Meet the Mancunian -7.12 - Susie Howes - transcript

Intro

Hello and a warm Mancunian welcome to you today. I'm Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe, your host, and it's an honour to share Season 7 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast: social impact stories from Manchester, with you. This season is all about celebrating the stories of our local changemakers and the profound social impact they are creating.

Every Tuesday, I shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals weaving the fabric of our community. From grassroots heroes to local legends, their stories are the soul of Manchester.

Whether you're tuning in on Apple, Spotify, Google or www. meetthemancunian. co. uk , get ready for a season that showcases the incredible social impact within our community.

Welcome to the 12th episode of Season 7 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast: social impact stories from Manchester. This is the season finale. The Meet the Mancunian podcast will take a short break until June 2024 when I launch Season 8.

Passionate about supporting animal welfare? We hear from Susie Hughes, Head of RSPCA, Manchester and Salford in this episode.

Episode 7.12: Supporting animal welfare

[00:01:19] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: Thank you so much Susie for taking the time.

[00:01:21] Susie Hughes: I'm really delighted to join you today and explore the world of the RSPCA in the local community.

[00:01:27] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: That's lovely. But before we talk about RSPCA and, their role specifically in Manchester and Salford.

Discovering a Lifelong Passion for Animals

[00:01:35] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: Really interested to know how did you find your passion for animals? Where did that come from?

[00:01:40] Susie Hughes: I'm afraid it started in childhood. I've always been passionate about animals, fascinated about how they operate, and I'll be absolutely honest with you, my biggest inspiration was David Attenborough, and I think he still remains a huge one for many people. So I have him largely to blame, but I think it's something that runs through my DNA.

[00:02:00] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: I'm also somebody who's very passionate about animal welfare and animals. , one of my influences was actually one of the famous vets. Reading about James Herriot from my childhood inspired that passion. And one of my dreams was actually to be a vet. Didn't finally come true, but instead I volunteer to support animals.

[00:02:21] Susie Hughes: Kindred spirits then, aren't we?

[00:02:22] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: We are kindred spirits for sure.

The Journey to RSPCA: Making a Difference

[00:02:25] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: Tell us about how you got involved with RSPCA Manchester and Salford and what does it do? Because we've got listeners from around the world.

[00:02:32] Susie Hughes: I got involved with the RSPCA back in 2000, so going back quite some years now. And the reason why I was so interested by the work of the RSPCA is because I felt that they were our best chance to change the laws in this country. To improve the sentencing for cruelty and neglect.

And I'm delighted to say that with lots of campaigning in 2006, we had the Animal Welfare Act introduced, which introduced harsher sentences for people who inflicted intentional cruelty to animals. And that was a real landmark turning point for me and for so many other animal welfare activists, if you like. It's led me to a lifelong passion of making a difference to those that are voiceless.

Prior to starting my job with the RSPCA in 2008, I used to work in social care. So I feel like going from looking after people to now looking after animals is quite a natural progression for me because it's always mattered to me to give a platform to people or animals that are voiceless.

I found my natural fit, after spending quite some years volunteering within the animal welfare community. And then this job came along and it just fit perfectly. And that's 15 years ago now. So you can tell, I'm still rather committed to the, to, to the local charity.

[00:04:06] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: Absolutely. And I like that very much about helping animals who are voiceless. And, it's so important.

Inside RSPCA Manchester and Salford: Mission and Operations

[00:04:13] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: Tell us a little more about RSPCA Manchester Salford. What are the primary focus areas?

[00:04:19] Susie Hughes: With pleasure. We dedicate our care capacity to animals that the National RSPCA inspectors have rescued from abandonment, neglect or cruelty. We have a small animal centre in Salford. And we have a network of foster carers. And between those two rehoming models, we're able to care for animals with such great depth of behaviour or welfare needs. So we can give them everything they need to recover, recuperate and go on to find new lives in new homes.

And it's an absolute privilege to do this work. And even after 15 years, I still get excited every time an animal gets adopted. It's become more and more the norm for us to have animals coming in, in greater states of neglect these days. Intentional cruelty, acts of cruelty. And so the job has become tougher and tougher over the years.

But we also go out into the community to do preventative healthcare support. So we have a programme of delivering free pet care to support people with the basic needs, care requirements, we give out free veterinary advice.

