Girls at Cheltenham Ladies’ College have been joined by puppies and dogs from Guide Dogs for the Blind today (Wednesday 18th November), as part of the new Wellbeing Programme launched in September.
Volunteers from the charity Guide Dogs, which works to provide mobility and freedom to blind and partially sighted people, visited College’s new Wellbeing Suite with six guide dogs, including a 10-week-old puppy who was a particular favourite. Pupils booked a 15 minute slot, during their break or free periods, to come and meet the dogs and learn more about the work that the charity does.
Emily Williams, from Guide Dogs, talked to all the girls about the work involved in training a Guide Dog and inspired everyone with her warmth and enthusiasm. Over 80 girls visited the puppies and volunteers throughout the day, which was arranged as part of CLC’s new Wellbeing Programme.
There are recognised benefits for relaxation and reducing stress when time is spent learning about and caring for a dog in this way and, following the success of the event, CLC plans to repeat the visit later in the year. The students will also be fundraising throughout the year and hope to raise £1,500 so that they can name a Guide Dog puppy and be involved in its development.
Colette Dobbs, Wellbeing Co-ordinator at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, said: “The Wellbeing Programme at CLC encourages the girls to think about and develop who they are, not just what they do or what they learn in academic lessons. Girls of all ages have enjoyed learning about the work done by these incredible dogs and loved spending time with them. Events such as this, which help develop and maintain an outward-looking perspective, are always important.”
Throughout the year, CLC’s new Wellbeing Programme will cover a range of topics including healthy lifestyles, study skills, tolerance and discrimination, manners, peer pressure, and mindfulness, and will include talks from ChildNet, Dementia Friends and Info Buzz.
For more information about the charity Guide Dogs and the great work that they do, please visit www.guidedogs.org.uk.