Oliver meets the Gulliver’s Characters

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Local Charity, HOPE Trauma Support, recently had a grand day out to Gulliver’s Valley Resort, South Yorkshire with a very important aim.

It was all part of the continuing training for their therapy dog, Oliver.

In particular, he met with the theme park’s mascots to help him become used to encountering such furry characters when he is at events as part of his duties.

HOPE offers support for families who have had a loved one killed in traumatic circumstances, specifically in a road traffic collision, fire or drowning. They work with people of all ages and support them for however long they need, offering a bespoke package of assistance, depending on their needs.

Oliver the therapy dog is an invaluable part of the team, attending the charity’s monthly peer support groups, going along on one-to-one sessions or accompanying people to meetings or hearings in relation to the death of a loved one. Oliver provides comfort and affection and is specially trained to be gentle and friendly and to accept strangers hugging and petting him. He is especially patient with small children.

He can provide emotional support to a bereaved person. Studies show that the simple act of stroking a dog prompts a relaxation response and the release of stress busting hormones which can play a part in elevating mood and reducing anxiety. Dogs can reduce the focus on negative emotions and promote feelings of safety and comfort.

Earlier this year, Oliver, who is two and a half years old, gained his gold award from the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme. But his training doesn’t stop there. Next up will be more advanced tuition specifically in relation to his role as a therapy dog. And this is because Oliver has to work in lots of different environments, which means getting him used to a whole host of different situations, so he is comfortable when working in any setting.

That’s where Gulliver’s Valley Resort, South Yorkshire was happy to step in and offer to work with Oliver, helping him to become familiar and comfortable around some of their mascots.

Charity Operations Manager, Maryann was grateful to Gulliver’s Valley for their support and assistance, “We’d like to say a massive thank you to Gulliver’s Valley for inviting us along so that Oliver could meet some of their mascots. It’s difficult for Oliver, our therapy dog, to understand what these big characters are, so it’s important for us to introduce him to the likes of Leonard the Lion and Dino in a controlled environment and show Oliver that they aren’t a threat.

“We’ve had a great day here at Gulliver’s Valley and Oliver has had a valuable lesson in meeting all the different characters.”


About HOPE

At HOPE we provide free and unlimited support to people bereaved or affected by traumatic events, specifically road traffic collisions, fires or drowning. We support children and adults of all ages, from all backgrounds.

HOPE has been supporting people since 2006. We are an inclusive group; our loss is what brings us together. We support you and your family in your time of need, for however long you need.

More information about HOPE can be found on our website
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @HOPEsupportgrp

Contact:

Joanne Wehrle
Project Co-ordinator
HOPE charity
Mobile: 07864 613139
Email: Joanne@hope-sy.org.uk