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Charity no. 102422
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0289 1641340

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About

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Welcome to Rosie’s Trust

Our Story

The original idea for Rosie’s Trust was born in 2015 when our founder, Bronagh O’Neill (pictured here with her dog, Rosie), who was a nurse at the time, learned first-hand from a friend of hers the impact that cancer had had on his ability to look after his beloved dog. He lived alone and described how he could no longer care for his “very special friend”.   Through subsequent research and discussions with organisations such as Marie Curie, Macmillan Cancer Support, Age NI and local Health and Social Care Trusts, Bronagh also learned that large numbers of people were having to surrender their pets at a time when they needed them most because they were too weak to care properly for them themselves.   Bronagh’s findings demonstrated to her the pressing need for a charity such as Rosie’s Trust in Northern Ireland.   Since its establishment, Rosie’s Trust has worked with an increasing number of individuals and organisations (statutory, corporate as well as community and voluntary sector) to ensure we are continuing to provide the care and support that is required.
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Meet Our Team

Our Fantastic Staff, Trustees & Volunteers

Staff

Margo & Fly's Owner

(AKA Jayne McStay)
Operations Manager

Walt's Owner

(AKA Laura Quinn)
Development Officer

Phoenix & Summer's Owner

(AKA Sandra McFadden)
Volunteer Support Officer

Trustees

Pip's Owner

(AKA Tim Leonard)
Chair of Rosie's Trust

Judy's Owner

(AKA Fiona Coulter)
Trustee

Chester's Owner

(AKA Diane James)
Trustee

Springsteen's Owner

(AKA Josephine Mallon)
Trustee

Denny's Owner

(AKA Joy McGimpsey)
Trustee

Peggy's Owner

(AKA Emer Rice)
Trustee

Berry's Owner

(AKA Joyce Savage)
Trustee

Volunteers

Daisy & Ted's Owner

(AKA Anne Tweed)
Phone Support

Lotte's Owner

(AKA Cilla Sherman)
Phone Support

Milo's Owner

(AKA Aisling Fitzmaurice)
Phone Support

Leon's Owner

(AKA Imelda McConnell)
Phone Support

Mack & Ted's Owner

(AKA Olivia Crooks)
Phone Support

Sally's Owner

(AKA Ruth Pinkerton)
Phone Support & Volunteer Coordinator

Copper & Jack's Owner

(AKA Lynda Crozier)
Volunteer Coordinator

Hilary Idzikowska
Dog Listener

Milo's Owner

(AKA Jackie Morgan)
Dog Listener

Eric's Owner

(AKA Susan Lynn)
Dog Listener

Coby & Ellie's Owner

(AKA Rebecca Neilson)
Dog Listener

Buddy's Owner

(AKA Janet)
Phone Support

Bella and Beau's Owner

(AKA Chrissy)
Social Media Support
Tim Leonard

I have been a trustee with Rosie’s Trust over the last 7 years. It has been a joy to see the charity develop from the beginning, though the vision and efforts of Bronagh O’Neill to the current time under our wonderful operations team. It is great to see the impact of the charity in preserving the bond between our beneficiaries and their pets. I have found my time with Rosie’s Trust very rewarding and look forward to the growth of the charity over time to reach more people and pets in need.

Fiona Coulter

I joined Rosie’s Trust in June 2017 as a Canine Support Volunteer after seeing an article in the paper about Bronagh O’Neill and the charity she had set up. Following various lockdowns, I decided that I wanted a new challenge but was very keen to stay involved with the charity so I joined the Board of Trustees in September 2021.

 

Since joining Rosie’s Trust as a volunteer, I have seen first-hand the importance of the work of the charity. Through our involvement, pets can remain with their owners at the darkest of times. Often their pets are the only company that the beneficiary has and it’s heart-warming to see the love they have for their pets and how much they value the help volunteers provide. Without Rosie’s Trust, many of our beneficiaries would have had to give up their beloved pets and would be totally on their own. Definitely enough reason to volunteer with Rosie’s Trust!

Diane James

I have worked with Rosie’s Trust in an external capacity for a few years. I met Bronagh (the founder) through my job as ‘Head of Pet Loss and Bereavement’ for Blue Cross animal charity. I became a Trustee about a year ago and I also work with Rosie’s Trust’s pet bereavement team.

 

Once I had met the team and saw the amazing work they do, I knew I wanted to do what I could to support such a fantastic initiative. Every single person I have talked to and worked with is very special; they all have the same passion to make Rosie’s Trust the best it can be. I am very thankful to be part of it.

Josephine Mallon

I became a trustee in January 2021. I have always shared my life with furry friends and have experienced the sheer joy of canine friendship, being both the giver and receiver of unconditional love.

I was drawn to Rosie’s Trust because I wanted to be part of a team of like-minded people, who wish to maintain the unique bond between owner and beloved pet. Wet noses, waggy tails and sloppy kisses make our hearts sing and lift our spirits. I am privileged and humbled to work in a charitable organisation with such dedicated staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to support our most vulnerable.

