It began with one man and his dog. Four years on the Baxter Project has 25 dogs going into 50 schools across Wales providing animal assisted therapy to scores of pupils.
Cockapoos, spaniels, labradors, terriers and a chihuahua cross are among the team helping children and teenagers talk about problems they face and barriers to engaging at school. Teachers said the unique approach helped wellbeing, attendance, behaviour and attainment.
With mental health and classroom absence even bigger concerns since the pandemic, they are looking for innovative ways to encourage children back in. Dave O’Driscoll, a trained trauma recovery practitioner, youth worker, and former probation service officer, began the project in 2018 going into schools with his border terrier Baxter. You can get more education news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
