Working Denbighshire project offering walks with Fluffy Friends
In an endeavour to promote mental and emotional wellness on people’s journey towards employment, Working Denbighshire’s Barod Project is launching the ‘Paws and Pathways’ Wellbeing Walk, which will feature the heart-warming presence of therapy dogs.
Designed to provide a calm and nurturing environment for unemployed Denbighshire residents seeking a break from the challenges of daily life, the ‘Paws and Pathways’ Wellbeing Walk combines the therapeutic benefits of walking, with the comfort and companionship of certified therapy dogs.
The walks will be led by Barod’s Wellbeing and Resilience Coaches and walkers will be accompanied by the friendly therapy dogs provided by Therapy Dogs Nationwide with the hope of enhancing mental health and well-being.
Therapy dogs have an extraordinary ability to uplift spirits and provide emotional support, and their calming presence can reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety, making them ideal companions for those looking to enhance their mental and emotional wellness.
Tina Foulkes, Manager at Working Denbighshire said: “Being unemployed can have a negative impact on a person’s wellbeing so the ‘Barod’ project will be running activities to support individuals feeling these pressures.
"The project will be running a selection of wellbeing activities throughout the year, with a long term goal to prepare people for employment.”
Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said: “It is great that this project is now expanding to include a walk with therapy dogs, as both taking a walk in the outdoors and interaction with dogs are known to boost mental health.
"I would encourage anyone who fits the criteria to sign up and give this free initiative a go.”
Walks will be taking place between 1pm and 2pm every Monday, in Rhyl, Denbigh, Llangollen, Prestatyn and Ruthin until 18 December. Visit https://www.denjobs.org/ to find the closest event to you.
Participation in the ‘Paws and Pathways’ Wellbeing Walks is free and open to individuals within the Denbighshire area, over the age of 16, who are unemployed and not in education. All fitness levels are welcome.
Booking is required and can be done by sending an email to cerian.phoenix@denbighshire.gov.uk or calling 07824 300769.
Working Denbighshire is part funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme which supports those most disadvantaged in the labour market to overcome the barriers preventing them from gaining employment.
Working Denbighshire has received £3,529,632 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
