Disadvantaged young people

Helping young people develop key life skills

A dificult start in life can lead to years of behavioural issues and suffering. We know this is true for both animals and people.

We want to ensure that all young people have access to the resources most suitable for them. We have developed a series of unique programmes to help young people overcome the challenges they face, develop positive social interactions and self-esteem through interacting with and understanding the needs of animals.

We hope these programmes will help prepare young people for the life ahead by developing key life and communication skills - helping to create a generation of kind and emphathetic people.

Animal Action Days 

Children and their carers visit an RSPCA Animal Centre to meet the very special animals we rescue, rehabilitate and rehome and learn more about caring for animals and staying safe around familiar and unfamiliar dogs.

Animal Care Apprenticeships

Offering promising young people from disadvantaged backgrounds a chance to pursue a career helping animals.

Paws 4 Change

A unique programme matching young people with a rescue dog chosen specifically for them. The young person takes part in a hands on programme, where they take responsibility for teaching their assigned dog basic commands, providing the opportunity for interaction with an animal and building key communication skills.

Wild Things

Giving young people from deprived areas access to nature and animals in ways that may not have otherwise been possible.