Here's to another 30 years of Sheffield's Support Dogs charity - The Yorkshire Post says

It is not every day that a necessity also happens to be your biggest home comfort – but assistance dogs offer just that sense of reassurance and joy to the many people who use them.
Jacob Brailsford with Jai Jayy.Jacob Brailsford with Jai Jayy.
Jacob Brailsford with Jai Jayy.

And the Sheffield-based national charity Support Dogs is a prime example of a service providing that vital resource for families in Yorkshire and beyond.

It is celebrating its 30th anniversary, having helped adults and children with autism, epilepsy and a number of serious medical conditions since 1992 by aiding them to lead safer and more independent lives.

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Just look at how it has helped seven-year-old Sheffield boy Jacob Brailsford.

He was diagnosed with severe autism and anxiety just before his third birthday, meaning that getting him out of the house at all was a challenge for his mother Rachel. Then came Labrador Jai Jayy last September.

In the words of Rachel, the two “had an instant bond, a bond I just can’t describe. I would never have thought a dog could make such a difference.”

As well as providing companionship and helping to reduce stress in social environments, Support Dogs’ autism assistance dogs are trained to help keep children safe.

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It is well-documented that campaigners want social care to be a political priority and funding for people who need it is hard to come by.

Charities such as Support Dogs step in to provide a lifeline to people like Jacob and his family. What’s more, despite the Covid pandemic leading to longer waits for its services and a drop in income, in 2022 Support Dogs is looking to expand.

So, here’s to another 30 years of exemplary service.