We got ourselves some lovely cuddly new residents at Byker Hall this week as part of our Animal Assisted Therapy programme.

Introducing Frank, Harvey, Dexter and Errol! Our new guinea pigs.

 

Animal Assisted Therapy allows residents to cuddle and bond with our furry friends, which can help boost their mood, self-esteem and stop them feeling isolated.  It has been found that people with chronic health problems and mental illness make significant progress when caring for animals.  Symptoms of depression, hypertension and anxiety have been shown to be greatly alleviated.

Guinea Pigs are ideal as they are easy-to-hold, compact and furry, with a cuddly personality and often quite chatty.  If they feel able, we will encourage residents to assist with taking care of the guinea pigs, feeding and grooming them and so on.

They are after all a new part of our family at Byker Hall!