Therapaws Wellbeing Services provide animal assisted wellbeing activities designed to support confidence, communication, and emotional wellbeing in a safe, non-clinical environment. Our sessions use calm, trained dogs to help people feel more relaxed, engaged, and comfortable, particularly those who may find traditional support settings difficult.

We offer non-clinical wellbeing support for a wide range of community settings, including care homes, schools, youth projects, and local organisations. Sessions can be delivered as group activities, one-to-one visits, or informal “walk and talk” sessions, depending on the needs of the individuals involved.

Animal assisted activities can help to:

• reduce anxiety and stress

• improve mood and motivation

• encourage communication and social interaction

• build confidence and trust

• support routine and responsibility

  We can deliver activities within community settings including:

  • Schools

  • Colleges

  • Care homes

  • Community groups

  • Third sector organisations

  • Youth organisations

  • Community events

  Outreach activities can be tailored to the needs of individual organisations and participants.

We are pleased to be developing the Therapaws Wellbeing Hub in Caerphilly, a welcoming community space designed to support wellbeing, confidence, and social connection for people of all ages. The hub is currently being refurbished to create a calm, safe, and comfortable environment where individuals can access support in a relaxed and informal setting.

The aim of the hub is to provide a place where people can take time out from daily pressures, meet others, and take part in activities that support emotional wellbeing. Many people experience stress, isolation, or low confidence, and the hub has been created to offer early, non-clinical support within the local community.

Once open, the hub will host a range of wellbeing activities, including:

• Relaxation and stress-management sessions

• Coffee mornings and social groups

• One-to-one wellbeing support sessions

• Small group workshops focused on confidence and life skills

• Animal assisted wellbeing activities

• Walk and talk sessions

• Community drop-in support

Sessions will be delivered in small groups or individually to ensure people feel comfortable and supported. Our approach is informal and person-centred, allowing people to take part at their own pace.

The Therapaws Wellbeing Hub will also work with local organisations, schools, youth services, and care providers to offer outreach sessions and community projects, helping more people access support when they need it.

Our goal is to create a space where people feel welcome, valued, and able to improve their wellbeing in a supportive community environment.

At the Therapaws Wellbeing Hub we understand that loss can have a deep and lasting impact, whether it is the loss of a loved one or the loss of a much-loved pet. Grief can affect people in many different ways, and having a safe, calm space to talk can make a real difference.

We offer private, non-clinical support sessions in a comfortable and quiet room at our hub in Caerphilly. These sessions provide the opportunity to talk openly, reflect, and take time to process feelings at your own pace in a supportive and relaxed environment.

Support sessions are available as:

• One-to-one wellbeing support

• Small, gentle support groups

• Pet loss support sessions

• Human bereavement support sessions

Some sessions may also include animal assisted wellbeing activities, where appropriate, as spending time with calm, friendly dogs can help people feel more relaxed and able to talk.

These sessions are not counselling or clinical therapy, but they provide a compassionate space for people who may benefit from talking, being listened to, and feeling less alone during a difficult time.

All sessions take place in a private, comfortable room at the Therapaws Wellbeing Hub, ensuring a quiet and respectful setting for anyone attending.

We have a referral system in place with a fully qualified Counsellor at Calon Counselling. Steve shares the same ethos as Therapaws and can offer sessions in his warm and friendly purpose built Counselling hub in Penalta, or can also offer Walk and Talk sessions out in nature.

Community Wellbeing Garden – Therapaws Wellbeing Services CIC

The Community Wellbeing Garden developed by Therapaws Wellbeing Services CIC will provide a safe, inclusive, and nurturing outdoor space designed to support mental health, emotional wellbeing, and social connection within the local community.

Rooted in therapeutic principles and the healing potential of nature, the garden will offer individuals the opportunity to engage in meaningful, hands-on activities such as planting, growing, and maintaining green spaces. These activities are known to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote a sense of purpose and achievement. Access to green environments has been widely associated with reduced anxiety, improved emotional regulation, and enhanced overall wellbeing.

The garden will also act as a platform for structured therapeutic interventions, including animal-assisted activities supported by Therapaws’ trained wellbeing dogs. The presence of animals alongside nature-based therapy can enhance feelings of calm, safety, and connection, particularly for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, loneliness, or trauma.

In addition, the space will foster social inclusion by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, helping to reduce isolation and build supportive relationships. Group sessions, workshops, and informal gatherings will encourage peer support, communication, and community cohesion.

Key therapeutic and wellbeing benefits will include:

• Reduced stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression

• Improved confidence, self-esteem, and resilience

• Opportunities for gentle physical activity and sensory engagement

• Enhanced social interaction and reduction in loneliness

• Development of routine, responsibility, and transferable skills

Ultimately, the Community Wellbeing Garden will serve as a vital community asset, promoting holistic wellbeing by integrating nature, therapeutic practice, and animal-assisted support in a compassionate and accessible environment.