A pet food company, Poppy’s Picnic, has held an event for care home residents in order to support Mental Health Awareness Week and show how pets can help people overcome depression and anxiety.
The event will see residents from Dauntsey House Care Home meet the dogs of company owners Dylan Watkins and Louise Mackintosh.
In the run up to the event the pet food company is running a Facebook competition asking customers to share stories of how their pets have change lives. Trained therapy dogs from Therapy Dogs Nationwide will also be at the event, the dogs are specially trained to interact with care home residents.
Watkins said: “As a pet food company we recognise and actively want to promote how pets can be a great source of comfort, companionship and motivation for their owners. In many ways, pets can help us to live mentally healthier lives.
“We are looking forward to throwing open the doors of our HQ and hosting a live-action Poppy-themed picnic for the residents of the Dauntsey House care home so that they can socialise with the dogs.
“Poppy and her pups, as well as a team from Therapy Dogs Nationwide will be there to interact with our guests and show what a difference our four-legged friends can make.
“Kyle Davies, a leading Chartered Psychologist and creator of Energy Flow Coaching will also be on hand to provide guidance on lifestyle changes that can relieve stress.”
The event will be held at Coach House, Sandridge Park, Melksham, on May 15, from 12am to 2pm.
