Therapy sausage dog offers comfort at 'grief café'

Nola, a miniature dachshund, helps people "settle in" at the bereavement café

A therapy sausage dog has made a "huge difference” to those attending a bereavement café in York, the service said.

Nola, a miniature dachshund, has recently become a regular part of the free public event offered by York St John University.

The "grief café" operates in the university's Communities Centre, where the three-year-old pooch provides comfort to attendees.

Nikki Jephson, centre manager and Lola's owner, said the dog “helps people settle in as she has a friendly face”.

Nola, pictured with volunteer Karen Ham-Ying, her owner Nikki Jephson and service director John Wilson, has become a firm favourite

The service began in March to help those who have lost loved ones understand and discuss recent experiences.

John Wilson, service director, said: “Not everybody needs counselling but for some people it is about being lonely and just feeling isolated.

"The café is a place where people can talk to each other.”

Bereavement counsellors and other volunteers are on hand to listen to people's stories, with Nola's addition arising from a connection with the Pets As Therapy charity.

“Having Nola has made a huge difference”, Mr Wilson said.

“There was a lovely moment when she curled up on somebody’s lap and it was somebody who really needed that.”

The miniature dachshund arrived at the bereavement service through a connection with the Pets As Therapy charity

Ms Jephson said Nola enjoyed meeting new people and has a "calm and relaxing presence".

"I was optimistic having the dog at the café would help those grieving come through the door," she said.

The service said attendees regularly ask if Nola will be present at their next visit.

The Bereavement Café will be held between 13:00-15:00 BST on 8 May, 10 July, 11 September and 13 November, with further dates next year.

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