Above: Richard Briggs, 26, enjoyed a visit from Pumpkin and Darcy. Richard was born with hydrocephalus and was in Narrabri Health Services for a few days after a procedure at Tamworth Hospital when Pumpkin and Darcy dropped in with Meredith Chapman and administration and health technician Taylah Cook.
Throughout history, companion animals have been identified as a human’s best friend.
Nowadays, they are much more than friends, they are recognised as companions and therapy assistants for a wide range of mental health issues in children and adults.
The value of animals in occupational therapy and the promotion of mental well-being and physical health issues is well documented.
“It is well researched and there is much evidence based outcomes on the value of integrating animals with many different human mental health issues,” explained principal of Narrabri based Logistics Health Pty Ltd, Meredith Chapman.
Behavioural issues in children, through conditions like autism, or cerebral palsy are being successfully met with animal therapy. For adults the help is with mood disorders, depression, anxiety, all sorts of psychological issues.
Logistics Health is closely engaged across the spectrum of health and wellness for the Narrabri and regional community, recognising the increasing importance that animal assisted learning can achieve for some of their clients.
Logistics Health is the only provider of this service with animals in the Narrabri district and possibly the much wider region.
The use of animals in therapy is not only effective and helpful for clients, it is deeply gratifying for the human therapists who work with their four legged assistants and see the results.
“We are primarily introducing the animals here in our practice in Narrabri with our therapists. Our aim is to integrate them with our existing clients, and an addition is taking them into hospitals and nursing homes,” said Meredith.
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