Retired racing greyhounds in Uttlesford are being given to people who are lonely and isolated thanks to a grant from Essex Community Foundation (ECF).

The canine companians are led by Ace Hounds CIC, who applied to the community foundation for funding to allow them to reach more people in the area.

Thanks to a £5,000 grant from the Diana Tinson Fund, which is managed by ECF, Ace Hounds has been able to restart their visiting programme where they take dogs to people in their homes or care homes.

The programme was forced to pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now recovering.

Susan Phillips, who volunteers for Ace Hounds, said: "The use of animals, especially dogs, has been proven to be therapeutic for people who are lonely or anxious, and feedback from our services has shown that our clients are leaving sessions feeling happier and motivated from the increased physical activity and time spent with the greyhounds.

"Using animal assisted activities, we help people with dementia, learning difficulties, mental health difficulties, and people facing personal barriers to gain self-confidence."

She also explained the impact that the pandemic has had on loneliness and isolation.

"We have seen an increased need locally as there are many people, of all ages, continuing to feel the effects of the long-term loneliness and anxiety they experienced during COVID-19 lockdowns," she said.

Ace Hounds project leader Elaine Sheppard said: "I have been rehoming greyhounds for years and cherish the friendship and joy they bring to my life.

"It is wonderful to see them helping other people at these sessions. We have also recently started working in schools to help young people."

Andy Payne Worpole, head of programmes at ECF, said: "Uttlesford is a rural district, and this can mean that local people face higher levels of isolation and loneliness than those living in built up areas, so we are pleased to support this innovative solution.

"We encourage other charities and voluntary groups working locally to please contact us if they are in need of funding."

To find out more about ECF funding contact the grants team on 01245 356018 or by emailing grants@essexcf.org.uk.