Inverness College UHI helps students de-stress with Therapets
Man’s best friend has been invited in to Inverness College, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, to help its students de-stress.
Students will be encouraged to ‘Paws Against Stress’ with Therapets’ Bella, Barney, Buddy and Scotty on Wednesday 15th November and Wednesday 13th December as part of a joint initiative between the Inverness College UHI Guidance Team and the Canine Concern Scotland Trust.
Dogs are known for their therapeutic qualities and it’s scientifically proven that stroking an animal slows down your heartbeat, reduces blood pressure and helps you relax. Students have registered to spend up to 15-minutes each with the dogs as part of the health and wellbeing initiative.
Inverness College UHI wellbeing officer Claire Kilburn-Young hopes it will become an annual event at exam time if successful. “It has been something we’ve wanted to do for some time and the interest from students has just been phenomenal,” she said. “You only have to look at the way people’s faces light up at the sight of a dog to know animal assisted therapy works. We do a lot at Inverness College UHI to promote health and wellbeing but students do get stressed and that can be for a variety of reasons. Most people struggle with finding a work/life balance but for students it’s finding that work/life/study balance. Add to that the stress of sitting exams and assessments as well as the financial climate – with many students relying on their student loans – it can be hard. This kind of therapy is something that has proven successful in hospitals, nursing homes and schools and we’re delighted to welcome Therapets to Inverness College UHI.”
As well as providing practical information, support and advice to students about courses, funding and careers/employability, the Guidance and Wellbeing Team at Inverness College UHI also offers one-to-one counselling, wellbeing and personal support to students. It also takes a proactive approach to help ensure that the physical, mental and social needs of students are met.
Canine Concern Scotland Trust established its Therapets Service in 1988. It now has more than 800 volunteers who, with their specially selected dogs, visit patients and residents in hospitals, hospices, residential care and nursing homes, special needs schools and other intuitions to provide Pet Therapy. Much of the success of the therapy is based on regular visits so that long-term patients develop a relationship and interact with the volunteer and their pet. No charge is made for this service. More information is available at www.canineconcernscotland.org.uk