We try and create a two-pronged approach. Help to pet owners who are looking after their animals, but also on the extreme end where we're needing to put the pieces back together again.

[00:05:52] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: I'm sure there's a lot of very good news stories, but it won't always be good news stories as well.

The Challenges of Animal Welfare Work

[00:05:59] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: Can you share a little bit about the challenges you've had to overcome, maybe in the last five years.

[00:06:04] Susie Hughes: You're absolutely right. I think the two greatest challenges that we face as a small local charity, because we are a separately registered charity. We're one of 140 RSPCA branches in England and Wales and we're all responsible for generating our own income. Our animal centre is actually in a rented warehouse unit fitted out with bespoke accommodation.

What we do there is very unique but it allows us to keep our costs down. But costs, finances is the number one challenge for us. Raising enough money to cover our expenditure is an annual a stress point, shall we say. And so for me, the biggest challenge is trying to make sure that we can keep operating and making a difference to as many animals as possible. And heading up the charity, that is very much my responsibility and that is probably my primary challenge.

My second challenge, I've already alluded to already, is the emotional impact that this work has on those that deliver it and nobody can underestimate how difficult that is. I get a lot of people who meet me say, oh, I'd love to do your job. It must be great. Spending your days with animals. That's not what we do.

We spend our days picking up the pieces. We're not there spending hours cuddling animals. It's very hard work. Obviously, everybody has different roles, but we're all doing the same thing. We're all fighting for the same thing. So we're really quite a collaborative approach to the work that we do, but regardless of the role that we take within our charity, it takes its toll on everyone. And mental health has been at the forefront of our concerns for a very long time now and we work really hard together as a team to, to support each other and to talk about these problems.

Burnout is a real prevalent factor in my sector and it's because of the depth of neglect and cruelty that we see. So there is a quite a sobering side to our work. And of course, with us pretty much exclusively taking in animals that an RSPCA inspector has rescued, they're probably some of the most mistreated animals in the community. And it does become tough seeing how far animals can be mistreated, shall we say.

[00:08:39] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: It is really sad that even today, when we are all so much more educated and aware, we can't treat our animals with compassion. And hats off to people who do this every day.

Nature and nurture. It's all about nurture. Ultimately, it's about how the animal is treated. The animal will be as loving as you, as the love you put into it.

[00:08:59] Susie Hughes: I think people don't always recognise that this is a sentient being. And that they're not another material item. They are a living, breathing creature that is dependent on you. One of the hardest things that we see apart from the actual intentional cruelty, like non accidental injuries, things like that, is when you can have animals in the home living their best lives, but there might be a rabbit in a hut in a garden that hasn't been fed for days, is knee deep in their own urine and faeces, and is pretty much at the point of death.

And I find it really hard to understand how somebody can look after the animals that are immediately in their sight, but truly just ignore the ones that are just outside their back door. I remember when I first started in this work many years ago, I was out shadowing a chief inspector and they had a job where the property had a dog outside and a puppy inside.

And what had literally happened was, they'd got bored of the old dog, chucked it in the backyard to starve to death, and they'd gone and got themselves a new toy to play with which was a puppy. And these are the things that keep you up at night. These are the things that I struggle to really reconcile with, how people can't see that this is a sentient being, that they are responsible for if they've taken on, you've taken them on in the first place. So that's where it becomes super challenging, and we do a lot of talking to try and support each other.

[00:10:31] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: Those are really important issues. But I hope this podcast also creates awareness and helps people just stop and think and say, you're taking on the animal for the period of their life. And they're like your children. For me, my dogs have moved around the world with me. They are my babies.

Celebrating Successes and Overcoming Heartbreak

[00:10:48] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: What impact would you say RSPCA Manchester and Salford has made so far?

[00:10:53] Susie Hughes: The immediate impact I think I'd like to share is I was recently working on some statistics and in the last 15 years we have admitted 7, 500 animals into our care. Which means 7, 500 animals getting a second chance or maybe even a third or fourth chance of happiness.

That is a huge impact on the local community. To have been able to support so many people, because often it's people that are also suffering too, as well as animals needing help. I think that's really quite a powerful statistic, but I can't do my job on statistics.

I have to do my job on the individual impact we have on each animal, and it's also really important to me that we also have a positive impact on people around us whether that be people wanting to come and volunteer, doing a college placement with us, or donating, supporting us, working for us, or adopting from us.

