BHC Machars' newest volunteers: Ben & Alyson from "Pets As Therapy"

We are delighted to introduce you to Ben and Alyson, the newest addition to BHC Machars volunteers' team.

In June 2016, Ben and Alyson became registered as Pets As Therapy Visitors, having reached the high standards required.


Alyson worked for 33 years as a physiotherapist with disabled adults and children and has recently moved in the Machars to run a small farm.  However Alyson wishes to continue her volunteering work for Pets As Therapy and we are delighted to help her do so through BHC.
Ben is a four year old Border/Beardie cross.  He is a working dog and when he is not working the sheep, he loves swimming in the sea and chasing Frisbees.  He is very friendly and loves meeting people.


So far Ben and Alyson have visited the residents from Cornwall Park and will start their fortnightly visit to the members of the Activity Resource Centre in Newton Stewart on Wednesday 29th March 2017.




What is Pet As Therapy?
Pets As Therapy is a national charity founded in 1983 which enhances the health & wellbeing in the community through visits of trusted volunteers with their behaviourally assessed PAT Pets.
They provide a visiting service in hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, special needs schools, mainstream schools and a variety of other venues all across the UK.
Their therapeutic visits:
Enhance lives in the communities by providing companionship and friendship which helps to tackle loneliness.
Improve the lives of people suffering from debilitating mental and physical health conditions and illnesses such as Autism, Dementia and Stroke by including animal assisted interventions as part of a holistic approach to treatment.
Improve literacy in children by developing their confidence, interest and enjoyment in reading through their "read2dogs" scheme.


For further information on their services please visit: petsastherapy.org