Support SERVICE
Support SERVICE
Support Service
Our supported dog walking service offers one-to-one support to adults who have a learning disability to improve their physical health, and build confidence, routine, and independence through meaningful activity in the community - with the added bonus of spending time with dogs!
Walking dogs provides a natural sense of purpose and responsibility, helping participants engage with their community in a positive and meaningful way.
We use structured dog walking sessions as a positive and engaging way to support personal goals, which may include:
Improving physical health
Building confidence in community settings
Developing routine and responsibility
Reducing social isolation and increasing social interaction
Supporting emotional and mental wellbeing
Strengthening social, communication and everyday skills
Living a healthy, active lifestyle
Sessions are relaxed, supportive, and tailored to each individual. There are no performance targets or pressures - participation in each session is entirely voluntary and our focus is always on wellbeing, enjoyment, and personal progress.
Participants are supported by our team in real community settings, helping them feel comfortable, capable, and included while achieving their personal goals.
Our sessions can often be funded through Direct Payments where appropriate. Income from our dog walking activities also helps support our Participants’ Wellbeing & Enrichment Fund, which provides additional activities, enrichment and further opportunities for participants to achieve their personal goals.
Interested?
If you’d like to get involved in Barks & Recreation, we’d love to hear from you.
Please complete this form with as much information as you feel comfortable sharing at this stage.
We will then arrange a time to visit you and talk through the programme so you can decide if it feels right for you, and so we can make sure we have the information we need to support you properly.
If everyone is happy to proceed, we can then arrange a first session.
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
You may need to discuss your interest in Barks & Recreation with a social worker.