would like to think he had something to do with their success! These seasons have also been fantastic for Helpful Hounds – the partnership has given us greater exposure and helped us grow our reach, allowing us to support even more people across the local community. A huge thank you to AFC Bournemouth for their amazing support”

Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs is a dedicated mental health charity making a significant impact by providing trained assistance dogs to young people and families across Southern England.

The charity not only trains assistance dogs but also works closely with schools and businesses to raise awareness of the benefits of service animals. Their work continues to grow, and with increased support from donors and volunteers, they aim to extend their reach to even more individuals in need.

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Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs is celebrating the start of its eighth year, marking a remarkable journey of empowering families, schools, and communities through the training of life-changing Assistance Dogs.

Peter Rufus, Trustee and Volunteer CEO, said:
“When we started, we knew there was a real need — but the response and growth have been beyond anything we imagined. Today, we have over 80 dogs either fully trained or in training, working primarily with families navigating Autism and schools supporting students with special educational needs. We’ve also expanded our impact with the Community Dog Project, where specially trained dogs and their volunteer handlers bring comfort and connection to care homes, including those supporting people with dementia.”

While the rapid growth of Helpful Hounds is exciting, it also brings new challenges — and a real need for passionate, self-motivated volunteers. Even just a few hours a week can make a big difference, especially for those with valuable experience and a desire to help the Charity grow and thrive.

Helpful Hounds is currently looking for support in the following areas:

• Qualified Dog Trainers, ideally with experience in working with individuals with special needs.
• Administrative Support, to help manage enquiries, prepare certificates, ID cards, and assist with general operations.
• Training Co-ordinator, to work alongside our trainers, streamline schedules, and ensure training is delivered efficiently and well-documented.
• Community Dog Volunteers – dog owners who would like to be assessed and trained to participate in our Community Dog Partnerships, visiting local care homes and other facilities.
• Marketing, to help raise our profile, engage local businesses and individuals, and promote the impact of our work.

If you’ve got the skills and a few spare hours a week, please contact Peter Rufus on

0796 7147 492 / peter@helpfulhounds.org.uk.

Photo caption: Hiro: One of our Community Dogs

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The visit provided an excellent opportunity to introduce The Mayor to some of the local Helpful Hounds Partnerships and showcase the significant impact these specially trained assistance dogs have on the lives of young people. The delegation from Helpful Hounds shared inspiring stories of how their assistance dogs empower individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges, fostering greater independence and confidence.

In addition to highlighting the charity’s work, attendees were given a fascinating insight into the traditions of the Bournemouth Council. The Mayor, along with the Mace Bearers, provided an engaging presentation on the regalia used in official ceremonies and shared intriguing historical anecdotes dating back to the early 1800s. The session concluded with captivating stories of smugglers and local ghostly legends, adding an air of mystery to the morning’s events.

The memorable visit was capped off with a special presentation of the Mayor’s Award Badges, marking a proud moment for all in attendance.

“We are incredibly grateful to The Mayor for welcoming us and taking the time to learn about the life-changing work we do,” said Peter Rufus, Trustee and CEO of Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs. “It was an insightful and enjoyable morning for everyone involved, and we truly appreciate the recognition and support from the community.”

For more information about Helpful Hounds and how their assistance dogs make a difference, please visit www.helpfulhounds.org.uk or contact Peter Rufus on 0796 7147 492 / peter@helpfulhounds.org.uk.

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Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs is delighted to announce the receipt of a generous grant from Pets at Home – The Pets Foundation, aimed at enhancing the charity’s capacity to support children and families affected by autism and various disabilities.

“This grant goes to the heart of our mission,” said Peter Rufus, CEO of Helpful Hounds. “We are so grateful for every type of support we receive, and this funding, in particular, allows us to employ two part-time dog trainers. With this expansion, we can serve more families and help each individual achieve their full potential—socially, educationally, and eventually in employment opportunities.”

The additional trainers funded by Pets at Home – The Pets Foundation’s support will enable Helpful Hounds to work closely with more families, empowering children with tailored support and companionship. This funding marks a vital step in the charity’s mission to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of those it serves.

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Over the course of the next two seasons, AFC Bournemouth will assist Helpful Hounds through a variety of initiatives, including player appearances, donations of signed merchandise, and promotion via the club’s media channels. This collaboration will offer vital support to the charity, enabling them to continue their life-changing work, helping young people and adults with physical and mental disabilities gain independence through the assistance of trained dogs.

“We are incredibly grateful to AFC Bournemouth and especially to the Junior Cherries for their vote of confidence in our charity,” said a spokesperson for Helpful Hounds. “Being named one of four Charity Partners is a tremendous honour and an exciting opportunity for us to raise awareness and drive support for our cause.”

Helpful Hounds will use the club’s platform to share stories of the individuals and families they assist, highlighting the transformative impact of their work. With the backing of AFC Bournemouth and their loyal supporters, the charity is looking forward to two successful seasons filled with new opportunities to grow its reach.

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