#BefriendingIs Fun with a visit from Therapet Holly and the BHA BeFriend team in Berwickshire
8th October 2020
Although visiting in befriendees’ homes was suspended because of the current pandemic, the BHA BeFriend project in Berwickshire has been finding new and creative ways to keep in touch safely. BeFriend Project Coordinator Terri Bearhope shares about how they’ve continued to support their community.
The lack of contact with our befriendees since March, has been incredibly difficult for everyone in the project. They have been providing a telephone-only service since March, with garden visits by volunteers starting in the last few weeks.
However, project staff have been getting involved with and supporting other charities in our area during and after lockdown. They’ve been particularly involved with the Food Train, and Walk it!, which are projects that in turn support some of BeFriend’s own people. Therapets, in particular, is a project that is close to the hearts of BeFriend staff, because most of them own dogs.
Holly is a 9 year old Bichon Frise who is a registered Therapet with Canine Concern Scotland Trust, and she lives with BeFriend Administrator, Sarah. Along with Hamish who belongs to Group Worker, Kerry, she helps to make up the Therapet contingent of BeFriend.
Holly has been able to visit her friend, Mary, by saying hello through her window. Mary’s face lights up when she sees Holly and Holly’s tail wags so much she almost wags herself out of Sarah’s arms!
Both Holly and Hamish are intelligent and very well trained. They’re calm and unfussy, and both love being around people. They enjoy being social very much and it’s easy to imagine that they too have been missing close contact with their friends, so, for the time being, they’ll continue to wag through windows and bring a smile to people’s faces while staying Covid-safe.
#befriendingis safe and fun.
By: Terri Bearhope, Project Coordinator, BHA BeFriend
https://www.berwickshirehousing.org.uk/news/get-involved-in-volunteering-with-bha-befriend/