Joy McGimpsey

I have been a trustee with Rosie’s Trust since September 2021. I got involved as I believe that what Rosie’s Trust do is unique, inspiring and extremely valuable to the community. I was drawn to the dual aspect of supporting vulnerable people as well as benefitting their pets. A pet is part of the family and to work with an organisation that recognises and champions pets while removing the stresses and anxieties of their owners at what can be difficult times is extremely rewarding.

Emer Rice

I have been a Trustee since January 2021. As an animal lover I really wanted to get involved with Rosie’s Trust as I understand how important our pets are to us, never more so than when we are going through difficult times in life. To play a small part in helping to maintain that bond between someone and their little companion is so rewarding.

Joyce Savage

I became a member of the trustee board in September 2021. I have worked in the Voluntary sector for more than 25 years in a range of charities of different sizes and levels of development. This has given me a good understanding of what works for a successful charity – and what doesn’t. Aside from charity management experience my expertise covers the areas of income generation, communications, campaigning and public affairs.

 

As a dog owner and someone living alone, I understand the concerns for a pet’s welfare when live isn’t going as it should or as was planned. I hope to bring my practical experience and personal motivation together to help Rosie’s Trust continue to grow and develop and to be there for all the 4 and 2 legged beneficiaries who need our support.

What We Do

Providing care and support for those in need

Giving Peace of Mind
Rosie’s Trust offers peace of mind for our beneficiaries as they know Rosie’s Trust will s...
Read More +
Making Life-Changing Difference
Rosie’s Trust makes a huge difference to the lives of both our human and our pet beneficia...
Read More +
Providing Emotional Support
When someone is faced with a cancer diagnosis, disability or terminal illness, their whole...
Read More +
Addressing Loneliness
Rosie’s Trust plays an important role in addressing loneliness, and alleviating anxiety an...
Read More +
A Unique Charity in NI
No other charity or organisation in Northern Ireland is dedicated to helping people who ar...
Read More +

Rosie’s Trust offers peace of mind for our beneficiaries as they know Rosie’s Trust will support them in the care of their companion pet for as long as they need us and our resources permit.

Our service is for people who are anxious about the adverse effect of their illness or disability on the welfare of their companion pet and who depend on their companion pet for emotional support.

We undertake a very thorough assessment process of each of our beneficiaries and their pets. This enables us to develop tailored action plans, which take into account and address all the risks we have identified, and ensure the best match for the beneficiary with our volunteers. We also have robust safeguarding policies in place to protect our beneficiaries and our volunteers.

Rosie’s Trust makes a huge difference to the lives of both our human and our pet beneficiaires. As one beneficiary told us, “I simply wouldn’t have been able to keep my cat without Rosie’s Trust,” or another who stated, “Snowy is my reason to keep going. While he’s here, I’ll be here and I can promise him that, thanks to the volunteers from Rosie’s Trust.”

We allocate an average of three volunteers to each beneficiary. We are concerned not only for the welfare of our human beneficiaries but also, of course, that of their animals. Our volunteers provide help and support in all aspects of pet care, including feeding, grooming, exercising, play and stimulation, and vet visits.

We provide fostering services when our beneficiaries need to spend a period of time in hospital or in hospice care. And, if our beneficiaries so wish, we find new homes for their pets when they are no longer able to care for them, including when they die.

When someone is faced with a cancer diagnosis, disability or terminal illness, their whole world changes. They have so much to worry about, so much to deal with and the one thing they need - especially those living alone – is the emotional support that their companion pet provides.

They are no longer able to provide their dog or cat with the same level of care they once could and their anxiety about the welfare of their beloved companion only serves to compound their distress.

At the most stressful time of their lives, they may be forced to give up their companion pet and, in so doing, experience tremendous loss, isolation and feelings of guilt.

Some people have reported that they considered delaying or even refusing treatment because they had no one to look after their pet.


Rosie’s Trust prevents them from having to make such terrible choices.

We also offer a pet bereavement service, providing emotional support to beneficiaries when their companion pet predeceases them.

Rosie’s Trust plays an important role in addressing loneliness, and alleviating anxiety and stress among our beneficiaries.

Our volunteers ensure when they visit that our beneficiaries are as well as can be and they provide welcome social contact for many. As one volunteer commented: “It’s so important for the beneficiaries to see someone every day, including Christmas Day, as they are totally on their own.”

Our volunteers also work closely with social workers and carers as a result of our daily visits to vulnerable members of the community. We alert the relevant social worker and/or care team whenever we have a concern about the beneficiary’s welfare. We keep details of all our beneficiaries’ next of kin.

No other charity or organisation in Northern Ireland is dedicated to helping people who are unable to look after their companion pets independently. Since our establishment in 2015 Rosie’s Trust has helped 180 people to hold on to their pets at a time when they need them most... and the numbers are continuing to grow…

Macmillan Cancer Support estimates that the number of people living with cancer in Northern Ireland will increase by 40% by 2030.

