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About Paws4Minds:

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​​Welcome to Paws4Minds our aim is to develop better understanding about mental health, wellbeing & trauma  encourage more empathy with support from Noodle

At the heart of our wellbeing support is Noodle – our gentle, calm, and playful English Pointer. Adopted in April 2022, Noodle brings a special kind of energy, joy, and resilience. He’s not just a support dog – he’s a reminder that it’s okay to feel what you feel, and that reaching out for help is a sign of strength.

Noodle’s own journey through sadness and recovery makes him a unique companion in our mission to promote open conversations about mental health. With Noodle by our side, we’re creating safe, supportive spaces to talk, share, learn and grow – together.

 

ARC Trauma Informed Framework

 Attachment Regulation and Competency are the basis of the ARC Trauma informed framework that is used here at Paws4Minds.

 

Whilst supporting children & adolescents who have experienced trauma.

 

Noodle helps to provide attachment for the individual. Noodle loves unconditionally, he doesn't judge people and he doesn't give his opinion. 

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He helps people with regulation of their feelings & emotions. When someone is suffering from traumatic incidents often their brains are in survival mode. It's not until they feel safe, emotionally regulated that they will have competency ability, to think or understand in a rational manner

 

Paws4Minds, with help from Noodle, are able to schools, youth justice teams, care homes, foster homes and more.

 

We also support the care givers. People such as guardians, carers, teachers, emergency workers etc as they deal with the reactions and consequences of trauma on a daily basis, as they are unintentionally forgotten about

 

Paws4Minds provide:

• Animal Assisted Therapy: Noodle visits groups or individuals with the focus on helping the people with their mental & physical health

• Wellbeing Support Dog Sessions: Noodle visits organisations such as schools, NHS, judicial systems, charities, workplaces to support people, help reduce stress and bring some joy & happiness. His presence provides emotional support

• Mental Health & Wellbeing Workshops that cover mental health topics. Our Workshops are unique as they include the attendance of Noodle, who is there to provide emotional and mental support. Our courses are designed to be engaging, relaxed, enjoyable & less formal.

• One-to-one Wellbeing Coaching sessions with support from Noodle. These are focused on your personal and mental wellbeing. Whilst individuals interact with Noodle, we discuss how you feel, how we can help improve how you feel & help you to relax.

• Informative discussions about mental health and wellness topics to empower and inspire. Noodle's attendance is to support people emotionally, reduce stress whilst the discussions take place

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Paws4Minds Commitment:

 

We are committed to empowering you with practical tools and supportive strategies to build lasting mental resilience. Together, we aim to inspire positive lifestyle changes, encourage mindfulness, and foster a deeper understanding of mental health, trauma & wellbeing — for yourself and those around you.

We believe in helping to develop a more empathetic approach in life.

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Noodle supports & promotes wellbeing in many ways:​

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Attachment

• Unconditional love

• Not being Judgemental 

• Comforting interactions

• Companionship

• Enjoyment

• Being in the present moment

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Regulation

• Emotional Awareness

• Self Regulation Skills

• Grounding techniques

• Behavioural Modulation during Dysregulation

• Routine & Predictability

• Reflection tools 

• Fine motor skill development

• Encourage participation

• Cortisol reduction :stress relief Serotonin Increase

• Mood improvement: Oxytocin increase which help to form bonds & social interaction 

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Competency

• Making rational decisions

• Behavioural regulation

• Social Skills

• Identity Development

• Problem Solving Skills

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Why It Works

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Noodle helps break down barriers 

Noodle’s calming presence—combined with Ian’s Level 5 CPCAB training in Mental Health & Wellbeing—creates a supportive, transformative environment where people feel truly heard and supported.

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Paws4Minds aim is too:

 

​Empower

Equip individuals with effective knowledge, understanding and coping strategies to strengthen mental resilience.

 

Encourage Positive Lifestyle Changes:

We want to support people in making meaningful and sustainable improvements to your wellbeing.

 

Develop Mindful Approaches to Life:

Promote awareness and enjoyment in everyday moments to support mental clarity and calm.

 

Raise Understanding of Wellbeing

Enhance knowledge about mental health and holistic wellness practices.

 

Improve Mental Health 

Provide insights into common challenges and practical ways to help improve peoples wellbeing.

 

Increase Empathy and Compassion

Our aim is to develop courses, workshops & discussions to help increase better understanding & more empathy toward others, building which will help build stronger & more supportive communities.

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Let’s walk this journey together, with open hearts, curious minds with Noodle leading the way.

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