APDAWG Presents: Assistance Dogs

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Join the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG), Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK) & Assistance Dogs International (ADI), the Assistance Dog Assessment Association (ADAA) on Tues 11 Nov 2025 to hear all about the brand new Paws for Access survey findings & personal accounts.

We hope that this event will foster greater awareness, understanding & advocacy for the rights & needs of assistance dog users, forging a path towards a more inclusive society.

Lucy Edwards is a blind broadcaster, journalist, content creator, speaker & disability activist. Her global audience has viewed Lucy's content over one billion times & counting, as well as placing her as one of the leading voices in the diversity, equity & inclusion space worldwide. Together with her guide dog Miss Molly, she champions accessibility & inclusivity for all disabled people. Lucy's life motto, "Blind Not Broken," encapsulates her philosophy & her unwavering commitment to change.

Steph Atkin is the Development Coordinator for Assistance Dogs International's European region. She began her career working in TV news, taught English at various universities in the UK, the Netherlands & Switzerland for 15 years, then moved back to the UK in 2011 &worked in vet practice administration. Five years ago she joined Assistance Dogs International, supporting new applicants & existing members throughout the UK & mainland Europe, dealing with public access enquiries from members & the public, plus facilitates the European & International Public Access & Advocacy Committees.

Vicky Worthington brings 20 years of voluntary sector experience to her role as Executive Director of Assistance Dogs UK. Her specialism lies in the development of umbrella organisations and membership structures, which means that she has a deep understanding of the sector's dynamics. With a genuine commitment to equity, Vicky's work is driven by a desire to foster collaboration within the charity sector, recognising the collective strength that comes from working together. Since joining ADUK, she has developed the charity into a thriving and open umbrella body that is instrumental in moving the sector forwards.

Richard Mearns, Board Member of the Assistance Dogs Assessment Association. Richard has a wealth of experience from Military Service serving in the British Army to Law Enforcement & Financial Regulation. Diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in 2009, Richard now has his assistance dog Ziggy, an Owner Trained Assistance Dog. Richard has been nominated for a no. of awards. He champions Accessibility Rights for Assistance Dogs especially those who are owner trained & is driven to show that education will assist in delivering change.

This meeting will be followed by drinks, food & networking at a nearby hotel bar. Thanks to Agria Pet Insurance for all their generous support.