Residents at Reubens Court were visited by special guest Charlie the Beagle, a therapy dog, and his owner Joan, a volunteer for ‘Pets As Therapy’, for a wholesome day filled with lots of comfort and support.
Reubens Court, based in Leigh, is our recovery-based supported accommodation for adults aged 18 and over with mental health conditions, complex needs and/or dual diagnosis.
National charity Pets As Therapy (PAT) works to enhance the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in communities across the UK. Its volunteers and their temperament-assessed pets also visit places such as care homes, hospitals, hospices and schools. Research shows that therapy pets can help reduce stress and encourage cognitive, social and communication goals.
One resident with social anxiety disorder often only spends a maximum of a few minutes in Reubens Court lounge but stayed for twenty minutes to interact with Charlie and really enjoyed the experience.
Other residents also loved spending time with Charlie and talked openly about the pets that they have owned.
Joan and Charlie have now arranged fortnightly visits at Reubens Court which the residents are really looking forward to.
