Therapets Supporting Dementia Awareness Week at Hairmyres Hospital

Canine Concern Scotland Trust volunteers in South Lanarkshire attended and supported Dementia Awareness Week in Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride from Monday 3rd to Friday 7th of June.

The Therapets and volunteers turned out in force to create awareness of dementia by carrying out some PR work in the hospital atrium. At the same time promoting the work that CCST does through our visiting Therapets. Volunteers and their Therapets were invited to many different wards during the week as an extra to visit patients, visiting relatives and staff to brighten their day, by simply making people smile. Everyone benefited from the cuddles and antics of our wonderful Therapets.

Volunteers were kept busy talking to everyone and were given constant supplies of tea and coffee and beautiful homemade cakes for sustenance.

Area representative John Kerr organised a rota of local Therapets to attend during the week and they consisted of;

Abbie, Alba, Alfie, Betsy, Bonnie, Buddy, Harley, Honey, Jake, Lottie, Molly, Oscar, Ria, Talla, Tanya and Tilly.

As well as creating awareness of both dementia and the work our Therapets do, during the week the Therapet team managed to collect donations on behalf of CCST to the terrific amount of over £748.99p. This included a cheque presented by Mairi Louise Houldsworth on behalf of “University Hospital Hairmyres Dementia Champions Committee” of £250.00p. This is in appreciation of the work of our visiting Therapets and for their continued support in events like “Dementia Awareness week”. Also included in this total is a £50.00p cheque from Sanderson High School in East Kilbride where CCST volunteer Colin Balloch visits weekly with Therapet Tilly in our “Reading With Dogs” programme.

Well done the Therapets team in East Kilbride & South Lanarkshire.

Picture Above: CCST Volunteer Jill Gow, CCST Volunteer Dougie McConnell with Therapet Bonnie,

Area Representative John Kerr with Therapet Honey and Mairi Louise Houldsworth: Hairmyres Hospital Coordinator for Carers.