High Sheriff joins Pets as Therapy volunteer at Lace Hill Manor Care Home
Lace Hill Manor Care Home in Buckinghamshire welcomed the county’s High Sheriff for a special visit to witness the remarkable benefits a Pets As Therapy volunteer and her therapy dog bring to those living in the home.
Buckinghamshire High Sheriff Pippa Kirkbride visited the Buckingham home on Thursday, November 27, as part of the Volunteer Voices project she is undertaking to explore the impact of volunteering on communities during her year in office.
She joined Pets As Therapy volunteer Jenny Welham and Ruby, her eight-year-old Cairn Terrier–Toy Poodle cross, on their regular round of the home. Together, they visited more than 30 people living at Lace Hill Manor, including several who are currently bed bound, providing comfort, companionship and plenty of smiles along the way.
Jenny and Ruby have been volunteering for years and have been visiting Lace Hill Manor since it opened two and a half years ago.
Jenny said: “Ruby would work all day if she could. She absolutely loves it. She always seems to find the people who need her most.”
Before becoming a volunteer, Jenny served as a police officer for 20 years and later worked as a teacher before mental ill health meant leaving the career she loved. Volunteering, she says, has been transformative.
“Pets As Therapy has had such a positive impact on my life after losing the career that meant so much. For 45 years, I have lived and worked in the same town so I know many of the residents and their families. It’s nice to have that connection and, although I can’t do paid employment anymore, to still use my skills. It’s given me purpose and focus.”
“Our visits do me good too. In my previous careers, I felt like I was making a difference - and this is the same.”
The High Sheriff’s Volunteer Voices project is shining a light on the vital role volunteers play across Buckinghamshire, including in food banks, youth groups and homeless shelters, heritage organisations and more.
Through case studies and first-hand experiences, she is capturing a wealth of stories, exploring not only the difference volunteers make, but the benefits volunteering brings for them too, from purpose and connection to skills development – and, of course, fun!
Pippa Kirkbride, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, thanked all the staff at Lace Hill Manor Care Home for “making me so welcome and for giving me such a special time.”
She added: “Pets as Therapy are a community of pet owners and amazing pets, brightening days and bringing joy to people in care homes, schools and more. The pictures of Ruby with several of the residents illustrate the comfort and smiles that she and Jenny bring on their fortnightly visits.”
Shilpa Nair, manager at Lace Hill Manor, which provides residential and dementia care, said: “Jenny and Ruby’s visits are always a highlight here at Lace Hill Manor. From the moment Ruby bounds into the room she brings a smile, and connects with people in such a special way.
“We are incredibly grateful to Jenny for her dedication and to the High Sheriff for taking such a genuine interest in the power of volunteering. Her visit meant a great deal to everyone here.”