People and Animal Wellbeing Services CIC

About

This is an independent service, which is not run by the NHS or WSCC.

This service is not checked by WSCC and including it on the Local Offer website does not mean that it is a recommended service.

Before using this service, we recommend you make your own checks. Your checks should include being happy that: the service will meet your needs; staff are properly qualified; policies are in place to keep everyone safe and you know how much the service will cost.

Use this guidance for advice about what to ask to help you make sure that children and young people are happy and protected in clubs, groups and activities. Find out more on our terms and disclaimer.

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People and Animal Wellbeing Services CIC are a not for profit providing educational and therapeutic wellbeing sessions for children and young people through Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI). Our programmes aim to re-engage young people in their education and provide them with opportunities to learn new skills and understand their own emotions and needs. As an outreach alternative provision we are able to visit the home environment, schools, community spaces or any other location the young person feels safe and will engage in. Our dogs all have public liability insurance and are able to participate in community outreach work helping young people to engage with the community. Recognising the diverse needs of young individuals, PAWS Wellbeing excels in tailoring sessions to accommodate sensory needs, trauma, poor mental health, neurodivergence, or learning needs. Our goal is to create a safe and inclusive space where every individual can engage and thrive in therapeutic or educational activities. PAWS Wellbeing takes pride in the unique role of certified therapy dogs as bridges between young persons and professionals. These remarkable animals assist in building trust and fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth. Engaging with a therapy dog has been scientifically proven to improve overall well being, reducing stress and increasing levels of key neurotransmitters. Allowing the client to co- regulate with the dog and engage in the activity pushing them to work towards goals that perhaps they would not have been able to do otherwise.

What we do

• We are an outreach provision working in homes and schools. PAWS - Emotional literacy and communication programme Structured for all up to 25 years old this programme is goal oriented and focuses on the individuals wellbeing. Utilising practical AAI (Animal Assisted interventions) the programme is designed to support in building emotional literacy, autonomy and communication skills to support a young persons mental health, community access and ability to access learning in formal and EOTAS settings. Aligned with EHCP targets we work to holistically support individual goals for social and life skills through activities identifying and working on the zones of regulation. While suited to all - we specialise in supporting those with SEMH and neurodiverse needs.
• PAWS Counselling with Animal Assisted Therapy Available for ages 11 plus the counselling programme is a confidential walk and talk service offering person centred counselling sessions with a registered BACP counsellor. One-to-one personal therapy incorporating animal assisted therapy to support the reflections, regulation and build a trusting relationship.
• PAWS Academic Tutoring and Engagement Programmes Our academic tutoring programmes incorporate mathematics and literacy tutoring while simultaneously addressing wellbeing, emotional and social needs to support effective engagement with learning. The programmes are designed to support those students at home with EBSA, those on a reduced timetable, or those in transition from one provision to another. We can also support Bespoke Eotas packages
• PAWS ASDAN Short Courses For young people from ages 13-25 years we offer the ASDAN short courses in Animal Handling and Life Skills or Careers and experiencing work. The ASDAN alternative curriculum can be used as an access route back into mainstream education or a route into further alternative learning and employment skills. Sessions include activities and discussion to build emotional literacy and communication, further supporting ongoing life skills gained through the course. Young people will be asked to take part in tasks such as write a report, present some research or budget and plan an event. Both courses drive self development, career exploration and a consideration for higher education or apprenticeships.

Age range

6-upwards

Wheelchair accessible

Yes

Free to use

No

Requires application

Yes

Our users say

1. Attendance Improvement Reduced Anxiety: The presence of a therapy dog has created a more welcoming and less intimidating school environment, reducing anxiety for students who might otherwise be reluctant to attend. Incentive to Attend: Knowing that a therapy dog will be present has served as a strong motivational factor for students to come to school regularly.
2. Motivation Enhancement Emotional Support: Buddy has provided unconditional emotional support, which has increased students' overall happiness and willingness to participate in school activities. Positive Reinforcement: Interacting with Buddy has been used as a reward system for some of your students, encouraging them to complete their work and exhibit good behaviour in anticipation of spending time with the dog.
3. Engagement in Lessons Calming Presence: The calming effect of a therapy dog has helped students feel more relaxed and focused, making them more likely to engage in lessons. Interactive Learning: Lessons that incorporate the therapy dog, such as reading aloud to the dog, have made learning more interactive and enjoyable. Enhanced Classroom Environment: The presence of a therapy dog has created a more dynamic and stimulating classroom environment, increasing students' interest and participation.
4. Communication Skills Development Encouraging Speech: Students, particularly those with communication difficulties, have found it easier to speak and express themselves when interacting with a non-judgmental listener like a dog. Social Interaction: Buddy has acted as a social catalysts, encouraging students to communicate not only with the dog but also with their peers and teachers. Reading Programs: Programs where students have read to Buddy have improved literacy and communication skills by providing a stress-free and supportive audience. Additional Benefits Empathy and Compassion: Regular interaction with a therapy dog has helped foster empathy and compassion among students, which can translate to better peer relationships and a more positive school culture. Stress Reduction: The presence of a therapy dog has lowered stress levels, contributing to a more conducive learning environment. We have been using PAWS for over a year now for a number of our young people and have found the service to be extremely beneficial. Our pupils are desperate to attend the sessions, and are fully engaged and motivated when there. This motivation and engagement has also transferred into the classroom where the pupils are now more actively engaged in their learning and focused. The pupils communication skills have developed and we are seeing them expressing their needs and feelings more frequently as well as communicating more effectively with their peers meaning they are having more positive interactions. We continue to use PAWS and will continue to reap the benefits as will our pupils.