The project originated from a joint pilot between Hulphond Nederland and the Amalia Children’s Hospital, part of Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, Netherlands. During the pilot, the positive impact of Social Assistance Dogs on children’s well-being became clearly evident. What began as a local initiative has now expanded, with more than 10 organizations collaborating on the project.

Source: Amalia Children's Hospital Radboud UMC

Hospitals
Hulphond volunteers visit sick children staying in hospitals together with Social Assistance Dogs. These visits help reduce the stress of being in the hospital and help the kids forget about their illness for a while.

Nursing homes
Having to leave your home, whether for a short time or permanently, can have a big impact on well-being. The presence of a Social Assistance Dog provides social contact, a change of focus and simple, relaxing moments of joy.
 

“The presence of Wanda (social assistance dog) creates moments of happiness. Not only for her client, but also for the other residents, employees and myself.
I also definitely see the added value of Wanda. My client regularly suffers from depression, but after the 1-on-1 moments with Wanda he really comes to life. So beautiful to see! In the past he always had animals and thanks to Wanda those beautiful memories are stimulated again. As if she makes sure that more life comes back into him. She also makes sure that he gets moving. They go for a walk together with the supervisor, that relaxing movement also does a lot of good. I also see that Wanda is a professional, because she has been specially selected and trained, and she comes across as calm and patient. That is very nice for people with dementia who sometimes have difficulty expressing themselves. Dogs do not judge, they accept you completely as you are. That gives relaxation and peace.”

Jolanda Hermans - van der Burgt, host family/supervisor of social dog Wanda.