The John Burns Foundation

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The John Burns Foundation

The John Burns Foundation is a charitable trust founded to help make a difference to the lives of people and their pets throughout the UK.

Burns Pet Nutrition is a local business that grew and flourished thanks to the incredible support from the community in south west Wales, so it’s only right that we give something back to help and inspire charities, organisations and individuals to achieve their goals too. That’s why in 2007 Burns Pet Nutrition set up a charitable trust to help make a difference to the lives of people and their pets throughout the UK. It’s not just financial assistance we provide – we also share our resources and skills, especially when conservation, the countryside, education or pets are involved. We are developing exciting new projects and partnerships that help enhance the lives of disadvantaged people, by offering practical recreational facilities and life skill opportunities, as well as promoting the effects of the human animal bond with our Burns by Your Side Reading Dog scheme launched this year. We hope to develop meaningful partnerships with human rights and welfare organisations and would welcome any enquiries about how we can work together. For this and any further information about the work of Burns in the Community please see our website www.johnburnsfoundation.org

28/01/2026

🐾📚 New recruits have officially started training!We’re excited to welcome our newest dogs as they begin their journey to becoming Reading Dogs 🌟

27/01/2026

🐾 Join the Burns By Your Side family! 🐾

Applications for our June training round are officially open 🥳

If you and your dog are ready to inspire young readers, we’d love to hear from you! 💛📖

For more information head over to: https://johnburnsfoundation.org/burns-by-your-side

26/01/2026

🌟 The John Burns Centre – Your Warm Hub in Carmarthenshire 🌟

Remember that you’re never alone. The John Burns Centre is proud to be a designated Warm Hub for Carmarthenshire — offering a safe, welcoming space for anyone who needs it.

Our doors are open Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm.

Pop in, warm up, and say hello. You’re always welcome here.

23/01/2026

This is what the Growing Together group did this week

Before starting work for the day, Chris explained to us that due to the weather conditions, the planned tree pruning up at the Orchard has been postponed until next week. We also had a new member join our Growing together group called Steff.

Myself, Ceri, Dai. Simon H, Steff, Gary, Wayne and Brendan went up to the top vegetable garden with Bridget and to do lots of work.
One of the jobs that we did was to work together as a team was to build a dead hedge out of willow branches and various other wood.

Whilst we were busy outside in the pouring rain Christian, Gareth and Aaron stayed behind at the John Burns Centre to do some cooking in the kitchen with Kate.
This time they cooked sausages and mashed potatoes with homemade onion gravy with roasted parsnips and sprouts. For pudding they made a school cake.

Once everyone outside completed their jobs for the morning, they all went back to the workshop to have lunch.
Everyone really enjoyed their lunch very much.

During the lunch break, Rory announced to the group that he has been nominated for a West Wales Health and Social Care Award for volunteer of the year.

After lunch. Christian, Gareth and Aaron helped Kate in the kitchen to wash, clean and dry up.
Meanwhile the rest of the group including myself, Ceri, Wayne and Brendan did some more work outside with Chris.
Some of the work that we did outside in the afternoon were doing our assessments for a qualification in Horticulture and sorting tools out.

Thank you Rory and well done for being nominated for the award we look forward to hearing more.

20/01/2026

🌟 Introducing Our Volunteers! 🌟

Meet Angie ! 🌟

👋 Role: Burns In The Community Support - Helping by driving the minibus, supporting coffee afternoons, and guiding people to the centre for services and activities.

💬 Why I Volunteer: "I’ve been volunteering for JBF since 2017. For many of the guys, without the bus service they wouldn’t be able to get out for a shopping trip, a meal, or just a catch‑up with friends. Knowing I’m making such a big difference and helping these guys really fuels my love for this volunteering role."

🎉 Fun Fact: Africa has called me back four times so far, and I’ll be returning for a fifth visit later this year.

