In recent years Sefton has seen an increase in people experiencing loneliness within certain groups.
The negative effects of loneliness are well known – as well as creating a sense of isolation and confinement it can, in some cases, lead to depression and other health problems.
This year, Sefton Council and its partners are celebrating the ‘Year of Friendship’, which aims to combat loneliness across the borough and help people connect.
It’s well documented that pets provide great companionship, helping people feel less alone and providing people with a range of physical, emotional and psychological benefits.
Sadly, not every pet owner is able to continue to care for their pets when their circumstances change. For people moving in to nursing homes, this can be especially distressing with many owners forced to find new homes for their animals.
However, a nursing home in Southport is offering a solution to the problem. Tudor Bank Nursing Home allows residents to live alongside their pets to ensure they remain together and their friendship continues.
Joan, a resident at Tudor Bank Nursing Home, fondly refers to her Bichon Frise dog, Pip, as her “everything”. Loved by all the residents, Pip brings smiles, laughter and fun, helping both residents and staff feel at home.
Nursing home staff are also allowed to bring their own animals to work. Karen Stephens, Team Leader at Tudor Bank Nursing Home, said: “I think pets are so important in helping the residents socialise, exercise and take part in activities. It also gives them something to think about and look after.
“Pip has made such a difference to people going out for a walk. We had a gentleman here that used to take her out, and he used to hold her outside the shops when the staff went in. When we came out he’d be surrounded by women so he’d say Pip was a ‘babe magnet’!”
Mary Pagent, a Nurse at Tudor Bank Nursing Home said, said “I think Pip makes a difference to everyone who comes here. It puts families at ease when they walk through the door and are greeted by Pip.
“Care homes are meant to be homes, and that’s a sense the animals provide. Over the years we’ve had cats, dogs, rabbits, and we even have a Guinea pig. I think the animals just make a huge difference to everybody”
To find out more about opportunities to make friends in Sefton, visit https://mysefton.co.uk/category/2019-seftons-year-of-friendship/or https://www.sefton.gov.uk/friendship
Video produced by Sefton Council
Bootle is set to enter the prestigious national gardening competition run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Sefton Council is holding a ‘Moving on’ event to help young people with a disability and their families find out more about their options when they leave school and approach adulthood.
Throughout May we’ll be taking a look at a host of community groups, teams, individuals and organisations who promote healthy bodies, minds and flourishing friendships through keeping fit, playing sport and much more!
