Co-op’s Helping Hands for Paws for Support
A CHARITY that uses highly trained dogs to help support people’s wellbeing is one of 13 beneficiaries from the Channel Islands Co-operative Society’s latest Helping Hands fund payout.
The fund was launched more than 20 years ago and, to date, has donated more than £300,000 to worthwhile causes across the Bailiwick.
This year the society received more than 100 applications from across the Channel Islands and donated more than £8,900 to 11 Guernsey charities and organisations.
Funding is awarded to good causes which promote social inclusion and diversity, health and wellbeing, support younger generations, the elderly or vulnerable groups, support local producers or projects which protect the local environment.
Paws for Support was awarded £1,500, which it will use to raise awareness of the work it does within the local community.
The charity has recently launched its new programme, Office Dogs, which directly supports those working in offices in need of some stress relief or support with their mental wellbeing.
Paws for Support’s Sara Sarre said all money received went towards the running of the charity.
‘Our dogs have regular training sessions before undertaking a comprehensive and rigid assessment – with retesting annually,’ she said.
‘The dogs wear lead slips and capes to make them visible in their roles and we now have training versions which were all made locally.’
‘Without all the generous donations we receive from within the Bailiwick we would not be able to provide such an extensive and comprehensive service.
‘The charity is working to the highest possible standards, making sure all our polices and procedures create a robust and safe place for all, including the dogs.
‘With the current climate of mental health and wellbeing having such a large impact on all aspects of life within the community, our dogs are part of the bigger picture to combat anxiety, stress and support all.’
Others to benefit from the fund included Guernsey Dynamics Football Club, which will use the money to pay for venue hire so men with varying forms of learning disabilities can play football. Le Platon Residential Home received funds towards the development of a purpose-built dementia wing.
Also getting money were Guernsey were Arts for Impact, Bowel Cancer Guernsey, Carers Coming Together, Guernsey Mobility Lets Go, Guernsey Voluntary Service, Hautes Capelles PTA and The Health Improvement Commission for Guernsey and Alderney.
CI Co-op acting chief executive Mark Cox said: ‘Every year we receive so many applications and it is always so hard to choose the successful projects. We hope the money donated this year will help a number of good causes in Guernsey go on to make a real difference to the community.’
