Max the labrador volunteers for care home

Residents at a Staffordshire care home have a new four-legged volunteer to cheer up their routine – in the loveable shape of Max the labrador.

Max, along with owner Amanda Jackson, registered as volunteers in the care dog team with charitable group Canine Concern in February.

Max passed his assessment with flying colours and has since undertaken his first assignments, visiting Far Fillimore Care Home in Burton on Trent twice so far this month to bring extra love and happiness to the elderly residents.

Amanda, owner of Lichfield-based Beacon Mental Health Training, put Max forward for the role due to his calm and people-loving nature. As a Mental Health First Aid trainer, Amanda regularly supports businesses in understanding ways to reduce stress levels and anxiety.

She said: “Simply petting a dog can be a really effective strategy.  Not only does it reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, it also increases oxytocin, often referred to as the love hormone, and calms your nervous system, relaxing you and making you smile.  

“I was looking for another avenue to volunteer around running my successful training business and Canine Concern seemed to be the perfect option.  They understand the important impact dogs can have on people whilst making sure they take care of the dog too.” 

Amanda and Max will be regular visitors to Far Fillimore Care Home in the future, to engage with, motivate and stimulate the residents.

Jane, Activities Coordinator said: “Having visited twice now, Max’s waggy tail and smiling face bring such a ray of light into our care home - it’s brilliant to see the joy that him and Amanda bring to our residents.

“Even after they’ve left the residents love to talk about Max and tell us how beautiful and calm he is, asking when he’ll be back and looking forward to his visits.”

In between his busy schedule of sleeping, chasing his ball and eating, Max has time for one more volunteer placement. Amanda is looking for a local school that would like Max to be a ‘Reading To’ dog, which is beneficial for children who find reading to dogs causes less anxiety than reading to other adults.  

Canine Concern (reg charity no 1177334) is based in East Sussex and is growing its presence around the country with various regional hubs.  More information is available online.