Bognor Regis reptile rescue charity launches £3,500 appeal after memorable visits to dementia care homes

A Bognor Regis animal rescue charity is hoping to raise £3,500 to bring reptile education to more communities across Sussex, following heartwarming feedback from care homes where residents living with dementia continued talking about the animals days after their visits.

The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre has launched a new fundraising campaign called Beyond the Scales, aimed at expanding its educational outreach programme to schools, care homes, youth groups and community organisations.

The registered charity, which rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes reptiles, says its previous visits to care homes have demonstrated just how much of an impact meeting unusual animals can have on residents.

During the sessions, residents were given the opportunity to meet reptiles being cared for by the charity, learn about their behaviour and discover more about animals they might not otherwise encounter.

Care home staff later reported that some residents living with dementia were still talking about their experiences several days afterwards.

Benjamin Checkley, Founder and Operations Manager of The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre, said: “When we visit care homes, our aim is to give residents an opportunity to meet animals they might never otherwise encounter and learn something new.

“What really touched us was hearing that some residents living with dementia were still talking about our reptiles days after we’d visited.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our animals can create such memorable experiences. For us, these visits are about much more than education. They’re about bringing people together, encouraging conversations and creating moments of enjoyment.”

The charity now wants to build on those experiences by making its educational sessions available to more people across West and East Sussex.

Through the Beyond the Scales campaign, volunteers hope to visit more schools, youth organisations and care homes, helping people learn about reptiles, their natural habitats, behaviour and conservation.

The sessions also promote responsible reptile ownership and aim to challenge some of the misconceptions surrounding snakes, lizards and other reptiles.

Benjamin believes education is just as important as the charity's rescue work.

He added: “We believe education is one of the most important things we can do alongside rescuing animals.

“By helping young people understand reptiles, we can encourage responsible ownership and inspire an interest in wildlife and conservation.

“Our visits to care homes have also shown us how these experiences can spark curiosity and conversation among people of all ages.”

The initial £3,500 fundraising target will help pay for educational resources, transport, specialist equipment, animal welfare supplies and the costs associated with delivering community visits.

As a small charity supported by volunteers, the rescue centre relies heavily on donations and public support to continue its work.

It is now encouraging residents, businesses and community organisations across Sussex to get behind the appeal through donations, sponsorship and fundraising activities.

Benjamin explained: “We would love to reach more people, but expanding our programme requires resources.

“Even a small donation can help us continue delivering these experiences. Whether someone gives £5, £10 or simply shares our appeal, their support makes a difference.

“Our hope is that Beyond the Scales will help us build a sustainable educational programme that benefits communities across Sussex for years to come.”

The charity hopes the campaign will allow it to develop a long-term programme of visits, giving children, older residents and community groups opportunities to experience wildlife education first-hand.

Members of the public can support the Beyond the Scales campaign through the charity's JustGiving fundraising page >> Beyond the Scales - JustGiving

Schools, care homes and community organisations interested in arranging an educational visit are also encouraged to contact the centre directly.

For more information or to support the appeal, visit www.thesussexrrc.org.uk or email info@thesussexrrc.org.uk.

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