LNER Tackles Loneliness With Furry Friend Funding

North East charity Wag & Company aims to reduce loneliness and social isolation for older dog-lovers, who because of health or mobility reasons, are no longer able to care for their own dog. The charity currently has more than 370 volunteers, who with their dogs, give an hour or two most weeks to visit elderly people in their homes, or in care settings.

The funding provided by LNER means Wag & Company will be able to recruit and match another 40 volunteer owners and their very special dogs, enabling an extra 40 weekly home visits, or visits to up to 400 people in care homes or hospital settings.

The positive impact a visit from a furry friend and their human companion is shared in a heartwarming short film released by LNER, which shows 91-year-old Gladys receiving a visit from her four-legged pal Jasper and Wag & Company volunteer Helen.

Diane Morton, Founder and Chair of Wag & Company, said: “There are more than 50,000 elderly people in the North East, many of whom experience the mental and physical impact of loneliness. Many miss the companionship of a dog, so the chance to chat with a volunteer and cuddle a furry friend is something to look forward to. The funding from LNER will allow us to recruit more volunteers and their dogs and reach more people, preventing them from experiencing social isolation.”

LNER Customer and Community Manager, Rachael Wilson, said: “Loneliness can increase the risk of developing conditions such as dementia, stress, anxiety, low mood and depression, so the work Wag & Company do to keep older people connected is so important. For those who can no longer care for a canine companion, weekly Wag visits are a real highlight. Almost 220 people and 200 care homes and hospitals already benefit from Wag & Co visits, but there are more on the waiting list. LNER is proud to fund the recruitment of 40 new volunteers and their dogs to brighten more people’s days.”