I feel that we are a community, and we all need each other. If we don't have people come forward to offer homes to these animals, then we can't take more in. I would like to think that there's a positive impact on lots of people and animals, but I will come back to the individual element of it.

We don't always win all the fights, because sometimes animals will come into such, come into us in such a poor state that we can't turn those problems around. It's not for lack of money. And there is a misconception that we put animals to sleep if they don't find homes. That has never happened in the 15 years that I've done my job. We will have animals placed in foster care for as long as it takes for us to find them a home or they pass away. So that I can assure everybody, that has never happened.

But we make an impact on individual animals lives on a daily basis and it's phenomenal watching them grow from terrified, dishevelled, in pain, discomfort animals, to blossoming, welcoming visitors to hang out with them. It's just an absolute delight. Their resilience is sky high sometimes and so inspirational what these animals can teach us.

I'm specifically thinking about an animal we have in our care at the moment that has endured multiple acts of physical harm. Yet due to their temperament, they are so trusting, people orientated, and loving despite what others have done. And knowing that we are now giving them a safe roof over their heads, their bellies are full, they've got comfort, they know nothing but happiness and that's something I often really prime myself on.

All the animals that come into our care, we have an army of volunteers that spend time with them, winning their trust, building a rapport with them and they spend their time with us knowing nothing but happiness. And we're very quick to recognise when maybe an animal isn't thriving in a particular context.

So we will move them to a different context, that we think they will thrive in better. And we work so hard to make sure that individuals experiences is the right one for them whilst they're with us. And that's not something many rescues can provide. But it's the model that I've created, over the years that I've been involved with the charity. And my word, do we have lots of happy little furry folk in our care?

[00:14:38] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: I like very much the two things that you said that stood out a lot to me. One is the community aspect of all those who support RSPCA, whether they be adoptees or donators or volunteers or staff or work placements, but also the fact that every individual animal should thrive.

So looking at their context and making sure that it's right for them and obviously, giving them that emotional love. And having being a pet parent to rescue dogs myself, I know I've seen that transformation in real life from cowering under a table to not getting off your lap. It is lovely. And ours were just rescued off the streets of New Delhi.

[00:15:21] Susie Hughes: Very rewarding.

Advice for Aspiring Animal Welfare Activists

[00:15:22] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: What advice would you have for people looking to start a similar movement in their local communities? If they want to help animals which are not treated well, how do they get started? And let's say they are in another part of the UK or in another part of the world.

[00:15:37] Susie Hughes: I would recommend anybody gets involved with a local organisation already doing it, because they will have a degree of knowledge and expertise. Don't try and reinvent the wheel. This is a very tough sector to work in. People who often start out on their own will end up financially struggling and emotionally struggling. And so why not join an established organisation, where you can learn and get grips with what the needs are.

Just because you assume there's a specific need, doesn't mean that it isn't already being met already or there could be services that need to expand but they can't because they lack the physical people to help expand that.

So look at what's in your local area, do your research, and see what aligns with your values, because I think that's really important. There's lots of different rescue and rehoming models out there. And, as far as I'm concerned, we're all doing the same thing, but we just may have a different approach to it.

So you've got to figure out what sits comfortably with you in the way in which people are operating. And that's why I think you should do your research and reach out. Start talking to people.

There is a super website called the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes. And it is a membership organisation of rescues throughout our eight nations. And they have an exhaustive list of all the members who operate nationwide. In the Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, everywhere. And they would be a really good starting point for people to start their research to see where they align with what others are doing.

[00:17:24] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: Heard this from many of my guests about, collaborate and don't duplicate. Let's try and, partner with local organisation. And like you said, it is a tough sector, so you need to really learn and listen and observe to understand and maybe immerse yourself in the context. That's really good. And thank you for sharing that resource. And I'm sure there'll be inspiration even for people not listening from the UK and the nations might get inspired.

An opportunity now for you to talk about anything I haven't asked you about.

[00:17:55] Susie Hughes: I appreciate that opportunity. Thank you, Deepa. I think one of the things that I feel is a really underrated area of voluntary work is governance, becoming a trustee of a charity. It's one of the hardest roles to recruit for, but I think it's one of the most rewarding roles. I've been a trustee myself for very many years of other organisations and it offers an opportunity to learn so much from a personal development point of view. Because you will often work alongside other trustees that come from different sectors that have such amazing work experiences that you can absorb and grow as an individual from just being with these people.

