Hitchin Boys School Welcomes Puppies for Mental Health Week

A Hitchin school hosted furry friends for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021.

With the theme “Back to Nature,” Hitchin Boys’ School drew inspiration from the environment and Mother Nature for inspiration on how to take care of their mental health this week and in everyone’s lives. days.

In addition to building a green wall and using a small wooded area that Hitchin Boys has access to, the school also reflected on the important role that pets can play in improving our mental health.

And that’s where dogs come in! A pack of eight-week-old puppies visited the school this week, providing a welcome distraction from the turmoil of pandemic life and much-needed joy.

“Interaction with animals has been shown to have a positive effect on the mental health of humans,” said April Rogers, student worker for Hitchin Boys, who organized the puppy visit.

Hitchin Boys’ School student with eight week old puppy, who was brought in for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021
– Credit: Hitchin Boys School

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“Spending time sharing fun or just quiet time with a pet – or a group of puppy visitors – is known to help with anxiety and reduce stress levels. So when the opportunity arises. presented to have a small litter of eight week old puppies at school, we jumped at the chance! “

Over two lunches, students of all age groups – and staff – had the chance to meet the puppies, who brought much needed therapy, laughter and excitement to the school day. .

Hitchin Boys School staff and students pose with eight week old puppies who visited the school for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021
– Credit: Hitchin Boys School

The school also organized other activities to commemorate the week, including Japanese-inspired Hapa Zome painting, den building, stone painting and campfire building.

Other activities organized by the Hitchin Boys School for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 include the Japanese-inspired Hapa Zome painting
– Credit: Hitchin Boys School