Essex Therapy Dogs visit Halstead and Witham leisure centres

Witham Leisure Centre welcomed Therapy Dogs Louie and Clemmie, with Louie also visiting Halstead Leisure Centre with Asher.

The Essex Therapy Dogs attended as part of the centres’ regular Warm Wednesdays sessions, offering welcoming warm spaces to the community during the cold months.

Witham Leisure Centre has been opening as a warm space since November.

Louie and Clemmie pictured during their visit to Witham (Image: N/A)

Louie bringing joy to one of the leisure centre guests (Image: N/A)

The reception area is open each Wednesday from 8.45am to 11.45am through until the end of winter. 

As part of its commitment to the community, Fusion Lifestyle has created a comfortable space for people to visit and socialise with others.

The guests loved the therapy dog visit in Halstead (Image: N/A)

During the sessions free tea, coffee and biscuits are provided and a book swap takes place. Visitors are also able to access the pool or gym for just 50p.

Members of the Fusion Sports and Community Development Team are on hand to discuss people's needs, as well as engaging with professionals from visiting agencies, who can offer advice and support over physical and mental health and well-being. 

Families loved interacting with Clemmie at the Witham leisure centre (Image: N/A)

As part of the sessions, the Essex Therapy Dogs visited Halstead and Witham during February.

The therapy group visits people in various establishments across the county to provide comfort, help and support to people who need it.

Clemmie poses for a picture in Witham (Image: N/A)

A guest at the Witham leisure centre with Louie (Image: N/A)

The therapy dogs offer an opportunity for people to pet and stroke the animals, relieving stress and providing comfort. 

The latest session saw the largest attendance at a Warm Wednesday since the sessions started in November 2022.

Louie poses for a picture during a hug with a guest (Image: N/A)

Fusion Lifestyle’s sport and community development officer Catherine Forsyth said: It was fantastic to have Essex Therapy Dogs join us for our Warm Wednesday sessions.

“They proved extremely popular with visitors, and we hope to welcome them back again in the spring.

“The sessions have been great in providing some community support and improving wellbeing.”

The dogs provided some much-needed comfort for attendees (Image: N/A)

There are plans to arrange a second visit from Essex Therapy Dogs in the spring.