SPPOT (Supporting People and Pets through Opportunities and Training) is a Community Interest Company providing volunteering opportunities for vulnerable adults to become qualified dog walkers and home boarders. It is based in Pembrokeshire (Wales).
SPPOT runs accredited courses for this group of vulnerable adults to become volunteer dog walkers. Part of their role will be to support people who can no longer walk their dog through ill-health or old age, but who benefit form having a dog.
There is plenty of evidence available to show that contact with dogs or dog ownership, has health benefits for people who work with them or own them. Dog owners are less likely to need health care and need access to care. It is therefore important to support people to keep their pets even through ill health or old age.
The other benefit is for the volunteer. There is plenty of information and evidence to show that people who have mental ill health, learning disabilities or autism, benefit form working with dogs and taking exercise. We have seen a number of individuals develop very good and beneficial relationships with the dogs that they have worked with.
One of the skills that our volunteers need, is to be able walk the dogs that they are assigned to, in all weathers. To do this role effectively they need the right equipment.
We are in need of funds to equip our dog walkers with clothing, coats, wellies and a kit bags.
To do this one of SPPOT's volunteer directors is going to be undertaking a marathon walk (26.2 miles) on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.
Please would you make a donation to support this endeavour. We are hoping to raise £1000. Any more than that can go to providing courses to people who don't have funding but who have been identified for the course as it would be beneficial for the long term health needs of people who wish to undertake the course.