The Endeavour Project – Hidden Victims

4th January 2021

This weeks Guest Blog is from Angela Gray who represents the Endeavour Project in Bolton. Angela is a regular at Unique Ladies Bolton, and Endeavour are the charity of the year for Unique Ladies Bolton.

The Endeavour project set up in 1998 is a unique service that covers the North West and supports anyone who has a pet in need of temporary accommodation until it is safe for them to return home.

The Endeavour project set up in 1998 is a unique service that covers the North West and supports anyone who has a pet in need of temporary accommodation until it is safe for them to return home.
Last year 1.9 million women aged 16-59 reported suffering domestic abuse since the age of 16.Two women a week are murdered by their partner or ex partner and 30 men were murdered last year as a result of domestic violence .25% of domestic abuse survivors returned to an abusive partner out of concern for their pet.
Here at Endeavour we offer a unique fostering service for pets ensuring that no one gets left behind. We receive no funding for this service and rely on the support of amazing people like you to keep these animals safe until they can return home.
Working with people and their pets we see the connection between animal abuse and domestic abuse. When animals are abused, people are at risk; when people are abused, animals are at risk. In a fifth of homes where pets suffer cruelty, there is a high risk of domestic abuse.
In violent and abusive relationships, pets are often threatened, injured or even killed by the perpetrator maintain control over their partner and children or to intimidate them to remain in, or be silent about, their abusive situation.
One of our surveys revealed that 94% of women living in refuges said that the availability of a pet fostering service would have made it easier for them and their children to escape the violence. Over 50% had no option to permanently give up their pets before going in to temporary accommodation.
Endeavour project reduces the stress and pressure on these families and the suffering of the animals by providing high quality pet fostering until the owners are rehoused. The pet service comprises a network of experienced volunteer pet foster carers who are supported and advised on specialist animal care as required. All fostered animals are visited and monitored on a regular basis to ensure they are receiving the highest standard of care.

To increase awareness of links between animal and people abuse, vets are encouraged to by the police to look for signs of non-accidental injuries to pets. If vets are suspicious about an injury they should consider encouraging the pet owner/potential victim to speak out by asking for example; “is it possible that this injury has been caused by someone you live with?”

Harvey’s story

Harvey is a well-loved long haired black and white cat. He is now ten and lived with his human family consisting of Mum Angela, and two children Harvey and Isabella.
Angela has been married to her husband for fifteen years and as time progressed he became more and more controlling. There would be violent outbursts if his football team didn’t win, if dinner wasn’t quite the way he wanted it at the time he wanted it. Angela knew she needed to end the relationship but wasn’t sure how to get help.

After a final violent outburst that left Angela with a broken arm she was referred to Endeavour for support, they not only offered to support her but also managed to find a foster home for Harvey. The children were heartbroken as he was very much part of the family. Angela knew she couldn’t leave Harvey in the home as it was very likely he would be killed by her husband as revenge for her leaving him which is why she had stayed so long.

Harvey was placed with a cat fosterer who was checked and monitored by the pet worker to ensure he had settled well and was well looked after.

Sadly Harvey was found to have a serious illness and required vetenary treatment, Endeavour paid for this treatment and continue to do so each month. The last vets bill was £250. Sadly Harvey is unlikely to make it home to his family as his health deteriorates but his family know he is well looked after and loved.

Many pets like Harvey do go home and it’s only with support from amazing people we can continue this service.

How you can help: – All details on our website www.endeavourproject.org.uk

Endeavours Pets fostering Service is funded by charity events and donations
Gifts of money, no matter how big or how small, regular or one-off, are precious for the continuation of our service. Just think…
For £10.00 we can treat a pet for fleas and worms
For £25.00 we can have a pet vaccinated
For £60.00 we can have a pet neutered…
These are just some of the basic expenses that Endeavour pays.

Join the 50/50 Club not only gives you the opportunity of winning a cash prize – £225 a month (better odds than the National Lottery!) – but also ensures financial security for the pet project.

Choose to support Endeavour Pets service as charity of the year.

Donate cat food.

We urgently need foster carers for cats, If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer, please visit our website to download an application form or e-mail petfostering@endeavourproject.org.uk

Endeavour Project
26 Chorley New Road Bolton
01204 394842
fundraising@endeavourproject.org.uk