Surrey Community Group

Welcome to our group

Pat Hewett was inspired to set up the Surrey Community Group, following a life-changing experience with Canine Partners.

After Pat’s husband Graham had a severe stroke, every day felt bleak. Pat left her job to become a full-time carer and felt that many doors to their old life had shut. When canine partner Yukon came into their lives, everything changed.

Graham felt more independence and companionship, with black Labrador Yukon by his side. And Pat felt the confidence to leave the house, knowing Yukon could raise the alarm and help Graham if he fell.

Inspired to give something back, Pat began to share how Canine Partners had changed their lives with her local community in Surrey. She created a special tea-towel design featuring as many pawprints as she could gather around her village.

The design raised £800 in just 6 weeks. Before long, the growing community group raised enough to sponsor canine partner Drummer, a goldendoodle, through his lifetime as an assistance dog. Pat re-discovered the sense of teamwork she had missed from her busy career.

What’s involved

More than 20 years later, the community group is thriving. Volunteers enjoy the fun, relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to make new friends.

Just like Pat’s tea-towel inspiration, the group welcomes creativity and fresh ideas to help raise more funds and awareness. They’d love you to join them.

Volunteers can help out in any way that suits them best. You could get involved in a range of events to support Canine Partners, including:

• Crafts
• Gardening activities
• Events
• Talks to clubs, groups and businesses

What our volunteers say

‘It’s great fun, and volunteering often fills a gap in people’s lives when they get involved. If you phone the fundraising team, there’s always a friendly voice to listen, support, and help with ideas. We put on all kinds of events, and you never know where a Canine Partners event will take you!’ – Pat Hewett, Surrey Community Group