A £20,000 outdoor tearoom has been officially opened at a north Cumbria animal charity’s base.
Oak Tree Animals’ Charity, at Wetheral Shields, was awarded more than £20,000 from HSBC UK to create the community space.
HSBC UK’s Damien Sallie, Erin Torbett and Rachel Miller officially opened the community space, which provides additional seating for Oak Tree’s workshops and seminars.
Caroline Johnson, general manager, said: “The therapeutic benefits of animals and the natural world is well documented, and being outside near animals and listening to nature can encourage those who are feeling vulnerable or nervous, to talk more openly or willingly with less pressure.
“This grant will enable us to facilitate this type of supported discussion and allow us to provide the right level of provision for that individual. We couldn’t be more grateful to HSBC UK for their generosity.
“Oak Tree provides a community facility for Wetheral and is a frequent meeting place for those who are elderly, lonely or socially isolated. Small groups meet regularly in the tearoom area, united by their love of animals, often in groups attended by our staff or volunteers.
“The covered area outside will enable them to facilitate the meeting of these groups, bringing people together within our community, helping to prevent loneliness and allowing them to support the most vulnerable within our community.”
