The "Stroke and PAT" programme is a collaborative project between the national charity Pets As Therapy, founding Director Sallie Bollans​ and the Ruth Winston Centre​.
Having introduced Animal Assisted Interventions to the multi-disciplinary therapy programme within neurological rehabilitation at a local hospital in 2004, Sallie witnessed first hand the positive effects that occurred when stroke survivors were given the opportunity to interact with dogs during therapy sessions. Working alongside Pets As Therapy volunteer teams, regular visits were arranged for those patients wishing to participate, utilising the dog as a focus when working towards a range of rehab goals.
Frustrated by the limitations and restrictions that inevitably occur when working in a large organisation, but empowered by the testimonials of participating stroke survivors led to the vision, and consequent birth of the community based Stroke and PAT project.
Last updated: November 2014
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