A south London-based dog charity based is launching a befriending service with a twist this spring after a successful pilot last year.
Walkies: Colin says that meeting Fiona and her CareDog Ellie has been a big help to him
CareDogs operates in Lambeth, Southwark, Croydon, Bromley and Lewisham. The charity aims to solve social isolation in the elderly through a range of services centred around the positive impact dogs can have on people’s lives.
CareDogs is welcoming volunteers and their pets to befriend an older person in need. Whether they’re housebound, living with dementia or going through bereavement, CareDogs is giving dog owners an opportunity to do good by making bespoke pairings between volunteers and clients. The simple aim is to encourage human connection through canine companionship.
As a nation of dog-lovers, the pilot project has already made a huge impact for the six volunteer pairings taking part, helping to build confidence and new friendships.
Colin, 80 from Bromley, was one of those to benefit from the charity’s pilot befriending service. “Meeting Fiona and Ellie, her dog, every week has been so good for me, to have a walk and a talk.
“I was lost after my wife Jo died unexpectedly last year… Having these walks every week have helped me regain structure – and I remember my love of walking! I now walk a lot more and feel so much better for it.”
The launch of the befriending service is particularly timely, after the impact of covid-19 resulted in almost 1-in-5 elderly people feeling less confident to leave the house by themselves, as well as increasing levels of depression and anxiety in the over-70s.
In contrast, more than 85per cent of dog owners stated their pets had a positive effect on their wellbeing during the pandemic – something CareDogs are keen to replicate with their latest service.
The charity is seeking to raise £3,000 this month. The money will be used to expand the befriending service to 50 volunteers so it can reach and help more people. Backed by the National Emergencies Trust, any individual donation up to the value of £250 will be matched, meaning the charity will get twice as much as people are able to donate.
“Our befriending service has already shown it can be an impactful and timely solution to the issue of social isolation and loneliness in the elderly,” said Delphine Chui, the founder of CareDogs.
“But we need the public’s help to increase its reach and make a real difference in the lives of individuals living throughout South London.”
For more information on CareDogs, the befriending service and the charity’s crowdfunding campaign, please visit caredogs.org.uk.
- Looking for a dog? Check out Wimbledon Greyhound Rescue
- Looking for walks with hounds? Take a look at the Surrey Sighthounds Walking Group on Facebook
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