Jenny’s experience with her feline companions and awareness of the mutually beneficial relationship led her to explore HAI.  A social science with over 30 years experience working in and with the NHS Jenny became aware of the potential of the human/companion animal relationship as an imaginative ‘antidote’ to the modern challenges of social isolation and loneliness. Such issues are particularly prevalent among vulnerable groups in our community (including those with long term conditions).
Transitioning to her ‘third age’ and to portfolio working offers Jenny the opportunity to facilitate research and delivery programmes in local neighbourhoods in partnership with human and animal welfare organisations.  Such research and delivery programmes would be be tailored to individual human and companion animal needs and sustain the  relationship for as long as it is mutually beneficial.  There are many examples abroad but to date few in the UK.  Research, including the response to recent research undertaken by Dr Helen Brooks one of our Trustees,  together with developments nationally, indicate that opportunities could be opening up for innovative initiatives.
Jenny looks forward to contributing to the Mental Health Working Group.