About Our Special Friends
Founded by Dr Bin Johnston, Our Special Friends is an animal companionship charity dedicated to supporting people and pets through difficult times. Through innovative support services, the charity helps strengthen the bond between people and their animals, providing practical assistance and companionship when it is needed most.
A Smooth Transition to Bury St Edmunds
When Our Special Friends received notice on their previous office in Newmarket, the team began searching for a new base that would meet the needs of their growing charity.
After viewing several options, MENTA Vision Centre stood out for all the right reasons.
“The units in the MENTA Vision Centre provided the space and facilities that we needed, at a competitive price and in a location that our colleagues and volunteers could access. Having the monthly contract was appealing too.”
The combination of flexible terms, excellent facilities, and a convenient location made the move to Bury St Edmunds an easy decision.
Supporting Continuity and Growth
Relocating an organisation can often bring disruption, but for Our Special Friends, becoming a tenant at MENTA ensured a seamless transition.
Being based at MENTA allowed the charity to continue supporting its volunteers, clients, and the pets in their care without interruption. The move also opened up new opportunities, including participation in the Suffolk Business Festival, where the team were able to network with other organisations and raise awareness of their work.
More Than Just Office Space
For Our Special Friends, the benefits of being based at MENTA go beyond having an office.
The accessible location, ample parking, and high-quality facilities have provided the charity with an effective operational hub. Access to additional meeting rooms has also supported staff training and development activities.
“The MENTA team have been incredibly helpful with any queries we might have. It is a very positive experience.”
An Essential Part of the Organisation’s Journey
Having a dedicated workspace has been a key factor in the charity’s development.
After initially operating from a domestic setting, Our Special Friends moved into dedicated office space six years ago. Establishing a professional office environment has enabled the organisation to grow and deliver its services more effectively.
“It is essential for our charity to have a core office hub that we can operate from. Becoming tenants was an essential transition in our organisation’s journey.”
Today, the charity continues to provide its animal companionship support services while developing innovative approaches to meet the needs of the communities it serves.
A Full-Circle Moment
The relationship between Our Special Friends and MENTA actually began long before the charity became a tenant.
Over 10 years ago, shortly after becoming a registered charity, Our Special Friends held its first multidisciplinary meeting in a meeting room at the Vision Centre.
Returning years later as a tenant was a meaningful milestone.
“Just over 10 years ago, as a newly registered tiny charity, Our Special Friends held our first multidisciplinary meeting in the Vision Centre meeting room. It was a happy coincidence to be returning last year as a tenant.”
Would They Recommend MENTA?
Absolutely.
“I would highly recommend that they explore it further as it is a positive place to work out of, if it fits their business model.”
Tenant Testimonial
“Thank you to the team at MENTA for all your support and for providing our essential office space.”
