October 9, 2026

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is encouraging dog and cat owners to become Pets as Therapy volunteers, helping to bring comfort, companionship and emotional support to patients.

The call comes as Charlie, a therapy dog who makes weekly visits to the Macmillan Unit at Antrim Area Hospital, was recognised at the BBC Radio Ulster Make a Difference Awards, shining a spotlight on the invaluable role animals can play in supporting patients’ wellbeing.

Through the Pets as Therapy programme, volunteers and their pets visit patients to offer emotional support, helping to brighten the day for people facing some of life’s most difficult moments.

Nicola McAleese, Macmillan Volunteer Coordinator at the Northern Trust, said:

“The Pets as Therapy programme has become a valued part of patient care and we would love to hear from anyone who thinks their dog or cat could help make a difference to patients and families in our hospitals.

“The companionship and comfort these visits provide can have a real impact on people at what is often a very difficult time.”

One volunteer who has proven to be making a difference is Ivan and his eight-year-old collie, Charlie.

Recently, the pair were recognised at the annual Make a Difference Awards, where they received a highly commended accolade in the Animal Award category. The award recognises either a remarkable animal that improves people’s lives or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.

Congratulating the pair on their achievement, Sharon O’Donnell, Macmillan Volunteer Coordinator added:

“We are overjoyed about this well-deserved recognition for Ivan and Charlie.

“Having had his own personal experience within the Unit, Ivan’s empathy, kindness and compassion embody the true spirit of volunteering, and the dedication, enthusiasm and motivation he shows with Charlie during their visits is awe-inspiring.”

Charlie is one of two Pets as Therapy dogs who visit the Macmillan Unit on a weekly basis. Alongside golden retriever/poodle mix Pickle, and her owner Gillian, they have become much-loved visitors, helping to create moments of comfort, connection and reassurance for patients and their loved ones.

Anyone interested in becoming a Pets as Therapy volunteer in the Northern Trust can email Volunteer.Service@northerntrust.hscni.net or call 07443 314890 for more information.

Notes to Editors

Full suitability assessments are carried out by the Pets as Therapy organisation before any volunteer placements are approved.

Once approved, volunteers and their pets can be placed within designated hospital services, including the Macmillan Unit and Stroke Unit, where they work under the supervision and guidance of Trust staff.