Page 22 - June 2016 Issue 303
P. 22
22 THE NEW COUNTESTHORPE HERALD
JUNE 2016
COMMUNITY PET
SUPPORT SCHEME
Pets provide wonderful companionship, love, and a listening ear and have been shown in scientific studies to have a positive impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of their owners.
Local dog and cat rescue and rehoming charity, Leicester Animal Aid, is launching the Community Pet Support Scheme (CPSS) which aims to sustain the relationship between companion animal and human (for as long as it is mutually beneficial) through offering support in two main areas:
• Provide elderly, physically disabled, vulnerable and housebound people with assistance to care for their companion animal in their own homes.
• Create a foster support network (for the temporary care of owned companion animals or companion animals at Leicester Animal Aid seeking an alternative environment).
Social isolation and loneliness is a big problem in the UK, over half of all people aged 75 and over live alone (ONS, 2010).
Loneliness can be more than just an emotional experience and has been shown to have links to poor health.
The 24/7 companionship of an animal is an unusual but effective antidote to these challenges. Anyone that lives with a pet knows the affection and friendship they can give, and studies have shown a positive relationship between animal companionship and better health and wellbeing. It has been shown that animals help to support emotional needs and having a companion animal can also help to create new human relationships.
The CPSS service is funded by Leicester Animal Aid, in conjunction with an £11,000 grant from The Pedigree and Whiskas Feeding Brighter Futures Fund (Mars Petcare) and will be piloted for six months with the aim of becoming an on-going outreach scheme. The scheme will be independently evaluated by the University of Nottingham (School of Veterinary Medicine and Science).
The scheme will be free for clients of the CPSS scheme and will be delivered by trained and DBS checked volunteers with the support of a dedicated Co-ordnator in three districts; Oadby & Wigston, Blaby District and Hinckley & Bosworth Borough. The scheme also provides funded veterinary care for any pet whose owner have limited income.
The scheme will work in conjunction with professional referral partners including local social services, GPs, health services, veterinary practices and voluntary organisations.
If you would like any further information about the CPSS scheme please contact Sarah Moakes, Scheme Coordinator at cpss@leicesteranimalaid.org.uk
RAINBOW SHOP
The Rainbow Shop is open every day but Sunday from 10 until 12 , on Tuesday and Thursdays also from 2 until 4 and on Saturday we stay open until 2 p.m and we are opposite the Coop in Countesthorpe and just beside St Andrew’s Church
As you can see from the photograph, the range of Fair Trade goods we have on offer is large and most regular customers have their own favourite items to pick up before looking round the clothing, bric a brac, books and cards we also stock, so do come in and look around and maybe even stop for a cup of tea!
We would also like to thank everyone who supported the recent sale in the Cornerstone, raising even more much needed funding for Christian Aid.
PatsyP
SoleCare
‘Caring for your feet’
Karen Hunt (MCFHP MAFHP) Foot Health Practitioner
Are you unable to cut your nails or do you suffer discomfort from:
Corns
Callus Ingrown nails
Fungal nails Crackedheels Verrucae
Professional care and treatment in the comfort of your own home
call Karen on 07877 547117
Home visits and flexible appointments Registered Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals
