Therapy dog making a difference to young people's mental health in Sussex

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is celebrating International Assistance Dog Week by recognising the impact of therapy dog Hettie, who has become a much-loved member of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) team in Brighton.

Hettie, a six-year-old Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog, has been supporting young people, families and staff at the Aldrington Centre in Hove since qualifying as a therapy dog at just 18 months old. She now attends the centre two or three days a week, where her calming presence helps young people feel more comfortable during appointments. 

Many young people feel anxious before CAMHS appointments, especially ahead of their first visit. Clinicians introduce Hettie in advance by sharing photos and information to help ease worries and make the experience feel less daunting. Families are also told ahead of time, as not everyone is comfortable around dogs.

Unlike many therapy dogs who visit healthcare settings for short periods, Hettie is embedded within the CAMHS team and regularly attends art psychotherapy sessions. Over time, she has built trusted relationships with many of the young people she supports. 

Sue Storey, Principal Psychological Professions Lead for Arts and Play Therapies, Brighton CAMHS, and Hettie's owner, said: 

"Many young people arrive feeling anxious or unsure, but it's incredible to see how quickly Hettie helps put them at ease. Her calm and friendly presence creates a welcoming environment and helps young people to engage with support. Sometimes simply having her nearby helps someone stay in the room, join a conversation or take part in an activity that would otherwise feel overwhelming." 

Therapy dogs can support emotional wellbeing and sensory regulation in a variety of ways. Whether young people are stroking Hettie's fur, interacting with her during sessions or taking her for a walk, these activities can help promote calm, focus and emotional regulation. 

Hettie's playful nature also creates opportunities for young people to develop confidence, communication skills and self-esteem. Activities such as teaching her tricks, practising turn-taking and helping to walk her between sessions can support therapeutic goals while making sessions more engaging and enjoyable. 

Her positive impact extends beyond therapy appointments. Hettie is a familiar and welcoming presence around the building, with many young people looking forward to seeing her in waiting areas and corridors. 

Sue added: 

"Hettie genuinely loves coming to work. She gets so much attention from staff and families, and she's become a valued member of the team. Seeing the comfort, confidence and connection she brings to young people every day reminds us just how powerful the bond between people and animals can be." 

International Assistance Dog Week celebrates the work of assistance and therapy dogs around the world, alongside the trainers, handlers and organisations that support them. For Sussex Partnership, it is also an opportunity to recognise the important role that animals like Hettie can play in supporting people's mental health and wellbeing across Sussex Partnership's services. 

Alongside Hettie, Stanley, a two-year-old Imperial Shih Tzu, supports people using the Community Learning Disability Service, helping to reduce anxiety and even build confidence in those who are nervous around dogs. Ella, a registered therapy dog with Therapy Dogs Nationwide, is a much-loved visitor to Heathfield Ward in Eastbourne, while Brandy and Gizmo bring comfort and connection to patients at Langley Green Hospital in Crawley. In Brighton and Hove, Buddy, a five-year-old Golden Retriever, helps visitors to the Wellbeing Service settle into their therapy sessions, and Flora, an English Pointer and registered PAT dog, has spent more than four years providing reassurance and support to service users in our community mental health teams and everyone lucky enough to meet her.