Mandy and Annie spreading joy at South Chowdene Care Home, Low Fell

We’re constantly bowled over by the amazing ways our volunteers and their special Friendship Dogs continue to offer comfort and a link with the outside world during these difficult times.

Friendship Labrador, Annie, and her ‘mum’ Mandy have done weekly Skype calls with South Chowdene Nursing Home in Low Fell – with strategically placed carrots to keep Annie’s attention on the screen; they also share cards, photos and special gifts. Niki, Activities Co-ordinator at South Chowdene and all the residents sent Annie a beautiful card and bag of carrots for her 10th birthday this year and at Christmas Annie sent her very own personalised chocolates to all her special friends, which they were obviously delighted with!

Mandy’s daughter, Grace, has been able to entertain the residents at a social distance through the window and she’s introduced everyone to the Low Fell tradition of “Fairy doors.” They have now installed their own Fairy door in a tree in the grounds, the residents all painted pebbles and they had an official opening ceremony on 11th December, with Annie of course as special celebrity guest.
Through this they have also created links with the local primary school and the schoolchildren have been writing letters to the South Chowdene Fairy. Wow!

Thank you Mandy Annie and Grace for being such superstars, thank you Niki and everyone at South Chowdene for sharing your photos and stories and all in the local Low Fell community for doing your bit to help our elderly friends…you’re all fantastic! ????