Border collie Dill is also an operational search and rescue dog with SARDA South Wales, and she is a member of Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team.
Katie added:"We currently have police dogs affiliated to OK9, who visit stations and sites across South and North Wales, but there was a gap throughout the Central region.Dill and her handler, Katie, will be helping staff and volunteers with their mental health and wellbeing
"With Dill, we are able to focus on Central Wales, where crews especially from the smaller satellite stations may not be on base for a number of hours, and therefore not have the shared benefit of a canine visit."Dill's support can be in the form of station visits to help with morale and stress, a presence during debriefs, or community engagement especially when connecting with young, elderly or vulnerable audiences.
Sgt Garry Botterill, Wellbeing and Trauma Support Dog Project Lead with the National Police Wellbeing Service, said:"The OK9 scheme has proved to be extremely popular within the Police and Fire Service, and the number of Wellbeing and Trauma Support Dogs has grown to over 175 in the last 18 months. "We are delighted to welcome the Welsh Ambulance Service into the scheme, so that they can enjoy the many benefits of this structured, proven and effective wellbeing initiative."The wellbeing dogs help to bring some light relief to colleagues, especially following difficult incidents.
"I would like to thank Katie, Dill and the Welsh Ambulance Service for being the first in the ambulance service to pilot this scheme and wish them every success."
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