But it also allows you to bring to the table your own expertise. For my board of trustees, we're not looking for people with animal welfare expertise because that's what we are paid to do. That's what the staff are paid to do and deliver, and we do that very successfully. But what we look for is people who have different sector knowledge that they can bring to the table, whether that be marketing project management, finance, legal expertise, technology expertise. And together we collaborate. And we have such differing of opinions which enables us to make really interesting debates. And make really well-informed decisions on the future of the charity and how it operates.

That would be what I would want to appeal is for people to consider becoming a trustee of a charity that really resonates for them. There's never not a need for trustees, but governance I find really interesting and really exciting which may suggest I'm wired wrongly. But my appeal is if you are business minded, which you need to be a trustee, you have to think of a charity like a business and you have to have, a break even or generate income. And if you feel that you can put your head over your heart every time, then I would really encourage you to get involved with a charity that means a lot to you on a governance level.

[00:20:27] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: Thank you so much, Susie. And as somebody who's been an animals charity trustee for Tree of Life for Animals now for three years, I endorse your shout out. It's a really great way to contribute in your skills and experience in a different way, in a different capacity from direct animal care.

And I've done that even my volunteering stints in Africa, try to go and, help them with my communications and marketing because a lot of volunteers who can do the animal care. They don't have that many people who can do a newsletter or fundraising or a marketing campaign or set up their social media. So those are the things I try to do along with a little bit of animal care because you can't be in Africa and not do that.

[00:21:08] Susie Hughes: Of course you can't.

The Mancunian Spirit and Finding Your Calling

[00:21:09] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: Move now to my signature questions I ask all my guests. And the first one for you is describe the Mancunian spirit in a word or a phrase.

[00:21:17] Susie Hughes: Pride. They have pride. Pride in who they are, where they've come from, their community. Pride is the number one word for me to describe the Mancunian spirit.

[00:21:29] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: I like that very much and it's just so true because I think Mancunians are so proud of their history as well as their place in the world and their unique perspective in life.

Can you share a Mancunian who inspires you and tell us why?

[00:21:43] Susie Hughes: I think I'm going to go with Anthony Wilson, the founder of Factory. If anyone knows about the Mancunian spirit and the history of Manchester, I really think he epitomises everything. His innovation, his creativity, his dogged determination and his bloody mindedness. I think he really sums up what we are best at doing. Is getting through adversity and making something brilliant.

[00:22:11] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: I'm going to have to look him up, I must say but he does sound fascinating. It tells me I'm still a very new Mancunian. It's only two and a half years in.

What's the most important life lesson you've learned so far?

[00:22:23] Susie Hughes: Find your calling. Don't let life pass you by. Do the things that make you happy. I feel working in my sector, it's a vocation. It's not a job. It's a lifestyle choice, but I realise more and more the longer I spend in this sector, it is a calling. And I think people who don't have that sense of purpose in their life, I feel sad because you're missing out on living your best life.

So finding your purpose could be anything from being a mother, a grandmother, taxi driver, ambulance driver, servicing, hospitality industry, but find what it is that connects you to this world and makes you get up in the every day. And then I think you'll live a more fulfilled life.

[00:23:13] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: That's a really lovely lesson and speaks so much to me because, some years ago I found my Ikigai, as I say. I found my purpose because I used to always think I have to do my volunteering in my spare time, but now I'm like, whatever I do, I want to have purpose. And it helps you to may almost filter out things which don't add to your purpose.

[00:23:35] Susie Hughes: Absolutely. It doesn't have to cost money. It's not a privilege for the rich to find your purpose. Anybody who works in my sector will tell you that we are rather largely underpaid, but we don't do it for the money. So I think it's about understanding that you can find your purpose, as you say, through voluntary work, which is how I started off.

Spent 10 years volunteering in this sector first. But you can find it in different, smaller ways, like container gardening. That could be your purpose. You can find it in all sorts of different ways. And it doesn't have to cost. It really doesn't.

[00:24:12] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: Absolutely. Really great clarification as well.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

[00:24:19] Susie Hughes: I've wanted this superpower for about 20 years, which is to be able to neuter animals with x ray vision with my eyes, and then if I saw an animal wasn't neutered, I could just do it with x rays coming out of my eyes, because we wouldn't be in the problems that we are around the world with animal welfare if it weren't for the overpopulation of them.

