Honiton Carers Support Group enjoy afternoon with PAT dogs Archie & Pebbles

Winnie Cameron, chair of the Carers Group, introduced Karen Gilchrist and Helen Connor from Pets As Therapy together with their two dogs, Archie and Pebbles.

Karen Gilchrist (one of Pat's Area Coordinators) who lives in Devon and supports other volunteers, along with her dog Archie introduced Helen Connor and gave a short outline of what they both do.

Unfortunately, due to Covid they have not been very active over the last two years.

Pets As Therapy was founded in 1983 and is a national charity that enhances health and wellbeing for everyone in the community. The volunteers work with their own pets in hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, day centres and schools, bringing the ability to touch and stroke a friendly pet and give them some comfort and joy in doing so.

This proves to be therapeutic and improves the lives of people with debilitating mental and physical conditions. Within the schools it can lead to raising literacy levels and developing confidence.

The rest of the session was taken up by Karen and Helen taking their dogs round to each of the tables, having a chat with the carers and lots of cuddles for the gorgeous dogs.

Winnie thanked Karen and Helen for coming along with their two dogs and said how much everyone had enjoyed the visit.

We finished off with the usual refreshments and a well stocked raffle.

Honiton Carers next meeting is a social on Wednesday 16th February at The Kitchen at Combe Garden centre.

If you are a carer please come along and meet the group. No need to book, you are always guaranteed a friendly welcome.

For more information about Honiton Carers, please contact Winnie on 07974 636926 or email [email protected]