Testimonials
PEACE Service Users’ Feedback
‘We have been visiting an elderly couple in a care home for several months. The husband is living with dementia and his wife is bed-bound and very frail. The wife adores stroking and cuddling my dog (they used to have dogs at home), and the husband appears to love seeing his wife smiling and enjoying time with my dog. The last time I saw the husband (he died very suddenly the following week), he gave me a big hug at the end of the visit and said: “Please keep visiting. I didn’t realise how much we needed you.”‘
‘We were at the women’s refuge last night [a Friday]. Every single resident stayed in to see us! They just love cuddles with my dog, and are really starting to open up to me. So encouraging!’
‘I was in the care home last week and a resident’s daughter came to talk to me. She said that her mum had been so down and angry recently, not wanting to get up or dressed, and making things difficult for the care home staff. She went on to say that since we’ve started visiting every week, her mum is keen to get up that day, is much more cooperative and actually smiles! She says it’s as if she’s rediscovered some hope and joy in life. The daughter was so thankful.’
‘Not only is the [PEACE volunteer] amazing to talk to, she makes the experience very relaxed by sitting in a comfortable environment, one to one, which makes me feel like things can be taken at my own pace. Being able to sit and be around a dog is amazing, [she] makes you feel very loved.’
‘Volunteering with my dog at PEACE has been an incredibly rewarding experience, not just for me but for everyone involved. We have been regular volunteers at PEACE, specifically at the University of Aberdeen. What strikes me the most is seeing the same students coming back time and again; it’s a testament to the positive impact the charity and our sessions has on them.’
‘Seeing [the PEACE Team] has helped my anxiety levels. If I am scared the volunteer takes it very gently and slowly with me! I don’t know what I would have done without their help!’
‘I love it. It’s been a wonderful experience. Please keep it going.’
‘Volunteering at PEACE has been extremely rewarding; getting to see my dog put a smile on people’s faces is something that I’m immensely grateful for. I am happy for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful initiative.’
‘[Spending time with the PEACE Team] has helped me cope with my anxiety issues and depression. Meeting with them both once a week for half an hour has made me feel less lonely and has gave me something to look forward to.’
* Names changed to respect confidentiality