London Animal Charity Opens Doors to Community for New Rescue Centre Project
Volunteers, animal lovers, and local residents gathered in Lewisham, South East London on Saturday 11 April 2026 for a special Open Day hosted by the Celia Hammond Animal Trust — a beloved charity that has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned and stray animals since 1986.
The event, held at the charity's veterinary clinic on Lewisham Way, gave the community its first look at ambitious plans for a new purpose-built animal rescue and rehoming centre on Friendly Street, adjacent to the existing clinic — a project that its organisers say will secure the charity's Lewisham hub for decades to come.
Background
The Celia Hammond Animal Trust (CHAT) is one of London's most respected animal welfare charities, operating as a non-destruction organisation — meaning no healthy animal in its care is ever put to sleep. As well as rescuing and rehoming cats, dogs, and other animals, CHAT provides low-cost veterinary services for pets belonging to low-income owners across London and the South East, ensuring that financial hardship is never a barrier to animal care.
The charity operates rescue centres in Canning Town and Lewisham, as well as an animal sanctuary and rehoming centre in Brede, East Sussex. It relies entirely on public donations and legacy gifts to fund its work.
Key Developments
Saturday's Open Day offered guided tours of the existing veterinary clinic, information about the new centre's design and purpose, and the chance to meet some of the rescued cats currently in the charity's care. Entry was free, with visitors encouraged to bring donations of cat food.
The new rescue and rehoming centre will be built by redeveloping a warehouse and former shop at the rear of the Lewisham site. Phases 1 and 2A of the project have already been funded through legacy gifts, with Phase 1 complete and Phase 2A works commencing shortly. The charity is now fundraising for Phase 2B — the construction of the main two-storey building — which will significantly expand its capacity to take in and care for animals in need.
Organisers said the Open Day was designed not only to showcase the project but to strengthen the charity's ties with the local community, whose support has been central to CHAT's work for nearly four decades.
Why It Matters
Animal rescue charities across the UK have faced growing pressure in recent years, with rising numbers of abandoned pets — a trend linked to the cost-of-living crisis — stretching resources to the limit. CHAT's new centre will provide much-needed additional capacity in South East London, one of the most densely populated areas of the country, where demand for rescue and rehoming services consistently outstrips supply.
The project also reflects a broader community effort: the charity's work is sustained by hundreds of volunteers, foster carers, and donors who give their time and resources to ensure animals in distress receive the care they need.
What's Next
Fundraising for Phase 2B of the new centre is ongoing. Those who missed Saturday's Open Day can find out more about the project and how to support it by visiting the charity's website or contacting the Lewisham centre directly. To donate or get involved, visit the Celia Hammond Animal Trust's Lewisham page.
