Working in the community
Our dogs work alongside our expert handlers to help people overcome specific challenges in all sorts of community settings.
What is our Community Dog programme?
Our Community Dog programme helps people overcome specific challenges in all sorts of community settings.
Lots of our community activities are created in partnership with specialist services – this could be young people’s mental health, social care for adults who have learning disabilities, or dedicated support for people with dementia. Our team of dogs, handlers and practitioners work closely with people in their communities, understanding how to help them achieve their goals over time.
The support we offer each person or group of people is unique, but our aim is always the same: to help people get the most out of their connection with a dog. When we partner with a specialist service or community organisation, we create a collaborative working relationship so we can be sure to meet the needs of the people we support.
Our sessions are based on Animal Assisted Services and are specially tailored to the needs of the people we’re working with, moving at a pace and level that enables people and our dogs to benefit from time spent together.
Our work in health and social care settings
The connection with a dog can help adults and children with complex health and social care needs to live healthier, happier lives in so many ways. Working in partnership with a local health practitioner, our Community Dog team helps people get the most out of their connection with a dog.
Our work with people living with dementia
We support people with dementia in England and Scotland to better access the world around them. In Scotland, this support is delivered in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland.
Through regular visits, our team provide goal-orientated animal assisted activities helping people to overcome some of the challenges of dementia, while our Dog Days events (social events with fun dog-related activities) are for people at all stages of dementia. Our aim is to help people living with dementia feel more motivated, connected and independent.
Our Community Dog team in action
Bracknell Walking and Wellbeing Group
Our Community Dog work in Bracknell is a project specifically designed by working with and gaining a deep understanding of the local community’s needs.
Young people's mental health
Our dogs Ursa and Walt and their handlers supported people in a young people's mental health unit, helping them to feel more motivated and engaged - and to see themselves as more than a patient.
PAWS for Thought
Our Community Dog team members, Natashya and Sandy, delivered a small group Animal Assisted Service at one of Alzheimer Scotland’s Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centres.
Would you like to work with us?
Submit an enquiry below and a member of the team will be in touch to gain a better understanding of your organisation, the people you support and the outcomes you’re looking for.
Submit an enquiry and a member of the team will be in touch to gain a better understanding of your organisation, the people you support and the outcomes you’re looking for.
