Cottenham Court residents enjoy animal therapy session with furry four-legged friends

Residents at Cottenham Court Bupa Care Home have recently enjoyed a visit from two very special guests during an animal therapy activity session hosted by the care home to boost the mental wellbeing of its residents.

After a previous successful visit to the care home, Karen McDonald, receptionist at Cottenham Court, organised for the home to be visited by the Sandy Hill Community Project Centre team again. Sandy Hill is a not-for-profit organisation located amongst 16 acres of local countryside, boasting plenty of space for animals to roam freely.

Sandy Hill is a local business and well known for two local celebrities: Mary and Bonnie – Dartmoor and Shetland ponies. During the special day, Mary and Bonnie visited the back garden of Cottenham Court to promote positive mental health within the care home and bring a smile to residents’ faces.

One resident, Phyllis, aged 83, commented: “I had a lovely afternoon when Mary and Bonnie came to visit us - when I was little my mum and dad had horses so it brought back many wonderful memories. I am already looking forward to their next visit! Mary was quite cheeky and you could tell that Bonnie had a mischievous streak, too.”

Another resident, John, aged 82, commented: “The ponies were absolutely beautiful, it was very nice to spend the afternoon with them. I loved touching them; their fur was so soft and full of character.”

Lisanne Ehall, Activities Assistant at Cottenham Court, commented: “It was a wonderful afternoon with the Sandy Hills team and our new four-legged friends, the ponies were so calm and quiet but brought such immense joy to the residents. It is well known that animal therapy has positive effects on our mental wellbeing, and this was particularly notable with the residents. Organising activities such as these are incredibly important to us at Cottenham Court - the residents love it.”

Cottenham Court looks forward to welcoming the team at Sandy Hills and their furry friends back to the care home again in the coming months.