Alongside ensuring insurances, risk assessments, safeguarding policies and training, first aid training and DBS certificates are up to date, we have pulled together a multi-disciplinary team of staff, volunteers, and advisors to ensure that we provide high-quality, sustainable services Nationwide.
With animal welfare underpinning all that we do, each animal is independently selected and regularly assessed to ensure that any activity asked of them enhances their well-being just as much as that of the people they interact with. This includes session type, length and frequency. We also have an RVN veterinary nurse assessing our animals regularly.
Click each picture to learn more …
Katie Bristow, Director – Project Lead Animal-Assisted Intervention Programmes, brings academic understanding (BSc Hons Psychology) with experience in animal behaviour (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors prov) and Clinical Psychology (MBPsS British Psychological Society) and a proven track record in project management (developing the PAWS service at Dogs for Good) to the team.
Julie Milsom, Director – Monitoring & Standardisation, combines expertise in delivering animal welfare programmes in Further Education, with experience co-founding Hereford Community Farm, and has a V1 internal verification qualification and is an accredited assessor to current QCF guidelines for TAQA.
Jennie Docherty, Animal-Assisted Intervention Programme Support, combines a career in SEN education, work as a therapist, with a passion for companion animals. Jennie is now an integral part of the team, where she can combine her skills as a therapist with her passion for animals.
Lesley Bristow, Director – Financial Monitoring & Administrative Support, brings financial and administrative support to ensure a solid infra-structure to put the organisation in the best possible place for progressing.
Denise Young – volunteering through our TOAST community projects, is an inspiring dog trainer and has a beautiful relationship with her dog Max. As well as helping us at school and community-based sessions, Denise is often found helping the children to gain confidence and trust where it is most needed.
John Trimble, Director – Social & Therapeutic Horticulture Consultancy, has a University Diploma in Therapeutic Horticulture and co-founder of Hereford Community Farm, John supports the team with his experience in establishing community green spaces throughout the UK.
Amy Thomson – volunteers for the team, bringing experience in animal behaviour (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors prov, and BSc in Animal Behaviour & Welfare) she now runs dog training classes, alongside her work as a paediatric occupational therapy and social care assistant.
Jay Rix – a volunteer supporting us through our volunteering programme set up through our TOAST community projects, is a fantastic help out at our various community events, with her great love of dogs and her understanding and caring nature.
Benjamin Newton, Director – Community Engagement, brings experience and qualifications in Health and Social Care, Supporting Young People, and Horticulture. Ben Chairs the Waterlees in Bloom group and brings people together in the community, empowering neighbours at grass-roots level.
Steve Hubbard – volunteering through our TOAST community projects, has discovered his talent for photography, inspired whilst out walking in and around Wisbech. He takes wonderful pictures of the dogs and people at our events and runs our Instagram page.
Robert Martyr – is a volunteer, bringing over 10 years of experience in wildlife conservation with him. He is very passionate about preserving and enhancing our natural environment, and has a deep understanding as to how beneficial nature reserves are to mental and physical health & well-being.
Everyone has a skill to share, together our value is greater.
Many other community members come together each month to form a steering committee, alongside the staff team and external professionals who specialise in; psychology, occupational therapy, animal behaviour and welfare, veterinary care, research and social investment, community development and more …. giving us a broader outlook and greater value moving forward.
Lets not forget the four-legged members of our team!
Urwin, our one-eyed Golden Retriever, kindly rehomed to us through Guide Dogs.
Blake, our ‘mr sensible’ always happy to see you.
Bryn, India’s ‘partner in crime’ – between the two of them you can’t help but smile!
Our guinea pigs; Trouble, Bumble, Honey, Mouse and Popcorn – named by some of the young people we work with.
India, the ‘cheeky’ one, rehomed to us through Dogs Trust, with a talent for football.
