Education is key for cat care ..
15 December 2020
Kelly Matthews is CPs Community Education Officer – Wales and Central England - and Kelly and her colleagues are keen to extol the virtues of their virtual CP talks.
With Covid-19 restrictions meaning ‘in school’ cat care talks have ceased, she is finding virtual talks are going down really well. Says Kelly: “The virtual sessions and workshops are up and running and we’ve had lots of requests in from schools, community groups and further education groups too. Moorlands primary in West Bromwich was our first in the midlands area, and was a real success with great feedback.
“We are using an education platform that delivers Cats Protection talks with slides and activities like ‘match-it’ games, quizzes, ‘draw it’ activities and lots more – and they’re proving a hit with the children, teachers and group leaders alike. ‘Cat-related-goodies' are still being sent out so everyone has something to remember Cats Protection – and how to care for cats - by!
“So we’re now busy training and supporting volunteer speakers to use the online tool and deliver more interactive, virtual talks throughout 2021."
Pam Wood, Education Lead with North Birmingham, has joined Kelly several times on line to ‘learn and to offer input from her own experience’. Along with other keen education volunteers, Pam has been delivering ‘real/live’ cat care talks in schools and to Brownie groups all over North Birmingham and beyond for several years.
Says Pam: “I’ve enjoyed the training and the chance to liaise on the content of the virtual talks – now we just have to get it fully up and running and put it all into practice. I do hope that, in the not-too-distant future, we can mix the virtual approach with going back into schools and interacting with the children and teachers – which is what I really enjoy.”
To find out more about becoming an education volunteer and/or to book a free Cats Protection virtual talk for your school or group, go to education.cats.org.uk