And unfortunately in this country we've got a downward trend on neutering animals, specifically cats. And to maintain our population, we need to have about a 92 percent rate of cats being neutered. It dropped some years ago to 89 percent and now we're down to about 86%. We are not going to get on top of this overpopulation issue unless more people get on board with neutering their animals. I've long wanted the superpower to neuter animals with my eyes.

[00:25:19] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: It's a great one. And it's a really good shout out as well. It's so important. Something that we did almost immediately when we rescued our dogs. We rescued three, and we were like, neutering is probably the best thing to do so that more street dogs are not born, so really important.

A Heartwarming Farewell: Success Stories and Gratitude

[00:25:36] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: How can interested people reach out to you and learn more? Where can they get in touch? Where can they volunteer?

[00:25:43] Susie Hughes: We have a website which is called the RSPCA Manchester and Salford. We advertise our volunteer vacancies. There's a lot of variety in what people can do to get involved. So if there's nothing that strikes you on the website, then you're always welcome to drop us an email, and reach out and see if there's other capacity you can help us in.

But you know what? The best way that people can help us is to spread the word. We have quite a high social media presence. on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok. And what I'd really love is for people to just follow us and learn about the work that we do, help us to myth bust. There's a lot of misconceptions about what we do but by people taking the opportunity to stop and listen and learn and ask questions, that makes an awful lot of difference to me.

And I really value it when somebody. doesn't take on face value what they may have seen somewhere. And they reach out and say, can you tell me the truth, please? And that's when I start making connections. And that's when that makes a real difference to us, as people living and breathing this work every single day, is to engage new supporters, new followers, break down barriers and champion animal welfare.

Because, let's face it, It's important to you and me, so it's got to be important to an awful lot of other people too, for sure.

[00:27:09] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: And I think of UK, especially when I was living in India, as a country of animal lovers. So I feel sad when I read about stories of neglect because I'm like this was a country that I thought was with the most affinity. And, even the royalty is so passionate about their animals. You've got good role models all over the community.

 It's great what you do and I'll definitely include your website and of course tag the socials.

Is there a funny story or a heart-warming story you'd like to share to end the podcast?

[00:27:40] Susie Hughes: Yes, I think it will be to mark a very special occasion for us today, which is two cats have gone to their adopted home after being in our care for about six months. They were incredibly ill, both of them. and it has taken months for us to get them healthy and able to be rehomed. And we thought once we reached the point that they'd be well enough to be rehomed, we thought we'd really struggle to find them a home because in this economic climate, fewer people are taking on animals, especially ones that have had health problems in the past.

But today we are celebrating the fact that these two little boys have gone to a new home to very excited adopters and they are going to be loved and cherished for the rest of their lives. And that is why we do our job and get up in the morning, because we know we can make a difference. And thanks to their dedicated foster carers, thanks to veterinary staff, thanks to their adopters, we have come full circle and achieved exactly what we wanted to set out to do. And so today is a great day to celebrate.

[00:28:59] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: That is wonderful and shout out to the family that's adopted this, these two lovely boys, and I hope they have many happy furry moments together.

[00:29:09] Susie Hughes: I'm sure they will.

[00:29:10] Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe: That is a great note to end the podcast. Thank you so much for taking the time, Susie. It's been a real pleasure to talk to you and thank you for everything you do for animals.

[00:29:19] Susie Hughes: It's been a pleasure to speak to you and learn about your passion for animals too. I'm going to remain ever a kindred spirit with you, Deepa.

Outro

Susie, I really enjoyed learning about supporting animal welfare today.

Dear Listener, this was the season finale of Season Seven and the Meet the Mancunian podcast will take a break until 4th of June, 2024 when I'll launch season eight with a new series of inspiring guests.

Dear listener, I hope you were inspired by today's episode and it sparks your passion to make change happen wherever you live and work.

I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our community for your support and feedback. Your stories inspire this podcast.

Share your thoughts at www,meetthemancunian.co.Uk because this podcast is your platform too. Connect on socials @MeettheMancunian on Instagram and Facebook, and @MeettheMancunianPodcast on YouTube and @MancunianPod on X.

This is more than a podcast. It's a community spread, the love share comment, and let's keep building Manchester up. To the podcast's amazing listeners and supporters. You are the true heroes.

Keep thriving, keep connecting, and remember, the power of change lies within us.

See you soon!