Dogs to visit older persons in Pembrokeshire to assuage loneliness

‘Be-a-friend’ – Companionship with Paws, is a new service launched in Pembrokeshire by Cariad Pet Therapy which aims to alleviate loneliness in older persons through befriending visits from volunteers and their engaging dogs.

Be-a-friend Coordinator, Leasa Pendell says,

“We know that many older people in Pembrokeshire find themselves isolated and lonely, the consequences of loneliness can be profound and far reaching in terms of mental health and wellbeing. Most of us probably know someone who may be lonely. At Cariad Pet Therapy we understand that dogs have a positive impact on our wellbeing. Visiting older people who are dog lovers that feel lonely because of no or limited social contacts, can be helped through our befriending service by our caring volunteers and their friendly, engaging dogs.”

“We want to reach out to make a positive difference to older people’s lives, and are asking Pembrokeshire residents, neighbours, friends and family to refer people to us who may benefit from our new service.”

Our service is free to use service and has been funded by the

nd Shared Prosperity Fund from Pembrokeshire County Council.

Cariad Pet Therapy is based in Haverfordwest and has therapy dogs across the whole of Wales and into Scotland, they also run the pet food bank on City Road, Haverfordwest to help pet owners struggling with financial hardship.

For more information, please contact Leasa at Be- a- friend@ cariadpettherapy. co. uk or to make a referral please visit www. cariadpettherapy. co. uk/ be- a- friend. You can also ring the head office on 01437 723628 and speak to one of the team for more details.