ABOUT OUR THERAPY DOG SERVICE
Our Therapy Dog Service supports the emotional wellbeing of children and young people through meaningful interactions with Daisy, Sam's beloved black labrador. We provide one-to-one and group interventions across schools, organisations and specialist settings throughtout Derbyshire and surrounding areas.
As well as supporting children and young people, the service helps generate income that supports our wider mission of supporting those affected by rare epilepsies NORSE and FIRES through research, awareness and family support.
As well as providing a vital service, it also helps generate vital income to support our core work.
Daisy helped us win Charity of the Year 2025!
HOW DAISY HELPS
Through tailored one-to-one and group sessions, Daisy helps children and young people build confidence, reduce anxiety, strengthen emotional regulation, improve concentration, nurture social skills and encourages school attendance.
She also provides comfort and companionship during challenging times, including periods of grief, loss, trauma or change.
With her calm, friendly and non-judgmental nature, Daisy helps create a safe, fun and supportive environment where children and young people can feel valued, connected and empowered to thrive.
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Daisy's Impact
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Supporting 50+ children and young people each week.
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Working across 7 schools and organisations
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One-to-one and group interventions available
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Collaborations with schools, charities and community organisations.
MEET TARA
The service is led up by Tara Pegley-Stanger, an experienced and highly respected teacher from Derby. With more than 25 years experience in education, Tara has held a variety of teaching and senior leadership roles.
She is passionate about the positive impact animals can have on children's wellbeing and has witnessed first-hand the difference they can make in helping young people fee safe, supported and confident.
Tara brings together extensive educational expertise and experience in animal-assisted interventions, creating meaningful and engaging sessions tailored to each child's needs.
Tara & Daisy
WHAT SESSIONS INCLUDE
Our sessions include a wide range of activities, both indoors and outdoors, all centered around Daisy and designed to support emotional wellbeing, confidence and engagement.
Activities may include games, creative crafts, Daisy-themed artwork, paw print keepsakes, bracelet making, sensory activities and air dried clay creations.
Children also receive Polaroid photographs to capture special memories of their time with Daisy and often take home crafts they have made during sessions.
Every child or young person we support receives their own mini Daisy - a small soft toy that helps maintain connection, reassurance and positive memories between sessions, or once support has finished.
Children and young people adore their mini Daisys - whatever their age!
SAFEGUARDING & PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
The wellbeing and safety of children, young people and Daisy are at the heart of everything we do.
Our Therapy Dog Service operates within appropriate safeguarding procedures, enhanced DBS-checked handlers, insurance and risk assessments.
Tara, our Therapy Dog Lead, receives regular professional supervision and support to ensure safe, ethical and effective practice.
Daisy's welfare is closely monitored at all times and her working hours are carefully managed to ensure she remains happy, healthy and comfortable.
Email Tara for more information, or to have an informal chat.
✅Safeguarding Policy
✅Enhanced DBS Checked Handlers
✅Public Liability Insurnace
✅Risk Assessments
✅Professional Supervision
✅Animal Welfare Standards
Charity Ambassador
Daisy is also our charity ambassador. She helps raise vital awareness of NORSE and FIRES in communities we may never otherwise reach.
