We thought you might like to know a little more about our team during the current lock down due to Covid-19.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager chats today to the Tim Pellett GSPCA Training and Community Officer about how he has felt over the last few months.
Tim said “I first became aware of the newly created post of Community and Training Officer at the GSPCA in mid 2018 and noted I aligned with the job advert, having a number of skill sets required of the job and recognised the same values I uphold.”
“I was both interested and excited in following up on the offer of starting an NVQ training and development department within the animal shelter to professionally develop and career enhance the staff, measure competence, as well as offer much needed life skills for the volunteers and people supported by the GSPCA as part of a partnership with the States Social Security department (Jobcentre).”
“I have held the post of Community and Training Officer at the GSPCA for almost 2 years; before the current Covid-19 restrictions put in place, was responsible for the day to day support and careers guidance for the clients referred to the GSPCA from the Jobcentre on the States Work2Benefit Scheme.
“I really enjoy the diversity of people I meet from this scheme and am proud that, under challenging conditions, we have had some extremely positive results and outcomes.”
“I miss every single one of my team of volunteers and clients equally, which we hope to restart in the near future as we move through the phases.”
“Those that come onto placements at the GSPCA have often had many challenges they have faced and often found it difficult in placements they have been previously.”
“We have worked for a period of time with really fragile clients and we are all proud that these people are more positive about every aspect of their life as a result of having something meaningful to get up for every day.”
“Working with the animals and with sympathetic staff and other volunteers helps maintain good mental health too.”
“My biggest challenge with those under my care, whether W2B or from the wider supported living network, is that due to social distancing, none of them have been able to visit the shelter and enjoy the mutual support.”
“I am so proud when out shopping or visiting town and have met former placements of our schemes who have moved on into full time employment and are engaging so much more and being a positive citizen of the wider society.”
“I have recently been served by a person in a supermarket who chatted, helped with bag packing, and genuinely was interested in full customer service and experience.”
“I recall when this same person would not engage in eye contact or the most basic of conversations not too long ago.”
“This experience is priceless and always makes me feel happy.”
“More recently, I am most proud that my team colleagues at the GSPCA who have stayed so positive during such uncertain times of Covid 19, this makes me smile daily.”
“We are blessed to have almost 900 volunteers on the list of supporters of the GSPCA; the age range is vast from between 13-85!”
“With my magic wand, I would wish to be able to re-engage with all of these wonderful people, offering support as much as able, whilst inviting them all to kickstart their volunteering and wider support for the GSPCA.”
“This might be by supporting the staff to give all manner of animal care, offering just several hours a week to treat our sick and injured animals. I would also wave my wand to those others in a more passive and supporting role to ignite the GSPCA genesis, helping at our many fundraising events we all wish to see again.”
“My wish being that they can support us, not just in a financial way, but in a positive community-based manner, promoting the GSPCA ethos on animal welfare, just as before.”
“I am bias as to my favourite animal(s) at the GSPCA as my family have adopted both Mr Valentine the rabbit and Barney the spaniel.”
“They are part of our life, however, I have a soft spot for Eddie, the ‘ships cat’ at the GSPCA too.”
“This is why I enjoy working at the GSPCA.”
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “Tim is another one of our shining stars at the GSPCA and we cannot thank Social Security enough for their support in this role.”
“The team have been fantastic and I am very proud of everyone working so hard through such difficult times.”
“For some weeks Tim was working from home supporting and keeping in touch with placements and helping with a range of remote work.”
“Saying this in the run up to lock down he and the Work 2 Benefit placements were invaluable assisting the team and Tim is now back on site and we are hoping to phase the Work to Benefit team back in the near future as well.”
"Tim is preparing for their return and been helping out around site to catch up with the care around site as we have over 16 buildings and lots of grounds to look after."
“2020 has been the hardest in living memory for those here at the GSPCA in many ways from working at a social distance to the many team members unable to help out on site due to restrictions.”
“The main challenge is raising the funds as we aren’t able to run our normal events or charity shop and with only a few emergency boarders we have faced a real struggle to raise the £2,000 a day to run the Shelter so we launched our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal .”
“We have had some amazing donations towards this much needed appeal and if you would like to donate you can do so by calling 01481 257261, by post or online via our web page https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal .”
“Another great way to supporting is by donating each month and to find out details please visit this web page http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf .”
“Without your support the GSPCA couldn’t achieve so much caring and helping over 3000 animals every year.”
“We hope to speak to other team members in the coming weeks about their experiences.”
“If you donate a minimum donation of £5 during June you will be put into a draw for a Sterling Silver “Gerry” Giraffe charm and chain kindly donated by Becky Rowe.”
“We thank everyone for their support and understanding during these difficult days but to help show your support to the GSPCA not only can you donate you can also #PetorateToCelebrate .”
“Petorate to Celebrate is a fun way for everyone to show their support to animal charities across the British Isles and Ireland and with this idea born in Guernsey we would love to see everyone get involved.”
“To find out more on #PetorateToCelebrate please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/petoratetocelebrate .”
By post please make cheques payable to 'GSPCA’ and post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD.
In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if you are over 65, have an underlying health condition or have any symptoms of Coronavirus and only visit us if your visit is essential but before doing so please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to the GSPCA to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus
The GSPCA continues with Essential Services only at this time and for more details please visit - www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-continue-essential-services-only-time-please-contact-us-visiting-and-encouraging-social-d
With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
During these difficult times help us help animals in need. From donating to Sponsoring a Pen, Buying a Brick for the much needed Wildlife Hospital to our Amazon and main page Wish List, holding a mufti day to a sponsored Christmas dip, here are some of the ways you could help give animals joy.
For lots more ideas on how you can support the shelter and the animals in our care then please visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising
To see a list of our volunteer induction evenings which we hold each month and for more information please visit http://gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or call 257261
To find out more on trips, talks and our education work please email [email protected] or call 01481 257261
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