Paws, People and Connection: Outreach Therapy Pets Comes to Community Link

Community Link is delighted to be the new home for Outreach Therapy Pets, a much loved programme that brings friendly dogs and their volunteer handlers into schools, retirement communities, and community spaces such as libraries.

Anyone who’s ever stopped to pat a dog knows the effect it can have. People naturally gravitate towards friendly animals, often opening up and engaging in ways that can be harder in more formal or unfamiliar environments. Health experts have long recognised the powerful benefits of our relationships with animals, from reducing stress and anxiety to lifting mood and encouraging connection.

For some people, especially those who are unwell or feeling isolated, a visit from a calm, affectionate dog can bring real comfort. For children, including those who may be struggling with learning or confidence, therapy pets can help create a sense of safety and ease. In some cases, this gentle connection can even help ease physical pain or emotional distress. Most importantly, these visits almost always bring smiles.

Outreach Therapy Pets was previously run by St John, but due to national funding reductions the service could no longer continue under their umbrella. Community Link recognised just how valuable this programme is for local wellbeing and connection, and we’re proud to have stepped in to ensure it continues in our community.

We’re currently working through the final paperwork and set‑up, and once that’s complete we’ll be looking to grow the programme by welcoming more volunteers and their dogs. If you have a calm, friendly dog and enjoy connecting with people, this could be a wonderful way to give back to the community with your four‑legged companion right beside you.

If you’d like to learn more, express interest, or simply have a chat about how the programme works, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact:
Darby on dichrow@gmail.com or mobile 021 088 20062