Consett-based social enterprise Shadows Of Light CIC has taken its work to the Houses of Parliament, as founder Natasha (Sash) Alderson-Pollock shares the organisation's journey and plans for national expansion.
What began as a vision to transform lives through the unique connection between people and animals has now reached the corridors of Westminster.
On Wednesday 14th October, Consett-based social enterprise Shadows Of Light CIC travelled to the Houses of Parliament, accompanied by its much-loved black Labradors, Shadow and Akira, to showcase the impact of animal-assisted therapy across the North East.
For founder and Executive Director Natasha (Sash) Alderson-Pollock, it was a day filled with emotion, pride and possibilities.
Sash said:
What a whirlwind of a week! I have genuinely needed time to process what was an absolutely incredible experience. I knew it was going to be a special day, but I could never have anticipated just how meaningful it would become.
Two Labradors Take on London
The adventure began long before the team arrived at Westminster.
For Shadow and Akira, it was their first experience travelling on trains and the London Underground. Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, busy platforms and crowds of commuters, both dogs took everything in their stride.
Sash said:
I was incredibly proud of them before we had even entered Parliament. They were absolutely brilliant. Watching them navigate the trains, tubes and the hustle and bustle of London reminded me why we do what we do. Their ability to bring calm, reassurance and happiness into unfamiliar situations is remarkable.
For those familiar with Shadows Of Light CIC, Shadow and Akira are far more than companions. They are at the heart of an organisation making a genuine difference to people experiencing some of life's greatest challenges.
Prime Minister's Questions
After passing through parliamentary security, Sash and the team had the opportunity to observe Prime Minister's Questions.
Watching parliamentary proceedings unfold in person was an experience Sash describes as surreal.
To sit there and watch democracy in action, seeing the people who make decisions affecting millions of lives, was something I will never forget.
She added:
It was also quite emotional. My late Dad would have absolutely loved hearing about the day. I found myself wishing I could pick up the phone and tell him where I was and what we had achieved. He would have been so proud.
Taking Shadows Of Light to Parliament
The main purpose of the visit was a dedicated event at Parliament, where Shadows Of Light CIC had secured a room to meet MPs and discuss its work supporting vulnerable and isolated communities.
The organisation delivers animal-assisted wellbeing interventions across schools, care homes, specialist services and community settings throughout the North East.
Its beneficiaries include children with special educational needs, people with disabilities, non-verbal individuals, older people living with dementia, veterans experiencing PTSD, people affected by cancer and individuals struggling with their mental health or experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Through carefully structured sessions with therapy dogs, the organisation helps people develop confidence, improve communication, reduce isolation and reconnect with the world around them.
And the results can be extraordinary.
One non-verbal adult began attempting speech following just five sessions. Older people living with dementia have recalled precious memories through their interactions with the dogs. Children struggling with anxiety and school attendance have found renewed motivation to engage with education.
Perhaps one of the most moving experiences involved a 103-year-old woman receiving end-of-life care who had loved black Labradors throughout her life. Shadow and Akira spent precious time with her during her final day, providing comfort and companionship.
Sash added:
These are not just statistics. These are real people, real families and real lives being changed. Sometimes something as simple as a connection with an animal can achieve what traditional approaches have struggled to unlock.
Conversations With MPs
The parliamentary event generated considerable interest, with MPs engaging in discussions about the organisation's work and the potential to introduce similar programmes into their own constituencies.
For Sash, who has spent more than two decades working in education, community development and supporting disadvantaged groups, the conversations represented a significant milestone.
To have so many meaningful conversations with MPs about what we are achieving was overwhelming in the best possible way.
We were discussing real challenges affecting communities across the country: children's mental health, school attendance, dementia, social isolation, disability, veterans' wellbeing and access to support.
What really struck me was the genuine interest in finding solutions and exploring how our approach could benefit people beyond the North East.
We went to Parliament to share our story, but came away with conversations and potential partnerships that could shape the future of Shadows Of Light.
North East Roots, National Ambitions
Although Shadows Of Light CIC remains firmly rooted in the North East, its ambitions are growing.
The organisation already works with multiple care homes, schools and community partners, supported by an established network of volunteers involved in therapeutic delivery, administration, fundraising and community engagement.
It is also developing a research collaboration with Newcastle University to explore the impact of animal-assisted interventions and build a stronger evidence base for the approach.
Following the parliamentary visit, Sash is now exploring opportunities to develop regional delivery partnerships, expand volunteer networks and establish a sustainable model capable of reaching communities across the UK.
The North East will always be our home and the foundation of everything we do. But if we can make this kind of difference here, why should people in other parts of the country miss out?
We want to create something sustainable that enables more communities to access this support, while maintaining the compassion, safeguarding and quality that make our work so special.
A Day to Remember
The visit concluded with a tour of Parliament, offering an opportunity to explore the historic building and reflect on everything that had happened.
Walking through those corridors, surrounded by so much British history, was an incredible way to finish the day.
I still feel as though I am in a bubble. I am not entirely sure I have taken everything in yet.
When I think about where we started, the people we have supported, the challenges we have overcome and now having the opportunity to share our work in Parliament, it is quite emotional.
Sash also expressed particular gratitude to local MP Liz Twist for her support.
A massive thank you to Liz Twist for helping make such an unforgettable experience possible. Having people who recognise the importance of community organisations and the difference they make means an enormous amount.
Only the Beginning
With growing recognition, new partnerships, research opportunities and interest from across the country, Shadows Of Light CIC is entering a new chapter.
Yet, despite the ambition for national growth, its purpose remains unchanged: reaching people who are vulnerable, isolated or struggling, and helping them find connection, confidence and hope.
Wednesday was about so much more than visiting Parliament. It was about showing what can happen when you believe in something, work incredibly hard and refuse to give up on the people who need support.
I am immensely proud of Shadow, Akira, our volunteers, our supporters and everyone who has helped us get this far.
One thing I know for certain is that this is just the beginning for Shadows Of Light CIC.
We have some incredibly exciting opportunities ahead, and I cannot wait to see where this journey takes us. Watch this space!
