New Henshaws College starter on TV!

A very warm welcome to Henshaws College's newest starter – Nathan the buddy dog! Nathan featured on ITV1 news throughout the day on Friday 25th March 2011, along with several college students eager to share in his 15 minutes of fame!

Nathan, a cross between a retriever and a labrador, is 14 months old and taking part in the Guide Dogs buddy scheme pilot. The 12 month pilot is aiming to set up 20 specially selected “buddy” dogs – dogs that are not going to be used as guide dogs – to provide visually impaired and disabled people with practical experience in caring for a dog. It is anticipated that the pilot will also enable Guide Dogs to find out more about how they can make the most of the dogs they breed to benefit more blind and partially sighted people.

Although Nathan has only been at Henshaws College for a few weeks and is still going through his “induction programme”, he has already made a big impression on staff and students alike. Out of college hours Nathan is cared for by a member of staff at home but  during the college day he has his own timetable and attends sessions with students. When he is not in a session he has a resting place outside the principal’s office.

There are many benefits to both students and staff associated with buddy dogs, many of which support the 5 outcomes of the government initiative, Every Child Matters – be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution, and achieve economic well-being. Nathan and the buddy scheme are giving students the opportunity to “try out” a guide dog ,experience the benefits a Guide Dog brings, and providing practical experience for people with a visual impairment and disabilities to develop an understanding of how they would look after a buddy or guide dog. Nathan is also having a very positive therapeutic effect on the students and enhancing their physical and mental wellbeing.

In addition to encouraging communication skills – because he is already a great talking point amongst the students – Nathan is bringing companionship and increasing the students’ enthusiasm and enjoyment of the college experience.

Nathan attends lessons to support students with communication and sensory activities and is used to build their confidence and give them new interest and motivation. He also attends lessons to support students to deal with individual behaviour issues by promoting positive feelings and emotions, and he’s been helping out strengthening students’ independence skills and travel training.

Students are encouraged to walk with Nathan which helps them enjoy the benefits of exercise with more confidence – and staff have found taking Nathan for a walk during breaks can be a great way to de-stress!

Welcome to Henshaws College, Nathan!