Tell us about your organisation, how you started and what you do?
Through our animal therapy focused work, HugglePets in the Community utilise animals and trained specialists to support and work alongside individuals/groups to improve mental health, combat loneliness, challenge behavioural issues and promote psychological wellbeing. Our projects focus on working with local people and incorporate social integration and skills development for children, young people and adults through emotional and social wellbeing sessions.
What has been your greatest achievement?
We have a few greatest achievements; one of course was being host to Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge as they joined us for an Animal Assisted Intervention session for Primary School children as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021.
We have also been able to support over 3000 people during the pandemic with their mental health, either through therapy programmes or community activities to reduce isolation in the city.
What is your experience of support received from WVSC?
Our experience of working with Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council has been positive. They were able to put us in touch with key funders and also keep us updated with ongoing council tenders, policies and key changes to industry that we need to be aware of.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt about working with people in Wolverhampton?
I think the most valuable thing that we have learnt about working with people in Wolverhampton is that most people have a keen interest in supporting their mental health, understanding their own mental health and wellbeing and have a need to be connected to others.
What are some of the challenges you face and how can WVSC help to support your organisation in the future?
We now face the challenge of keeping the momentum going with our events, programmes and getting the word out there about our services. We would welcome WVSC to support this by marketing our provision in their materials, website and talking about our programmes with everyone.
Where can we find out more?
Hannah Dixon
Community Projects Manager
HugglePets in the Community
Telephone: 01902 494860 option 3
Mobile: 07595 209 028
Email: community@hugglepets.co.uk
Social Media: @hugglepetsCIC
Address: HugglePets, PGO Building, Cooper Street, Wton, WV2 2JL
Website: www.hugglepetsinthecommunity.co.uk
Would you like to be featured in our Voluntary Sector Focus? Contact Sharon Nanan-Sen on snanan-sen@wolverhamptonvsc.org.uk for more info!