Meet Louise Kelly, Our Services Coordinator
Louise joined CareDogs after a lifetime working in social care, bringing with her a deep understanding of community services and a genuine passion for helping people feel connected.
We sat down with Louise to find out more about her background, what drew her to CareDogs, and what she’s most excited about as we continue to grow.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I’m Louise, and I live in Keston with my husband, son and our cat, Fluffy. I’ve worked in social care all my life, across both the statutory and voluntary sectors. A year ago, I decided to take a step back from work, but I was tempted back when this role at CareDogs came up. I love spending time with friends and family, walking, talking, and enjoying good food and company.
What first drew you to CareDogs?
My role involves building and maintaining partnerships with charities and organisations across our five boroughs, Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark, so that we can reach people who could benefit from CareDogs’ support. I lead on developing our group walks, understanding partners’ members and how we can support them, and making sure each walk is accessible, well connected and welcoming.
What does the Services Coordinator role involve day to day?
I support the development of marketing and communications for the charity, including its marketing strategy. Essentially my role is to help broaden the charity's awareness and grow its influence and reach.
As a small charity, this means hands-on support, working closely with the Charity Manager, Kate Garvey, and my fellow trustees. My role is varied and can involve working on high level strategy as well as providing advice on local community marketing, supporting website development, sharing a marketing lens for fundraising activities, and helping guide communications for the year ahead.
What part of the role are you most excited about?
Letting people know about CareDogs and the great work we do. I love it when a new walk happens with a partner we haven’t worked with before. Seeing connections and conversations develop during the walk, between both the human and canine volunteers, is really rewarding.
Louise, briefing our volunteers ahead of a group walk
Why do you think services like CareDogs matter for older people?
It’s very easy for older people to become isolated from their community. As people age, they can lose confidence to go out alone. Having a friendly face and a wagging tail encouraging you to get out, have a chat and enjoy some fresh air can make a huge difference to both physical and mental health.
It’s also important that there are services people can access easily. With CareDogs, there’s no complex criteria to meet, and it’s free and enjoyable.
Is there a moment, person or dog that has really stuck with you so far?
My first walk with CareDogs was so joyful for everyone involved, and I’m delighted that those walks are still going. It really shows how needed and beneficial our services are.
What are you most looking forward to as CareDogs continues to grow?
Seeing more people across London discover the benefits of spending time outdoors, building friendships in both the human and canine world. It would be fantastic to see CareDogs reach communities all over the UK.
Quick one: favourite dog breed and favourite place to walk.
That’s a difficult one. I do love a terrier, especially Jack Russells or Border Terriers. They’ve got such cheeky faces and personalities.
I’m very lucky to have Keston Ponds at the end of my road, and I walk there nearly every day. It’s my favourite place to walk. I love seeing the changing seasons and the wildlife.
March 2026
