Animal charity aims to 'raise the roof'

A Tameside animal charity wants to 'raise the roof' and it's looking for help in doing it.

The Etherow Centre Charitable Trust hopes to turn the dilapidated Etherow Stable roof in Broadbottom into a "sustainable beacon for the surrounding area and wildlife". 

The roof currently protects Haywill Animal Rescue and Therapy Centre, but is letting in water and urgently needs replacing.

The trust which owns the building is launching its ‘Spacehive’ fundraising campaign on Saturday.

Its aim is to raise £90,000 to pay for a ‘green, living roof’ or £35,000 for a metal roof if this is not possible.

Trust chair Claire Bibby said: “We have decided to launch an ambitious green roof campaign, instead of a metal roof, because there are so many benefits of creating green roofs and we want our work to improve the lives of everyone around us.”

Haywill Animal Rescue and Therapy Centre, run by former special needs teacher Lynn Haydon-Williams, provides a sanctuary for both animals and humans. 

Saving unwanted animals from slaughter or death, alongside therapy for adults and young people who need therapy from physical or mental health issues, its work is seen as a vital addition to the area.

Lynn, who established and has run the Haywill Animal charity for the last 30 years, said: “Animal-assisted therapy promotes social interaction, reduces anxiety, releasing stress, increases morale, increases calmness, improves outlook, reduces fear and can reduce the need for medication.”

Green roofs are said to provide a rainwater buffer, purify the surrounding air and regulate the indoor temperature, which saves energy and encourages biodiversity in the surrounding area. 

The trust says that people are happier in a green environment and green roofs are part of creating a caring future for everyone.

To find out more about the campaign and donate, go to www.spacehive.com/etherow-big-green-roof.

The Market Street centre will be open from 10am to 3pm on Saturday for guided tours and to meet some of trustees. Everyone’s invited.

Main image:

GREEN DREAM: How a living roof would look at the centre.