A furry good idea!
One Central Coast school has taken a paw-sitively different approach to their student’s wellbeing, introducing a furry friend to the counselling team.
Green Point Christian College welcomed golden retriever Bentley and his handler, Janelle Stringer, to the school last week after much anticipation from students and staff.
As a therapy dog, Bentley will join the staff in the counselling area and offer up a little extra comfort, friendship and happiness to students during difficult times.
Bentley has been trained by Delta Society – a non-for-profit organisation that train therapy dogs for visits to care facilities, workplaces and schools across the country to help improve mental health and welfare.
Research completed by Delta Society revealed that interaction with animals can help with normal development in child, improve quality of life, reduce anxiety and stress, assist in learning pro-social behaviour, and help in developing independence and confidence.
Bentley and his handler will be at the school once a week to assist the counselling team.
How paw-some!
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Written by Kate Stevens
Images: Unsplash
