Studies have shown that animals can help lower blood pressure and heart rate. Often the dog can bridge the distance between therapist and client to promote recovery and support relapse prevention. Therapy dogs can help people feel less lonely and depressed, and a visit can provide a welcome change of routine. A dog can give people a common interest and provides a focus for conversation.
Dogs accept people for who they are.
Currently Darcy has no funding so we are putting the call out to anyone who is interested in contributing to this fantastic service. Although only having worked for a week – he has met many new people and has been the highlight of the day for many. There are donation tins at the reception of the hospital and the community health service and contributions are welcome directly to the mental health team.
Anyone wanting more information regarding contributions, sponsorship, etc – please contact Donna in the mental health team on 83931833.
Darcy will commence puppy preschool and then go on to basic training – always upskilling to provide the best possible therapy for our clients. Although he is part of our team – feel free to ‘borrow’ him when he’s available if you feel he may benefit your client (or if you just want to spoil him!). As he gets bigger he will spend time in the Day Care court yard and would love a visit from you.
Our purpose for him will be to attend individual appointments both within and outside of the Health Centre, join in group activities, go for walks with clients, attend other appointments within the Health Service with clients, attend appointments outside of the Health Service, attend the garden, attend the Day Care Centre, go on home visits, go to the hospital (Mt Barker), etc.
If you have any queries or concerns – don’t hesitate to contact Sue, Donna, Liz, Anne, Annie, Ali or Maureen.
Top level
Community Health
Meet Darcy the new staff member of the Mental Health Team -
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