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In Wales, an adventure leisure company has partnered with the NHS to offer canine-led therapy to offenders on a mental health unit
It was by chance that specialist occupational therapist Ingrid Unsworth came to encounter Mynydd Sleddog Adventures’ husky rides.
Originally intended as a gift voucher for her adult son who was unable to take it up, Unsworth took the ride herself in May 2022. She was left exhilarated – and inspired – by the experience. “I had gone through some challenging circumstances at home and came away in tears of joy,” Unsworth told Positive News. Soon after, she submitted a funding proposal to the NHS for a canine therapy programme to be delivered to the 22 patients in the medium security mental health unit where she’s worked for the past five years.
They are men aged between 18 and 58 who have committed serious crimes, meaning they have been required to carry out their sentences in the unit rather than in standard prisons. Within months, in partnership with Mynydd Sleddog Adventures’ owner Joe Swiffen, a husky therapy programme was in place, designed to challenge the patients’ outlook on themselves and on life as they worked closely with their assigned dog
From left to right Gary Williams, Joe Swiffen with Ulriken the dog, and Ingrid Unsworth with Drake the dog. Image: NHS Betsi Cadwaladr
The men are taught basic canine behaviour training, and play ‘puppy ping pong’, where they work in pairs to encourage the puppies to go back and forth between them with a treat. The husky therapy programme has now been accredited by Welsh qualifications body Agored Cymru, so it can be recognised by potential employers, supporting the men in considering a career in animal care upon their release
How ‘husky therapy’ is helping offenders to tackle their mental health challenges - Positive News
An adventure leisure company has partnered with the NHS to offer canine-led therapy to offenders on a mental health unit
www.positive.news
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