Tea for two… and one for the dog! Charity hosts dog-friendly afternoon tea to support life-changing assistance dogs

Dog lovers from across the Midlands are being invited to enjoy an afternoon tea with a difference this March,all while helping to transform the lives of people with physical disabilities.

Canine Partners, the UK charity that trains assistance dogs for adults with physical disabilities, is hosting a Dog Friendly Afternoon Tea at its National Training Centre near Loughborough on Sunday 22 March, from 3pm to 5pm.

Guests will enjoy a traditional afternoon tea of sandwiches, scones and cakes, while their four-legged friends can tuck into their own specially prepared dog-friendly treats. For pups who prefer to stay at home, dog treat takeaway boxes will also be available, the ultimate doggy bag.

Founded in 1990, Canine Partners trains highly skilled assistance dogs that help adults living with physical disabilities live more independently. These remarkable dogs can support with everyday tasks such as opening doors, picking up dropped items, loading washing machines and helping with dressing.

It costs around £50,000 to train each assistance dog, and the charity receives no government funding, relying entirely on donations and fundraising to continue its vital work. With over 90 people currently waiting for an assistance dog, support from events like this is more vital than ever.

One person whose knows first-hand the life-changing impact of Canine Partners’ work is Andy Newton (57) from Staffordshire, who will be attending the event with his assistance dog Laila.

Andy has lived with a spinal cord injury for over 30 years following a car accident and was partnered with Laila, a black Labrador cross Golden Retriever, in 2024. Since then, his life has been transformed.

“I used to be stuck at home and miserable, but Laila has given me my life back,” said Andy. “She makes everyday life easier and gives me the confidence to leave the house and see people. I feel like a completely new person and cannot imagine life without her – she is my best friend.”

Rebecca Middleton, Community Fundraising Officer at Canine Partners, said: “Our Dog Friendly Afternoon Tea is a fun and unique way to support our work. It’s not every day dogs get to enjoy their own afternoon tea! Every ticket sold helps us train more incredible assistance dogs and create more incredible partnerships like Andy and Laila’s.”

Ticket information:

Adults - £15   

Children - £7

Dog - £5

Spaces are limited, so advance booking is essential. Visit caninepartners.org.uk/events to secure your place.