Welcome to ADCH’s Newest Member – RSPCA Bluebell Ridge

We’re excited to welcome RSPCA Bluebell Ridge to the ADCH community as our newest Full Member.

RSPCA Sussex East and Hastings Branch, also known as Bluebell Ridge, is one of many self-funding RSPCA Branches across England and Wales. Every year they help hundreds of animals in Hastings and Rother, working alongside the RSPCA Inspectors in their area. The branch operates a cattery where they shelter, care for and rehabilitate unwanted cats, before finding new homes for them within the local community.

The team is made up of 3 full-time and 5 part-time Animal Care Assistants, who are supported by a team of 30+ volunteers.

Aspects of their work include:

◦ Rehabilitating and rehoming abused, abandoned and unwanted cats.

◦ Helping the local community with subsidised veterinary treatment.

◦ Microchipping cats to help return strays to their owners.

◦ Neutering local animals to control the cat and dog population.

The branch also operates a charity shop in Bexhill, which helps to bring in much needed funds for the branch. The shop is run by their Shop Manager, with the support of 2 part-time team members and 10+ volunteers.

As an independent and self-funded charity, they run fun fundraising events and activities, both at their centre and in the local community.

When asked about their reason for deciding to apply for ADCH Membership, Branch Manager Marie Ashton, shared:

“With support from our Trustees, we decided to apply for ADCH membership to access the support, resources, and networking available to move our branch forward professionally.“

Following their successful admission to Full Membership, after undergoing an external assessment against our Minimum Welfare and Operational Standards, Marie added:

“At RSPCA Bluebell Ridge we feel that ADCH membership is a reflection and recognition of how well the branch is operating in meeting requirements of animal welfare and care standards for animal shelters.

Our team of animal care assistants, led by myself and our Head of Cats, work very hard each day to provide the best care we can to the cats in our care.

Our Head of Cats ensures that procedures are in place in the cattery, whilst my role ensures that H&S procedures for the centre and branch as a whole are in place, and that branch operates legally.

Membership is a reflection of how professional the branch and team are operating, and we look forward to receiving the advice, support and networking opportunities to continue to move the branch forward with its development.”