Leonardo Bristol employees choose Therapy Dogs Nationwide as their charity partner

Employees at Leonardo's cyber and security facility in Bristol have chosen Therapy Dogs Nationwide as their charity partner for 2026/27, launching a programme of fundraising and volunteering activities to support the charity's work.

The charity partnership was chosen via an employee-led selection process and will involve a series of fundraising initiatives throughout the year, beginning with a World Cup sweepstake and followed by a range of staff-led fundraising activities.

Therapy Dogs Nationwide is a volunteer-run charity that provides trained therapy dogs and handlers to care homes, schools, hospitals and other community settings. The charity aims to improve wellbeing by offering companionship, comfort and stimulation to people experiencing loneliness, anxiety or social isolation.

The charity partnership has a personal connection for Leonardo employee Andy Cox, a programme manager based in Bristol who volunteers with the charity alongside his dog, Shelby. Cox nominated the organisation after witnessing the positive impact therapy dog visits can have, particularly within residential care settings.

To mark the launch of the charity partnership, volunteers from Therapy Dogs Nationwide recently visited Leonardo's Bristol site with several therapy dogs, giving employees an opportunity to learn more about the charity's work and meet some of the animals involved in visits across the community.

Shelby has recently begun visiting a local care home, where staff report that interactions with residents have become a popular part of the weekly routine.

Leonardo's Bristol operation employs between 500 and 600 people working in cyber security and technology services supporting government and critical national infrastructure projects.

Alongside fundraising, employees are being encouraged to volunteer their skills. Therapy Dogs Nationwide offers opportunities ranging from dog handling roles to support functions including project management, communications and information technology.

The charity currently works with more than 1,500 volunteers across the UK. Through the new charity partnership, Leonardo employees hope to help raise awareness of the charity's work, increase volunteer recruitment and generate much needed funds to support its continued expansion.