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Northumberland Animal Activity Centre receives vital upgrades through social value and community investment funding

Northumberland based Humbles Wood Animal Activity Centre has benefitted from vital improvement works, thanks to support from Karbon Homes.  

The activity centre, which is a community interest company, is dedicated to providing an environment where animals and humans can thrive together, improving mental health and well-being through animal assisted therapy.  

Through Karbon’s community investment fund, the centre was awarded a grant of £1500 to purchase a disabled access portable toilet, to provide a fully accessible and comfortable experience for all visitors. 

The centre has also faced many issues with flooding on its site, and due to the costs associated, had been unable to find a solution.  

Through Karbon Homes’ Unlocking Social Value programme, which matches the social value commitments of Karbon’s contractors and suppliers with organisations across the region, the centre has had a drainage system installed on the site, thanks to development partner Adderstone Living and their supply chain partner N&T Civils. 

Jess Alexander, Social Value Coordinator at Karbon Homes, said: “Through our Unlocking Social Value programme and community investment fund we support charitable organisations and projects across the region, to create real impact within our communities. 

“Alongside our contractors, we’ve been able to support Humbles Wood Animal Activity Centre to create a more accessible and safe environment for visitors to enjoy and experience the benefits of working with animals.” 

Humbles Wood Animal Activity Centre is based on Moor Road, Prudhoe where the team create nurturing spaces where individuals of all ages can experience the benefits of interacting with animals. Whether it's through one-on-one therapy sessions, group activities, or educational workshops, it aims to provide meaningful experiences that promote emotional resilience, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall mental health. 

Clive Johnson and Clare Welsh, who run the Humbles Wood charity, said: “We just wanted to thank everyone involved in this project. We are absolutely over the moon that Adderstone Living together with N&T, have been able to help with the flooding problem.  It will make a huge difference to improving the site, and help in our work to supporting the local community and caring for the animals.” 

N&T Civils were able to start the works almost immediately, meaning the centre can now carry on its work with the reassurance that the site will be able provide a safe, comfortable space for the animals and visitors.  

Adderstone Living’s director Peter Galbraith added: “We wanted to help out as much as we could and saw this as a great way to assist Clive and Clare with their work. For us, it’s heartening to know our support will make a real difference to this important community charity, which does so much to improve the lives of local people.” 

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