DEMENTIA specialist Belong has transformed its Crewe village into a mini farm for the day, playing host for a special meet-and-greet afternoon with animals from all over the world.
Swiss Valais blacknose sheep, Chinese Silkie chickens, and Pygmy goats joined the Brookhouse Drive community, as did miniature Shetland ponies, French Lop rabbits and hairless guinea pigs, with Belong customers petting the creatures, finding out all about them, and in some cases, taking on the role of looking after them.
Jessica Butler, experience coordinator at Belong Crewe, said: “Animal therapy provides the opportunity to socialise without the need to engage in conversation, so our customers with little or no verbal communication could join in, too. It gave them a sense of companionship whilst offering mental stimulation – they really got a lot out of it.
“The session was a hit, and everyone left with big smiles and happy hearts. We look forward to welcoming our new animal friends back soon.”
The session was arranged by the village’s experience team as part of its monthly B’s Memory Cafe, supported by Crewe Town Council. The service invites local people living with dementia and their loved ones to enjoy a complimentary activity and the chance to speak with a specialist dementia Admiral Nurse in conjunction with Dementia UK.
Mobile Farm Cheshire was called upon to facilitate the animal assisted therapy, with Belong Crewe’s resident and tenants also invited to try something new, forge fresh friendships, and enjoy a sense of camaraderie looking after their guests.