Bridgwater & Taunton College encouraged staff to bring their pet dogs to work offering pet therapy to students during stressful periods.

The College’s Student Engagement Team recognised how stress impacted on their student’s well being. The team therefore decided to hold pet therapy sessions throughout the GCSE exam, retake period, across all three of their campuses (Bridgwater, Taunton and Cannington), to help reduce and support students with any anxieties. Students fed back saying it resulted in them establishing a calm demeanour and improved their self-confidence.

Emma Fielding, Senior Student Engagement Officer said,

We introduced pet therapy as a way of helping our students with their anxiety before entering an exam. Studies have shown that time spent with animals can decrease stress related hormones and lower blood pressure which our students would certainly agree. Our furry friends have been meeting with students all this week bringing lots of smiles, our doggies can’t wait to meet everyone again soon!

If you would like to know more about the range of courses and types of support available at BTC visit www.btc.ac.uk or call 01278 441234.