Pet food brand Lily’s Kitchen is funding a new mental health support initiative launched in partnership with LGBTQ+ charity MindOut with sales of a limited-edition product.
The ‘Walk & Talk’ service will encourage LGBTQ+ pet owners to gather together in a natural setting and, if they wish, to talk about their mental health and wellbeing. The walks will be attended by MindOut service users, with support from the charity’s staff, and frontline volunteers, with the intention of reducing social isolation, increasing connection to the local community, and improving wellbeing by being outdoors and through interaction with dogs.
The initiative, as well as other support services offered by the charity, will be funded through sales of the Lily’s Kitchen new limited-edition Love & Pride recipes for dogs and cats, with 100% of profits being donated to MindOut (total donation £26,000).
The Walk & Talk events will take place on July 23, August 20 and September 17, in Brighton.
Erica Thornton, interim ceo at MindOut, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching our new ‘Walk & Talk’ service this summer as part of our mental health support interventions and funded by Lily’s Kitchen.
“We know from speaking with our service users that feelings of isolation and a lack of confidence are all too common factors experienced among the LGBTQ+ communities we support, but we also know what a support line pets can be for people feeling this way – they provide unconditional love and are true companions.
“So, our hope is that by providing a safe, supported environment people can connect with fellow LGBTQ+ pet parents and improve their wellbeing by being outdoors in nature with their furry friend.”
Samantha Crossley, marketing director at Lily’s Kitchen, added: “Pets love us for who we are, wholeheartedly and unconditionally. Our society is made richer by its wonderfully diverse community and we believe that all differences should be celebrated. In the same way a pet loves their owner with pride and without prejudice, we want to share this message of limitless love and support a cause close to our hearts.
“That’s why we’ve launched our limited-edition Love & Pride recipes for dogs and cats and are donating 100% of profits to MindOut to help support LGBTQ+ communities.”
Limited-edition Love & Pride for dogs is supplied in 400g cans (RRP £3.70), with the recipe for cats available 85g trays (RRP £1.25).
