The Best Friends project is truly innovative new programme that is being run by the CBSA with support from the charitable organisation Greyhound Rescue Wales. The project works in two ways: it will break down personal barriers and provide employability and vocational skills for young people, and then introduce the young participants to elderly residents in care homes by taking pets in to visit. Animal therapy has long been used in residential and care homes, but never before as a bridge to improve communication, empathy and support between the generations.
In order to ensure that the project will offer the best training and support for all involved, Best Friends are delighted to be working with Kerry Sands, a learning specialist and Anthrozoology student who works with Greyhound Rescue Wales. Kerry has a particular interest in relationships between animals and humans where trauma has been an issue in the past (for both the animals and humans), and has created training courses specifically for the Best Friends Project.
Kerry co-ordinates Greyhound Rescue Wales’ Behaviour Working Group, an initiative that implements behavioural and rehabilitative activities with the Charity’s rescued greyhounds. All the dogs that take part in the project will be assessed for suitability and temperament, and the humans working alongside them will learn how to communicate with the dogs and how to keep them happy and healthy on visits to care homes.
Greyhound Rescue Wales has also kindly agreed that some of their rescue dogs can be loaned to both volunteers and young people who may not have a pet of their own. This charity has been a great help in helping the CBSA in setting up of the Best Friends project, and we look forward to working together with the charity, young and elderly partipcants, and volunteers who will make a difference to so many lives.
To take part in this exciting new project and volunteer with your own pet dog or cat, please contact the CBSA on 01554 779910, or email us on info@cbsa.org.uk.
