New NHS hospital garden lodge is paw-fect for canine companionship

A new purpose-built lodge is set to get tails wagging as it opens for mental health, learning disability and community NHS service users to enjoy canine companionship with therapy dogs.

On Friday 8 December, the Trust officially opened ‘The Pad’ in the grounds of Fieldhead Hospital in Wakefield.

The Pad is a fully insulated wooden lodge complete with paw print paving leading to a kennel-shaped gate securing a fully enclosed garden. It will give Trust patients and staff the opportunity to spend time with temperament-assessed therapy dogs, known as ‘canine befrienders’, in a comfortable and safe environment.

Work on The Pad began in January 2022 in the grounds of Fieldhead Hospital’s ‘Caring Gardens’, which provides a peaceful and relaxing setting. The project was funded by The Royal Canin Foundation, who awarded £30,000 to the Trust.

The lodge was opened at a special event by Dr Elizabeth Ormerod, Chair of the Society For Companion Animal Studies, who was joined by Trust staff, service users, canine befrienders and their owners. The society was established in 1979 to promote the study of human-companion animal interactions and raise awareness of the importance of pets in society.

The Trust’s canine befrienders project was set up in January 2020 to provide service users and staff with the opportunity to experience the many benefits of spending time with a therapy animal on a regular basis. Friendly dogs with reliable temperaments visit the Trust’s mental health inpatient wards with their owners, who give their time voluntarily, to provide companionship and boost wellbeing.

Evidence shows that spending time with animals can reduce stress, provide comfort from upsetting experiences and symptoms, promote social interaction and reduce loneliness.

Befriending project and volunteer support co-ordinator Angie Barker said: “Dogs provide unconditional acceptance which is particularly beneficial for people who struggle to form connections and relationships with other people; they provide a ‘way in’ to working with people who would otherwise prefer not to engage with other people. Some patients have created strong bonds with the dogs, who can bring out the kindness and compassion in people and encourage empathy towards others.

“Spending time with the dogs also creates social benefits – they bring a warmth and friendliness which breaks down barriers and encourages conversation which can help people to develop their social and communication skills.

“We are so proud to open The Pad and welcome people to this unique and exciting place – from dog lovers to people who are curious about the many benefits of spending time with animals. We hope that it will help to promote and highlight the work of the canine befrienders service, both locally and further afield, showcasing the benefits of animal-assisted interventions in supporting people who are experiencing mental health difficulties.”