Northern Ireland’s ageing population will also inevitably have a significant impact on demand for our services.

Our work has been made possible thanks to core funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. However, this funding is of course only available for a limited period.

We provide our services free of charge, 365 days of the year. We depend on donations to cover our service costs, and every penny gifted to us is carefully used.

Our sustainability depends on our finding alternative funding from a diverse range of sources.

Providing at home support for your pets and you

Rosie’s Trust is a lifeline to me and Flossy. I would never have been able to manage and would probably have had to give her away. I have a lot of health problems and couldn’t manage without the lovely people at Rosie’s Trust.

- Margaret McCormick

Why Support Us?

Maintaining the special bond between our beneficiaries and their pets

All animal lovers know the joy that their pets’ companionship and unconditional love bring to their lives.

 

Imagine how it would feel if you had to give up your pet when you’re undergoing cancer treatment and can’t provide your dog or cat with the same level of care you once could.

 

Rosie’s Trust was set up precisely to help people in such situations to hold on to their beloved pets; the times when they most need the emotional support their animals provide.

 

There is no other charity or organisation in Northern Ireland providing this service.

 

Our team of around 150 amazing volunteers provide help and support in all aspects of pet care, including feeding, grooming, exercising, play and stimulation, and vet visits. Our volunteers are our eyes and ears, ensuring when they visit that our beneficiaries are as well as can be and providing welcome social contact for many.

We also have volunteers who foster our beneficiaries’ pets when they need to spend a period of time in hospital or in hospice care. And if the beneficiaries so wish, we also find new homes for their pets when they are no longer able to care for them, including when they die.

What our volunteers say

“I know personally how devastating a terminal i...

Read More +
What our beneficiaries say

“When I became ill, I was very worried that I w...

Read More +

Call Us For Support 0289 1641340

All animal lovers know the joy that their pets’ companionship and unconditional love bring to their lives.

 

Imagine how it would feel if you had to give up your pet when you’re undergoing cancer treatment and can’t provide your dog or cat with the same level of care you once could.

 

Rosie’s Trust was set up precisely to help people in such situations to hold on to their beloved pets; the times when they most need the emotional support their animals provide.

 

There is no other charity or organisation in Northern Ireland providing this service.

 

Our team of around 150 amazing volunteers provide help and support in all aspects of pet care, including feeding, grooming, exercising, play and stimulation, and vet visits. Our volunteers are our eyes and ears, ensuring when they visit that our beneficiaries are as well as can be and providing welcome social contact for many.

We also have volunteers who foster our beneficiaries’ pets when they need to spend a period of time in hospital or in hospice care. And if the beneficiaries so wish, we also find new homes for their pets when they are no longer able to care for them, including when they die.

“I know personally how devastating a terminal illness can be to the whole family. However, when that person is single and their pets are their lives, then this takes on a whole new dimension. Knowing that their pet is being regularly cared for is a weight off their shoulders.”

“When I became ill, I was very worried that I wasn’t going to be able to look after Todd as I just couldn’t take him for his walks. I was delighted when I was put in contact with Rosie’s Trust who have been an absolute blessing.”

Volunteering

Some of our amazing volunteers!

Becoming a Volunteer Couldn’t Be Easier

You can apply online or by phone

Make The Call

0289 1641340

Volunteer

News & Events

News & Events

We're Recruiting

New Trustees needed for an exciting New Year!

Rosie’s Trust is a small but growing charity with ambitious plans to expand our services throughout Northern Ireland......

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We're Recruiting

Rosie’s Trust is recruiting!

We are very excited to announce that Rosie's Trust was successful in our application to the National Lottery Community Fund's Dormant Accounts programme....

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Surviving Spooky Season

Get Spooky Season Ready With Rosie’s Trust

With a little magic, a sprinkle of time, a good dose of patience and an awful lot of love we can help our pets this Halloween.....

Read More

Awesome fundraisers!

Well done to Angel and Rosie, who took part in their Colour Rush on Saturday, 30 July. They really enjoyed this fun event and raised a marvellous £280 for Rosie’s Trust too!

 

Looking a bit clean here, but if we get a colourful update, we’ll be sure to share it.

 

If you’d like to give their total a boost, here’s the link to donate:

 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rosie-and-angel-run

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Thank you so much for your support!

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2 Queen's Parade, Bangor BT20 3BJ

0289 1641340
mail@rosiestrust.org
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At Rosie’s Trust our mission is to preserve and protect the special relationship between people and their companion pets. We will do this when that relationship is at risk due to the person receiving a terminal diagnosis, when an older person is living with a disability, or when someone is being treated for cancer.
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©2022 Rosie’s Trust

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Registered With The Northern Ireland Charity Commision Charity no. 102422

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