What is your name?
Ann Incerti
What is your volunteer role?
I visit 1 hour per week with my therapy dogs.
Where do you volunteer?
I volunteer at the CAMHS Adolescent Unit.
When did you start volunteering?
One year ago.
Why did you choose to volunteer?
I chose to volunteer as I love animals they bring me unconditional love and joy and I wanted to share that with other people.
Describe what you do in 100 words or less.
I visit the CAMHS Adolescent Unit and take at least 3 dogs once a week for an hour session. During the therapy sessions we talk about dogs and other animals, we talk about the young people’s pets at home and during this time the young people love to play and cuddle with the different dogs, this is very beneficial and the young people’s behaviour is normally very relaxed around the dogs and during the session. One dog in particular is very popular he has a disability, he is very loving and affectionate, he loves the young people and the young people love him. He is an inspiration to everyone he meets and shows that we are all different.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy bringing some happiness to others in what must be a difficult time for them. I can only imagine what it must be like not having animals with me everyday and seeing everyone laughing and smiling and playing with my dogs even just for a short time makes all the difference.
What three words would you use to describe the NHS?
Hope, caring, supportive.
If you could give the NHS any 70th birthday present what would it be?
More money in the right places for the important little things like pet therapy and making someone’s life a little brighter.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about volunteering at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust?
Volunteering is very empowering and it means so much to see someone smile from something that you have done to help them, it’s a wonderful feeling.
Follow our countdown to the NHS’s 70th birthday as we post a blog a day.
https://www.england.nhs.uk/nhs70/