A new community hub has been opened by a national charity in Cumbria.
Dogs Trust chief executive officer Owen Sharp and British rock guitarist Sophie Lloyd officially opened the facility in Penrith at the weekend.
The project is a new venture for the charity which does not have a traditional rehoming centre in the county.
The charity relies solely on volunteer foster carers to care for dogs on a temporary basis in their home before they are adopted. Last year Dogs Trust Cumbria found homes for 100 dogs through its foster carers.
Sophie Lloyd adopted her dog Kobe from Dogs Trust Cumbria in 2024 and returned to the county to be part of the official opening.
Sophie Lloyd said: “I’ll always be grateful to Dogs Trust for bringing Kobe into my life. Adopting him from Dogs Trust Cumbria was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. He has been my constant companion through so many incredible moments.
“That’s why I was so excited to be part of the official opening of the new Community Hub in Penrith. It’s fantastic to know that even more dog owners, future dog owners, and foster carers will be able to access support, advice, and services to help keep their dogs happy, healthy, and in loving homes.
“Dogs Trust does such important work, and I’m proud to support a charity that’s making such a positive difference for dogs and the people who love them.”
Owen Sharp said: “It is wonderful to have opened our first Community Hub in Cumbria which marks an important step in expanding the support Dogs Trust provides across the county.
“Everything we do at Dogs Trust starts with our vision – a better life for every dog – and this Hub is about helping more dogs find loving new homes.
“This welcoming space, in the heart of Penrith, is open to everyone who cares about dogs – owners, adopters, volunteers, families, and supporters.
“I would like to thank everyone who has visited the Hub so far and we look forward to welcoming many more dog lovers to the new facility in the future.”
The facility is located at 3 Middlegate in Penrith. The opening was followed by a community open day where people took part in a treasure hunt, made snuffle mats and explored a Dogs Trust ambulance.
The building includes areas for training and education, support for fostering or adopting, a kids’ corner, a dog food bank and a coffee area. The ground floor features a meeting space, disabled toilet facilities and a hearing loop.
The hub is open Monday through to Saturday. It opens from 9am to 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, from 11am to 3pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays.
