Do you have an interest in pastoral care, some free time and a lovely, gentle dog? Then volunteering for Pet and Companion (PEACE for short) could be for you and your furry friend!

PEACE is a charity providing Canine Therapy along with Pastoral Care for people in need of support and companionship, particularly

• the elderly
• patients receiving end of life care
• students during stressful periods
• vulnerable women.

Pastoral Carers and their therapy dogs (PEACE Teams) visit people in need of support and companionship in various locations, including:Care Homes; University and College campuses; and community hubs.

Ideally, PEACE Teams will volunteer for a couple of hours a week/fortnight in order to build relationships with the people they visit. The PEACE dog helps to provide a relaxing environment (the basis of canine therapy), while the Pastoral Carer offers both a listening ear and a means of support, happy to talk through any concerns or fears a person may have (pastoral care).

The role of a PEACE Pastoral Carer is similar to that of a befriender. All Pastoral Carers are therefore Christians, and are comfortable praying and/or discussing their faith with the people they visit, if requested. All PEACE Pastoral Carers receive training in Mental Health First Aid, attentive listening and dementia awareness.

Volunteers will also become members of the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme. For information about volunteering or any other enquiries about PEACE, please contact Georgie Treharne-Hulks, Volunteer Manager