On Thursday, we visited the Reeva Programme with our colleagues from Wigan Borough Community First
Dogs, dogs and more dogs!
That’s the aim – not the name – of the Reeva Programme. To train up pups to fully fledged support animals for veterans. Named after their veteran founders own dog, this CIC puts in a lot of work to look after their dogs. Based in Brunswick – in Hindley Green – this group held an event on their field, which we nipped along to!
Dog Days
So Ann and Anna arrived to a decently attended event, with reps from groups like Andys Man Club, Run Talk Run, The Veterans Association, Hindley PCN (Offering their signature free health check!) and the Veteran Co-ordinator from WWL.
After grabbing a drink and getting a smile from Reeva Programme reps, they set up their stall. As it was sunny, they thought they’d get a people venturing to the outside and saying hi. They were wrong. As they should of guessed, we are allergic to the sun in this country. This meant most people stayed inside, but we still got a few visitors to our stall – allowing us to offload some Healthwatch branded lip balm, pens and leaflets – but not one bag?
The dogs. Lovely support dogs, according to Ann. Willing to be fussed by anyone and impeccably well behaved! As most dogs, but especially Reeva’s!
Overall, a useful networking event and a good opportunity to get our name out there whilst getting licked by a dog. Good day!
So, what is the Reeva Programme?
In their own words, ‘The Reeva Programme is a military veteran and emergency service support programme providing support dogs, allotment, clubs and events. Started by Veterans and run by amazing people who want to help anyone that helped others.’
You can inquire at [email protected] or +44 7710 610828 if they offer support you need!
