The University of Edinburgh has launched its 'Paws on Campus' programme, which is designed to provide a new style of support for students suffering stress and anxiety, and combines clinical psychology with veterinary science through a series of structured activity sessions.
Professor Jo Williams, one of the programme’s creators, said that interacting with dogs can “have a range of benefits for students from reducing stress to increasing positive mood”
“Each session has a key focus, based on psychological research, to enhance wellbeing and provide each participant with skills that they can use to support their mental health,” she said.
“Interacting with the dogs is an essential part of the programme and students are also learning about canine welfare and compassion to self and others.”
Image credit: Neil...