Pet therapy is playing an important role in supporting the mental health of service users and staff at NELFT. Hazel Gibbons, an involvement representative from Havering, and her 11-year-old Chihuahua, Zach, have been actively involved in pet therapy for the last three years.

Hazel has lived experience of mental health difficulties including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and a recent autism diagnosis. She found that Zach provided vital support in her own recovery. Recognising the positive impact of her own pet, she wanted to extend this support to others by reaching out to the charity Pets as Therapy, registering Zach as a therapy dog.

Hazel said:

"Having Zach with me during difficult times made a real difference to my mental health. He provided me with comfort, reduced my anxieties and helped me cope with everyday challenges. Seeing how much he helped me, I knew he could bring comfort to others as well."

Zach has visited various wards across NELFT, offering companionship and emotional support to both service users and staff. His presence has helped to reduce anxiety and provide moments of calm for people receiving care. In recognition of his impact, Zach has won awards for his contributions to wellbeing.

Beyond pet therapy, Hazel is committed to making a broader impact through her role as an involvement representative. She has been instrumental in initiating a Service User & Carers Mental Health forum, creating a space for people to share their experiences and suggest recommendations in mental health services from their lived experience.

Hazel said:

"The forum is about giving people like me a voice, it’s important that service users have a platform to share their views and help shape services that meet their needs. I hope that by working together with clinicians, we can enhance the care provided and build truly outstanding services."