Therapy Dog Hettie Helps Young People Feel At Ease In Brighton

A therapy dog has become a much-loved member of a mental health team supporting young people in Brighton and Hove.

Six-year-old Hettie has been helping children and families attending Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) at the Aldrington Centre in Hove.

The Pets As Therapy dog has been working with the team since qualifying at just 18 months old and now visits the centre two or three days a week.

Her calming presence can help young people who may be feeling anxious about appointments, particularly when visiting CAMHS for the first time.

Clinicians can introduce Hettie to young people before they arrive by sharing photos and information about her.

Families are also asked beforehand whether they are comfortable around dogs.

Unlike many therapy dogs who make occasional visits to healthcare settings, Hettie is embedded within the CAMHS team and regularly takes part in art psychotherapy sessions.

Her owner, Sue Storey, said Hettie's presence can help young people feel comfortable enough to stay in a room, join a conversation or take part in an activity they might otherwise find overwhelming.

Young people can interact with Hettie by stroking her, playing with her, teaching her tricks or helping to walk her between sessions.

These activities can help with confidence, communication, focus and emotional regulation, while making therapy sessions more engaging.

Hettie has also become a familiar face around the Aldrington Centre, with many young people looking forward to seeing her in waiting areas and corridors.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust says Hettie is one of several dogs supporting people across its services.

They include Stanley, a two-year-old Shih Tzu working with the Community Learning Disability Service; Ella, who visits Heathfield Ward in Eastbourne; and Brandy and Gizmo, who provide support at Langley Green Hospital in Crawley.

In Brighton and Hove, five-year-old Golden Retriever Buddy helps people attending the Wellbeing Service, while Flora, an English Pointer and registered Pets As Therapy dog, has supported people using community mental health services for more than four years.

The Trust is highlighting the work of its therapy and assistance dogs as part of International Assistance Dog Week.