World Mental Health day is celebrated on 10th October every year, and this year the theme is “it’s time to prioritise mental health in the work place”.
I feel truly blessed that I am able to take my dog to work with me everyday. She provides me with support and unconditional love that aids my mental health on those days when things feel tough. As a CAL dog, she provides the children and young people that she works with the much needed support, encouragement and companionship to help them get through the day. But what else does she bring to the schools? How does she support the mental health of the staff in the workplace?
Larnie is always approached in the corridors or visited in her room by members of staff looking for a quick therapeutic touch between classes. Working in any school, in particular SEMH schools, is a tough job. The staff are beyond wonderful and provide incredible support, care, education and life skills, often going above and beyond their job description. There is very little time for a break in school and staff are always on call. When Larnie visits the young people that she works with there is always extra time for her to provide a much needed cuddle for staff. Many staff members comment on how just those few precious seconds give them the boost they needed to pick them up and give them the strength to go on with the day. I sit back slightly and often overhear their quiet words to Larnie about what has troubled them that day. Dogs are by their very nature non judgemental and provide a much needed listening ear as the adult loses themselves in those deep eyes or soft fluffy coat.
Not every work place is lucky enough to have a dog on hand So, on World Mental Health day, let’s come together to talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. Talking about our mental health can help us cope better with life’s ups and downs. On Mental Health day, Thursday 10th October, and in fact on every day, please make sure you check in with your friends, family, peers or colleagues.
Written by Alison Brazier , Canine Assisted Intervention Practitioner