OUR THERAPY DOG SERVICE
Alongside our work across research, awareness and family support, we are proud to provide a therapy dog service supporting children and young people's emotional well-being across Derbyshire and surrounding areas.
We offer a paid-for service, whilst also providing some funded places to support those who may otherwise be unable to access it.
We deliver therapy dog interventions across schools and organisations including specialist settings.
As well as providing a vital service, it also helps generate vital income to support our core work.
Daisy's impact helped us win Charity of the Year 2025!
ABOUT OUR SERVICE
Who We Support
Our Therapy Dog Service supports young people facing emotional, mental and physical health challenges. Through meaningful interactions with Daisy, we help reduce anxiety, build confidence, improve emotional regulation and bring comfort during difficult times.
Service Lead
The service is headed 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 specialist experience in animal-assisted interventions, creating meaningful and engaging sessions tailored to each child's needs.
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Key Statistics
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Supporting more than 50 children across 7 schools and organisations
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Delivering both 1:1 and group interventions
Tara & Daisy
HOW WE SUPPORT
Our Interventions
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.
Mini Daisys
Every child or young person we support receives their own mini Daisy companion - a small comfort object that helps maintain connection, reassurance and positive memories between sessions, or once support has finished.
We have learnt that children and young people alike adore their mini Daisy companions, what ever their age!
Charity Ambassador
Daisy is also our charity ambassador. She helps raise vital awareness of NORSE and FIRES in communities we may never otherwise reach.
Safeguarding and 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
