TRUSTEES of the Brent Knoll Animal Centre are set to give a behind-the-scenes look at how the charity supports its local North Somerset Community.

As the RSPCA marks its 200th anniversary, and during National Volunteers Week, the North Somerset Branch is holding a Community Engagement Week.

The centre is inviting its members, volunteers and local community to join in on the events happening throughout the week from June 3 to June 9 and celebrate the dedication and amazing achievements of its volunteers.

It also presents an opportunity for local businesses to come and meet the team and the animals in their care.

During the Community Engagement Week, there will be an afternoon tea for volunteers, an annual general meeting, an audience with Damien Boyd – author of the DI Nick Dixon crime series, and their regular pop-up shop event on June 8 and 9.

Centre manager Katy Darelli said: “The Brent Knoll Animal Centre team are here to help animals in need and their owners who need us more than ever due to the cost-of-living crisis.

“The RSPCA is getting more calls about abandoned animals, neglect is on the rise and more animals are coming into our care.

“At the same time, while caring for the animals, we are faced with increased bills and less donations due to the financially difficult economic climate.

“But together we can help animals and everyone can do their bit from donating funds to our cause, volunteering or even dropping goods off at our charity shops.

“Our Community Engagement Week is one way that we can reach out to our local community and ask for any help that that they are able to offer.”

If you own or are part of a local business and you would like to find out more about the branch and how you could support their work, contact dawn.pawlett@rspcanorthsomerset.org.uk to book a tour of the animal centre.

The RSPCA North Somerset Branch is a separately registered charity from the National RSPCA.

It is funded by four charity shops and relies on the donations from the local community and the support of their dedicated volunteers.

The branch supports its local RSPCA inspectors by providing funds for the emergency treatment and accommodation of animals, which can suffer because of inaction or mistreatment, or when their owners have financial difficulties or suffer ill health.

The society’s inspectorate rescues animals in distress and enforces laws against the mistreatment of animals in England and Wales by bringing prosecutions. It also provides education, information and advice.