Charity's pup 'reduces stigma' of asking for help

Ollie Foster - along with Bowie the puppy - gets into the Christmas spirt as he delivers food and essential groceries to people in Wigan

A labradoodle puppy is helping to reduce the stigma some people feel about needing help with the rising cost of living, a charity has said.

The Brick, based in Wigan, helps families by handing out surplus goods such as food, hygiene products and cleaning supplies that have been donated by businesses.

Puppy Bowie, named after pop star David Bowie because he has different coloured eyes, accompanies owner Ollie Foster in his delivery van.

The charity's chief executive said Bowie helped to take away any sense of awkwardness or embarrassment felt by people receiving essential supplies.

'Fun and joy'

"Bowie is more than just a dog," said Mr Foster. "He's a symbol of the community spirit that helps us make a real difference.

"Every delivery of essentials we make brings not just items, but hope and joy to families in need this Christmas."

Chief executive Keely Dalfen described Bowie as "a special boy, doing a special job".

She added: "We realised that the fun and joy he brought was really helping to take away some of the stigma many people feel because they are struggling and need help.

"So as well as making our vans unbranded, we also made Bowie the delivery dog a regular fixture, because we don't want anyone we deliver much-needed essentials to be feeling embarrassed or ashamed that they need help."

Ms Dalfen said her charity's work was much needed.

"Rising living costs are forcing families into impossible situations - parents trying to clean their children's clothes with washing up liquid because they cannot afford washing powder, and babies arriving at nursery wearing the same nappies from the night before," she said.

"Poverty is incredibly widespread and impacts a huge range of people - we know of countless people who are doing two or even three jobs and are still really struggling to provide the essentials for themselves or their families."