Pets and Picasso CIC

We tailor our services to meet the specific requirements of each individual. Whether they have anxiety, dementia, neurodivergence, or animal phobia, for example, our team takes the time to get to know each person and their interests to help them achieve their goals.

How we can help you

Wellbeing outreach visits

Our aim is to promote physical and mental wellbeing through the therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals and engaging in creative activities. Our nurse-led team is trained to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals of all ages and abilities.

We bring a variety of animals on our outreach visits. Interacting with animals has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall mood and wellbeing.

We also provide art and craft activities that encourage self-expression and creativity. These activities can help individuals relax, improve cognitive function, and boost self-esteem. We will provide all the necessary materials and guidance to ensure everyone can participate and enjoy the experience.

Our visits can be tailored to the specific needs and interests of the group we are visiting. Whether it's a one-off visit or a regular programme, we will work closely with the staff and organisations to create a programme that meets the goals and preferences of the participants, whether we are working with clients with mental health problems, social anxiety, depression, or mobility issues.

Weekly community groups

• Every Wednesday at the Plymouth Methodist Central Hall
• Adult Neurodivergent group, from 5.30 to 6.30 pm
•  Adult mental health and wellbeing group, from 7pm to 8 pm

Join us every week for our drop-in sessions as we come together to engage in wonderful arts and crafts activities and interact and spend time with our amazing animal companions. We will be encouraging people to form new friendships and even try out new things such as clay making, wet felting, painting, and even some simple poetry writing!

We welcome people from all walks of life. Plymouth Methodist Central Hall is fully accessible, with an accessible toilet as well. 

Our team of staff and volunteers holds a comprehensive DBS certificate. We proudly hold an animal activity licence granted by Plymouth City Council (A097).

Please note that only our animals will be present during the sessions. Please kindly leave your beloved pets at home!

There is no need to pre-book.

Corporate wellbeing

Our corporate wellbeing programme focuses on providing a holistic approach to employee wellness. We understand that a healthy and happy workforce leads to increased productivity and overall success for the organisation.

Our sessions involve team-building activities through animal interactions and arts and crafts. Research has shown that spending time with animals can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance communication and collaboration among team members. Engaging in artistic activities has been proven to reduce anxiety, improve focus, and enhance problem-solving skills. These sessions provide a fun and relaxing outlet for employees to explore their creative side and relieve stress.

Our nurse-led health education and promotion service is designed to address various health topics that are relevant to employees. We provide information on menopause awareness, weight management, smoking cessation, alcohol advice, and much more. Our goal is to empower employees with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

We firmly believe that prioritising both physical and mental health is crucial to creating a positive work environment.

1-1 sessions

Our 1-on-1 sessions are designed to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual client. 

Whether you have a specific goal in mind, such as overcoming a dog phobia or increasing self-awareness and confidence, we can tailor our animal and art-assisted therapy and wellbeing services to meet your needs. We encourage you to reach out to us to discuss your requirements and any specific requests you may have with us.

Session aims may include things such as improving self-esteem, social skills, or sensory processing. The presence of animals in our sessions has been proven to support a positive relationship, promote social interaction, and reduce anxiety and stress.

Parties and other events

We are dedicated to providing a fun and memorable experience for your birthday party or big event!

One of our most popular offerings is our animal encounters. We can bring a variety of friendly and exotic animals to your party, allowing your guests to get up close and personal with our fascinating creatures. From rabbits and guinea pigs to snakes and creepy crawlies, our animal experiences are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.

We also offer a range of arts- and craft-based activities. Our team can provide everything to make miniature gardens, clay animals, wish jars, or dream catchers! These activities are not only entertaining but also allow guests to unleash their creativity and take home a unique souvenir from your event.

What sets us apart from traditional 'party businesses' is our ability to tailor our services to guests specific needs. We specialise in catering for guests with neurodiversities such as autism and ADHD, learning disabilities, reduced mobility, and behavioural challenges, to name a few. So, whether you have a specific theme in mind or need assistance in brainstorming ideas, we are happy to help! 

Please visit our website for information about our costs and the duration of the various sessions or visits.

What is animal-assisted therapy?

Animal-assisted therapy can be known by a variety of different terms, including:

• Pet therapy
• Animal-assisted activities
• Animal-assisted interventions
• Emotional support animals
• Companion animals
• Exotic animal therapy
• Dog Therapy
• Dog-assisted therapy

Animal-assisted therapy is considered a complementary or alternative therapy and can be used in collaboration with more traditional methods such as counselling, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy to support individuals.

Animal-assisted therapy is aimed at helping people cope with a huge variety of needs, such as:

• Dementia or cognitive impairment
• Mental health problems: Depression Anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, and eating disorders, for example
• Neurodivergence: Autism, ADHD, tourets, dyslexia for example
• Adverse Childhood Experiences
• Behavioural or Emotional challenges
• Sensory Processing issues

When someone is in need or facing challenges, animals can help provide comfort, reassurance, companionship, and support, free from any prejudice or judgement.

There can be vast differences in what type of animal therapy someone might receive, based on their own individual needs and requirements, the type of animal they are interacting with, and the activities included within the session.

Is the information correct?

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