✨ What I Love About Volunteering: "I love making a difference in everyday lives, being part of the brilliant Happy Bus Gang, and never saying no to a slice of cake with the Cwtchers! ❤️”

Become part of our amazing community of volunteers and help make everyday moments brighter for others.💛

19/01/2026

🍎💛Supporting local has never tasted so good! 🍎💛

Our home‑pressed apple juice is available to buy from the John Burns Centre — £3.50 for a 750ml bottle or £2.00 for a 330ml bottle!

We also supply wholesale to local businesses. If you'd like to stock a delicious local product, we’d love to hear from you!

☎️01554890840
📧bridget@johnburnsfoundation.org

16/01/2026

We’re pleased to share that the Claim What’s Yours team will be joining us at The John Burns Centre on 30/01/26.

They’ll be on hand to support anyone attending our Warm Hub by:
🔸 Helping you understand what you’re entitled to
🔸 Offering financial and wellbeing support
🔸 Providing guidance with all council enquiries

This service is delivered by an external specialist team, and we’re delighted to host them so our community can access the support they deserve.

📅 Date: 30 January 2026
📍 Location: The John Burns Centre
Everyone is welcome—pop in for a warm space, friendly faces, and expert support.

15/01/2026

This is what the Growing Together group did this week at the John Burns Centre.
Myself and Gareth did some cooking in the Cooking Together kitchen with Kate and Debbie.
This week we cooked two different types of soups (leek and potato soup and butternut squash soup) with home made potato croutons, soda bread and cheese.
For pudding we made fairy cakes
Gareth and me worked on the soups, croutons and soda bread, whilst Kate, Debbie and did the fairy cakes.
I also prepared the trolley ready to serve the food from.

Whilst we were busy in the kitchen cooking this weeks lunch, the rest of the group including Christian, Brandon, Wayne, Brendan, Dai, Aaron, Simon H, Steve and Gary went up to the polytunnel with Chris to do lots of work. Some of the work they did in the morning with Chris were turning the compost bins.
Once everyone outside completed their jobs, they all went back to the workshop to have lunch.
Everyone really enjoyed their lunch very much.

During the lunch break, myself, Gareth and Simon H helped Bridget to clean and sharpen the tools ready for our tree pruning session next with Phillip from Dinefwr Orchard.

Before going home myself, Gareth and Dai went in the van with Bridget to deliver apple juice to Y Barbican and Parc Y Bocs.
Parc Y Bocs Farm Shop

13/01/2026

📚 2026 is the National Year of Reading! 📚
This year, we’re on a mission to help children and adults fall back in love with reading. Why? Because reading matters—and sadly, it’s on the decline in the UK.

✅ Did you know?
Only 1 in 2 children say they enjoy reading for fun.
Adult reading rates have dropped significantly over the past decade.

We’re determined to change that! Through our Burns By Your Side Scheme, we’ll be running exciting initiatives all year:
✨ Sponsored Read for pupils in our partnered school
✨ Community Bookshelf – grab a book for just 50p or swap for free
✨ Plus many more activities to inspire a lifelong love of reading!

Join us in making 2026 the year we turn the page on declining reading habits. 📖
Together, let’s bring back the joy of books!

12/01/2026

🌟 Introducing Our Volunteers! 🌟
Behind every success story is an incredible volunteer making it happen. This week, we’re launching a new weekly series: “Meet Our Volunteers” – where you’ll get to know the amazing people who give their time, energy, and heart to support our mission.

Meet Rhian + Caio ! 🌟

👋 Role: Burns By Your Side Volunteer

💬 Why I Volunteer: “Because it's lovely to be able to take Caio into my work & see the impact he has on the children i work with"

🎉 Fun Fact: Caio & I love a early morning beach walk and often will have a swim ( Caio more than me!)

❤️ What I Love About Volunteering: “I love creating a safe, caring space with Caio where children can discover the joy of reading—it’s what makes us both happiest!”

💡 Inspired by their stories? You could be next! Volunteering is flexible, rewarding, and a great way to make a real difference in your community.

Address

Canolfan John Burns, Parc House
Kidwelly
SA175AB

Website

http://www.johnburnsfoundation.org/, http://www.gwladglamping.com/

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