Regional law firm Steele Raymond has launched a new charity partnership with Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs after staff selected it to be their new nominated charity.

The charity topped the internal poll with staff at the Bournemouth-based firm from a list of local and regional good causes.

The poll was overseen by Steele Raymond’s Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) committee.

Fundraising and awareness raising efforts for the charity will now take place over the next two years.

Steele Raymond has set a fundraising target of £12,000 which will equate to sponsoring an assistance dog through a full course of training.

Helpful Hounds trains assistance dogs to provide confidence, support and companionship for young people and their families in Southern England.

The dogs are trained to support young people with a range of needs, such as physical disabilities, autism, Down’s Syndrome, PTSD or other emotional challenges.

Where necessary, they can be trained to provide potentially life-saving alerts for medical conditions or hearing impairments.

Assistance dogs are also trained to work in Special Needs Schools and Departments and for adults facing similar challenges.

Peter Rufus, CEO, Helpful Hounds, pictured left, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have this charity partnership with Steele Raymond which, apart from the financial support, will provide a great opportunity for us to give back through getting involved with some fund-raising projects as well as interacting with events such as ‘Cuddle a Dog’ days for staff and clients.

“Support from companies, local to us, is always appreciated and we are looking forward to the next two years of working with Steele Raymond and their staff.”

To celebrate the launch of the new charity partnership, employees at Steele Raymond received a visit from golden retriever assistance dog, Raffi and new trainee labrador puppy, Cherry Junior.

The cuddly and talented duo were accompanied by Peter Rufus and his wife Sally, a fellow Helpful Hounds trustee, as well as trainer Vicky Mansfield.

Jenny Rogerson, Managing Partner at Steele Raymond, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support Helpful Hounds as our new charity partner.

“We are all very much looking forward to engaging with the charity and raising as much as we can, as well as shining a spotlight on the vital work they do for young people in our community, helping them to achieve their maximum potential.”

The Steele Raymond team will be supporting the charity through a programme of activities including staff fundraising events, sponsored challenges, cake sales and raffles.