Larne High School has received a £665 grant from Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme to create a dedicated therapy dog garden.
This provides a safe and calming outdoor space where pupils can take part in animal-assisted therapy sessions, and pups and handlers can also unwind during breaks.
The project supports the school’s two therapy dogs in training, Hungarian Vizsla Rex and Cavapoo Enzo, who are currently taking part in the PAWS therapy dog training programme alongside four members of the school staff: Sara Woods, Technology & Design, Engineering and Beauty Teacher, David Gault, Senior Teacher and Technology & Design Teacher, Ashley Knox, Senior Teacher and Special Educational Needs Coordinator and Andrea Fusco, Head of Art & Design.
Together, they are helping the dogs develop the skills needed to support young people manage exam stress, anxiety and other emotional pressures, improving pupils’ wellbeing, engagement and attendance at school.
With the help of the grant, the school has transformed an existing concrete courtyard into a therapeutic garden, complete with artificial grass, a sand pit and agility equipment for the dogs, and benches and flowers for adults and pupils to enjoy.
“Before, pupils usually interacted with Rex and Enzo in classrooms, which were often crowded and busy, or briefly in the playground while the dogs were on the lead. Now we have an inviting outdoor setting in a relaxed and supportive environment, helping children engage more comfortably with the dogs while also giving the animals valuable mental stimulation,” explained teacher and handler Sara Woods.
“With the distractions in the classroom, staff were often on high alert to ensure the dogs were away from danger, so this safe space also offers handlers and dogs a place to relax.”
The Stronger Starts scheme, in partnership with the Groundwork charity, aims to support many Northern Ireland community projects and good causes in the coming years, with thousands of pounds to give away.
Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We’re delighted that we can help schools like the Larne High School. Stronger Starts invites our customers to use their blue tokens to vote for local schemes they feel will benefit people of all ages and it’s so good to see the impact that the funding makes.”
NI shoppers can support their local schools and charities by dropping the Tesco blue token they receive at checkout into the relevant voting box as they leave the store.
For further information on how to make a difference at Tesco stores across NI, please go to https://