Blue Cross pet charity is hosting a unique one-day conference this autumn - Link in the chain: Tackling mental health, poverty and loneliness through pet ownership will bring together charities, politicians and academics to explore the role pets play in people’s lives

Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs at Blue Cross said: “This is a great opportunity for us to come together to discuss the benefits pets can bring to people’s lives. We will be specifically examining the roles pets play within the themes of mental health, poverty, isolation and loneliness. Our research has revealed just how much pets can play a major role in helping people deal with some of the challenges these issues bring. We look forward to sharing our findings with attendees at the conference this November.”

Topics covered include:
• Support for pet owners in crisis
• Affordable vet care provision
• Pets and mental health
• Pets and older people
• Housing and pets
• Use of animal assistance therapy in the NHS
• Alleviating feelings of loneliness
As well as hearing heartwarming and emotional stories of people whose lives have been changed by pets, the conference aims to to examine how more people can benefit from pets and contact with animals.

Speakers include:
• Anchor Hanover
• Dogs Trust
• Mayhew
• PDSA
• British Horse Society
• Pets Against Loneliness
• Scottish SPCA
• Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Conference information:
Link in the chain: Tackling mental health, poverty and loneliness through pet ownership
Thursday 28 November
IET London: 2 Savoy Place, London WC2R 0BL
Tickets £15
Book your place now - https://www.bluecross.org.uk/link-chain

To find out more about Blue Cross, to see pets looking for loving homes or to make a donation towards the sick, injured, homeless and abandoned pets the charity cares for visit www.bluecross.org.uk