Patrick the Pony Visits Beech Unit at Torbay Hospital
Patients and staff on Beech Unit at Torbay Hospital recently welcomed a special visitor, Patrick the Pony. Patrick spent time meeting patients, offering gentle interaction and bringing a change of pace for those on the ward.
Beech Unit provides care and treatment for older adults experiencing severe mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and psychosis. For many of the patients, Patrick's visit offered comfort and a welcome break from routine, while also sparking positive conversations that continued afterwards.
The visit was funded by our charity, Open Up. The charity works to enhance mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity care across Devon and beyond by supporting projects that improve everyday experiences and bring long-term benefits for patients, their carers and NHS staff.
Helen Cosslett, Chaplain, said: "Patrick brought smiles to both patients and staff. The atmosphere on the ward was calmer and more relaxed, and people were still talking about his visit days later. It is a small but meaningful way to support wellbeing and recovery."
Animal-assisted activities, such as Patrick's visit, have been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety, ease feelings of isolation and lift mood. With the support of our community, Open Up is able to make experiences like this possible.
You can find out more about the difference Open Up is making on their website. If you would like to help us bring more moments like this to patients and staff, please consider making a donation.
