“It was a great way to combine my love for my dog with doing something meaningful” – Helina and Penny’s canine befriender story

I’ve been a volunteer with the Trust since 2024. This is my first volunteering experience with the Trust, but I have previously done some other volunteering as I was exploring a career change. I wanted to give back a little, so I volunteered with a charity called Support Dogs and did some work with the RSPCA.

I stumbled upon an article about the Trust’s canine befriending programme and thought my dog Penny would be perfect for it since she adores people. It was a great way to combine my love for her with doing something meaningful.

I’m an identical twin. My sister lives quite far away, which is tough, and I miss her a lot, but we used to argue a lot as kids because we were so alike. The distance has actually helped us grow closer. I was born in South Africa and moved to the UK when I was eight. I’ve always had a passion for animals and a desire to help others.When we were in South Africa, we both had dogs and enjoyed collecting lizards and snails. We were pretty tomboyish back then. That passion stayed with us as we grew older.

I initially wanted to work in public services, but after college, I ended up in financial services for quite a while. When I began seeking volunteer opportunities, I was looking for a change in my career. That’s when I started exploring different options. Alongside volunteering, I transitioned to a new career and now serve as a therapy assistant on the inpatient therapy team. It’s a truly fulfilling job, and I also enjoy engaging in activities outside of work that align with my interests, especially with my dog.

As part of the canine befrienders programme, Angie (Angela Barker – canine befriender lead) and the team responsible for the befriending initiative have paired the dogs with specific areas within the trust.

Penny and I visit the Priestley unit in Kirklees, along with ward 18 and ward 19, two inpatient units. Ward 19 caters to service users aged 65 and older, while ward 18 is for those aged 18 to 65. We typically go every Thursday afternoon for an hour, spending half an hour in each unit. The atmosphere is a bit different; the over-65s tend to be less mobile, so we usually walk around the unit, sit down, and chat, allowing everyone to pet and cuddle with Penny. In contrast, at ward 18, there’s a spacious lounge where people usually come to us. Our time there mainly involves chatting, sharing stories about Penny, and asking if they have any pets.

Occasionally, we encounter individuals who are feeling quite upset or distressed, and Penny has a wonderful ability to soothe them, providing a distraction. There have been instances where we’ve developed a rapport with certain individuals, and if they are feeling down, the staff have requested that we spend some one-on-one time with them.

Penny and I also conducted one-on-one sessions with a young person who was receiving inpatient care at Pinderfields. She would come over to Fieldhead, and we would spend an hour with her. However, as her health improved, she felt she no longer needed those sessions.

I’ve experienced times in my life when I felt very anxious and dealt with general mental health issues. Being in this environment really highlights how delicate mental health can be and how easily someone can find themselves in such a situation. Therefore, being able to contribute positively to help those in need is incredibly meaningful and invaluable.

Plus, Penny thrives on the attention. Sometimes I feel a bit guilty at home for not giving her as much love as she craves. So, volunteering with her is like hitting the jackpot for her; she gets to enjoy all the affection from everyone, which really fills her up with love. It’s wonderful for her, especially since she’s a rescue dog.

In my previous job, I often felt like I wasn’t contributing anything significant. While I was searching for a new job, volunteering definitely provided that sense of fulfilment, allowing me to do something positive and give back a little. It’s wonderful to meet new people and gain insights into the world and the challenges others face, as well as how I might be able to help. I believe it costs nothing to be kind, right? Everyone deserves a little kindness. My sister is a guide dog trainer for a charity, and she finds her job quite rewarding as she trains dogs for individuals with sight loss. That’s something I might aspire to as well. I would love to continue doing something rewarding, whether that means staying in the therapy team or transitioning to another role where I can work with people and provide support. Having come from a high-pressure job in financial services, it’s refreshing to step back and enjoy something meaningful. I’m just open to seeing where this journey takes me.

I really enjoy collaborating with Penny and being part of the canine befriending team. Angie and Helen are two wonderful ladies. They are so approachable and make you feel comfortable right from the start. They are very relatable and eager to assist with anything you might need. They form an incredible team, and I love working with them so much that I’ve told them to inform me if they ever have a job opening.

Many of my colleagues ask me why I leave early on Thursdays. I explain what I’m up to, and they always express interest in meeting Penny. Some of them even have dogs and ask questions too. A few service users have also considered doing the same. I would definitely recommend volunteering. It’s like a lovely circle.

When I began volunteering here, it wasn’t long before I applied for my position in the NHS. I like to believe that my volunteering experience contributed to my success in that role. It helped me enhance my CV. During my interview, I shared examples from my volunteering experience. I definitely view it as a potential route to working with the Trust or within the NHS.