Mental Health Assistance Dogs

My name is anya, i have anxiety when im out in town and in public, i had to give up college because of it. I hope this works out in the future i know my dog would work really well with me as he is my soul mutt

We need more :-(

Please consider helping to establish Psychiatric Service Dogs in this country. Some of us are crippled and out of work because of mental illness and long to get back into employment of some form. I am one such person, but really need the support and assistance of a PSD to do this. There are many thousands of people in this country who could benefit from these dogs and who need them desperately. Many thanks

We need dogs to help with a whole range of mental illnesses. The companionship alone would take a huge strain off so many peoples shoulders, and the NHS mental health sections for anxiety, self harm, agoraphobia, and many many more. Think long term Britain. Help people with mental health to turn their lives about without drugs, but with FUR and cuddles.

This is a big issue that needs to be looked at and resolved

Hi. I have suffered with agoraphobia depression social phobia and severe panic disorder for around 15yrs and I found this site whilst looking for how I could share my life with a dog that would help me get my life back to some extent and also keep me company as i get very lonely being isolated, I live in supported housing and I am unable to use public transport or be in crowds etc due to my agoraphobia overwhelming me. when I leave here my landlords don't allow pets. I found this site by wondering if rules applied to service dogs as having a service dog would help me gain back a level of normality, safety, and bring some much needed happiness to my very restricted life. I didnt know this wasn't really a thing in the UK. This I've just found out today. Im Feeling disheartened as me having a companion to make me feel safe, help me with daily tasks like walking to the shop and feeling safe if I need help they're there to calm me and not feel alone. and to bring love and care into my life to help me in those moments I normally avoid or I really need assistance and help in would be invaluable, when I have attacks I need to feel safe. I cannot explain the terror of having an attack in public when you feel you aren't safe. I cannot leave my home without a friend or support worker, mainly leaving my house at night as I feel invisible under darkness. but I cannot rely on other people for the rest of my life as I just want to have some of my independanc back and not feel a burden on anybody. I have loved animals since I was a child I believe they deserve equal respect for their love and devotion to us. I recentaly lost my cat after 10yrs of her being my sidekick and best friend. She would pull at my sleeve and jump on my back if I panicked at home. She was my everything. Having a dog as a companion and helper would be a debt I would spend the rest of my life repaying to a friend by looking after their welfare and loving them also. Sorry for the long email. This is new to me l

Mental Health Matters Psychiatric dogs could be of huge benefit to quality of life

I would like to train my dog to be an assist dog. As a mental health sufferer being able to take my dog everywhere would improve my life. I cannot go shopping alone due to panic attacks but my dog keeps me calm. There is not enough support for mental health sufferers.

I have a very strong level of ADHD. The normal day-task that are normal for everyone (breakfast, dress up, be on time, remember to take everything that you need, etc) are for me, a big challenge everyday and make my anxiety at high level. In USA dog are trained to help people with ADHD to stay on task and focus. Hope that this can happening here too.

This is exactly what I need.

I am a MH sufferer, I have a personality disorder among other things. I know first hand what my non-trained fur baby does for me. She's the only thing in this life that I'm certain of. So many people would benefit from a MH service pooch. They're so much more than just a dog. Good luck guys x

iam a director for assistance for dogs appaws for autism uk iam all in favour for help with assistance dogs for mental problems i also support ptsd for veterans at ease has well good luck with this for the future

Please do this it will mean that I will be able to go our alone

I don't understand in this day and age why if you have a physical disability that is understandably accepted, but if you have a mental disability you don't have the same rights. I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for years and having my dog be allowed to accompany me in public places would change my life.

My daughter has been diagnosed with an eating disorder, PTSD and possible borderline personality disorder. She has been in hospital since 2010. We recently got a puppy and he has an amazing affect on her mental health and that of her fellow patients. When he is allowed on the ward this is the only time we see her and other patients smile - everyone loves to see him. However, the hospital staff do not always allow him onto the ward as his is not formally certified as an assistance dog. To allow him to be formally certified would not only help my daughter but also other patients on the ward.

Good luck

I have severe depression and anxiety and a mental health assistant dog would allow me to actually go to places. Like the shop or on a bus without having a massive panic and not be able to go. I own a dog who I wish could be trained as an assistant dog as when I am with her I feel confident, calm and happy. I am able to actually live my life with my dog and I believe mental health assistant dogs are so important to have here in the UK.

My dog helps me a lot, I wouldn't be able to leave house without him. Yet bcos I don't have a psychical dusability we are ignored and invisible.

Amazing work you are doing. Hope.more people sign this to help u

This is such a worthy cause, I saw a television programme on this and how a little boy who had been in a serious car crash and they thought he had brain damage,are a miraculous recovery after having a therapy dog taken into the hospital! Absolutely brilliant!!!!