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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If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, here are several local and national services available to offer help, guidance, and a safe space:

24-Hour Mental Health Support Line
Dorset HealthCare offers a 24/7 mental health support line for people of all ages. You can call for free on:

0800 652 0190
Or via NHS 111

You’ll be connected to trained mental health professionals who are ready to listen and support you.

The Retreats (Bournemouth & Dorchester)
For anyone aged 18 and over, The Retreats provide a calm, safe space if you feel like you’re nearing a mental health crisis. There’s no need to book—just drop in.

Opening Hours: Daily, 4:30pm – 11:30pm

Community Front Rooms
Located in Bridport, Shaftesbury, Wareham, and Weymouth, these spaces offer support and sanctuary for anyone 18+ who is struggling.

Opening Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 2:15pm – 9:45pm

Find Out More
To check opening times, accessibility, or find the nearest service, visit the Access Mental Health section of Dorset HealthCare’s website.

Additional Support Options
Samaritans – Call 116 123 (Free, 24/7)

Text Support – Text SHOUT to 85258 to talk to a trained volunteer via text.

Self-Help App – Try downloading distrACT, an app designed to support people dealing with thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Speak to Your GP – Your local GP can help refer you to the right mental health services.

You’re Part of Our Community
At Helpful Hounds, we believe in looking out for one another—just like our amazing assistance dogs do. Please don’t suffer in silence. These services are here to help, and reaching out could be the first step towards feeling better.

Your mental health matters. And support is always within reach.

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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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