Working alongside the Dogs Trust, a local Housing Association is encouraging people in Thornaby to get their dogs chipped.

As of April 2016 it is a legal requirement to have your dog micro-chipped and on Wednesday 16th March, both North Star and the Dogs Trust teamed up to help people to get their dogs get chipped for free.

The idea came from staff who were asked to identify a way to do something for nothing. The staff were split into groups and tasked with presenting their various ideas at the annual staff conference. The ideas ranged from helping tenants to do handy jobs around the house to helping staff get healthier.

Carole Richardson, Assistant Director of People Services, said “The staff event unleashed a huge amount of great ideas. In tough financial times it’s important for us all to do more and make more of what we have. Staff absolutely rose to this challenge. This event is a great way to give something back to our communities.

The event, held at Victoria Park Community Hall in Thornaby, had 114 dogs micro-chipped and raised £110.17. This money was donated to the Homework Club based in North Star’s Community hub in Thornaby. The project supports approximately 12 young people with their homework afterschool, providing them with a relaxed environment where homework can take place.

The event wasn’t just about the dogs though as many other organisations showed up with advice for local residents. The Citizens Advice Bureau came to give advice about Energy and Debt, Children from the Riverbank Children’s Centre came to tell people about their free childcare for two year olds and Esh Group offered a question and answer session regarding their responsive repairs team and also offered face painting and children’s games. At the end of the event Tessa from Esh Group (who donated a TV), pulled out a winner from the Thornaby area who said she was “buzzing” with her new television.