Highlights from This Year’s In-Person Open Meeting
Our last Open Meeting of the year took place on 25th November 2025 at the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, hosted by Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter.
Thank you to all who attended the final ADCH Open Meeting of the year in Newcastle. With more than 70 people present, the programme offered valuable updates and opportunities to share learning across member organisations, their teams and volunteers.
A sincere thanks to Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter for their warm hospitality and for offering guided site tours across two days. Their team gave attendees a closer look at the incredible work they do for animals in need, and we deeply appreciate their efforts in making this event special.
Following a warm welcome from Giles Webber, ADCH Chair, and Rebecca Cooper, ADCH Executive Director, we kicked off with an inspiring session from Linda Cantle, ADCH Trustee and Director of Operations – Pet Services at Woodgreen. Her talk, “Less is More: Making Pet Advice Clear and Actionable”, explored how simplifying guidance can help new pet owners feel confident and ensure pets settle happily into their homes.
We were then pleased to receive a legislative update from David Bowles, Chair of the ADCH Legislative Committee and Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, who shared the latest developments impacting our sector.
After a networking break, Dr. Sue Paterson FRCVS, Chair of Trustees of The Animal Charity Pharmacy, provided a recorded update on their work to establish a low-cost pharmacy for ADCH members, helping organisations access reduced-price veterinary medicines.
Our agenda then continued with “All for Cats – From Rescue to Prevention”, presented by Mike Elliott, Cat Welfare & Operations Director at Cats Protection, ADCH Trustee and Chair of our Governance Committee, alongside Richard Lythgoe, Senior Community Operations Manager at Cats Protection. This session looked at the increasing pressure on traditional rescue services, the importance of prevention helping improve outcomes for cats.
One of the most engaging sessions of the day was “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Think Strategically”, featuring Vanessa Waddon (Hope Rescue) and Giles Webber (Birmingham Dogs Home). They shared practical strategies for resilience and adaptability during challenging times, sparking valuable discussion and collaborative learning among attendees.
We also heard updates from our sponsors and supporters, including Petplan and Pets Foundation, followed by member updates and committee news before closing for lunch and further networking opportunities.
Pre-booked tours of Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter rounded off the day, giving attendees a chance to see first-hand the incredible work being done locally.
Rebecca Cooper, ADCH Executive Director, commented: “The final Open Meeting of the year was a testament to the strength and collaboration within our community. The insights shared and connections made will help us all navigate the challenges ahead and continue delivering the best possible care for animals and the people who support them.”
The ADCH central team and Board of Trustees sincerely appreciate everyone who attended, engaged, and contributed to making our 130th Open Meeting a success.
