NNAB CARE HOME RESIDENTS GET UNUSUAL VISIT – FROM PAIR OF MINIATURE DONKEYS

Residents at Norwich’s care home for visually-impaired people had two very unusual visitors, when a pair of miniature donkeys came to brighten up their day.

The two tiny donkeys, named Saffron and Pippin, were stroked, brushed and fed by residents at the Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind’s Thomas Tawell House during the two hour visit, organised by charity Miniature Donkeys for Wellbeing, which specialises in therapeutic donkeys for wellbeing.

The two donkeys were brought to the Magpie Road premises, with Pippin being escorted around the home itself to visit residents who were unable to get out.

“It was a very nice way to spend the morning, and I thoroughly enjoyed stroking and brushing Saffron,” said Thomas Tawell House resident Maurice.  “It has made me very happy, and I look forward to seeing them again.”

The charity’s donkeys are transported across the region to care homes, voluntary organisations and community groups with the aim of helping people with their wellbeing through mood-busting donkey visits.

“You could sense the general wellbeing the animals brought to the home,” said NNAB chief executive Gina Dormer.  “The residents at Thomas Tawell House thoroughly enjoyed having the donkeys around, and the sensory stimulus brought about by stroking, brushing and feeding them.

“The visit was wonderful, and part of our ongoing programme to help our residents lead active and fulfilling lives.”

• Miniature Donkeys for wellbeing is a charity which provides donkeys for wellbeing visits in community groups, dementia groups and care homes.  For more information visit www.minidonk.org.uk.