Fenland school welcomes Mabel the wellbeing dog

Students have reacted with delight to the arrival of a wellbeing dog, Mabel, at Thomas Clarkson Academy.

The nine-month-old cocker spaniel has gone down a storm since being introduced to students and staff and even has her own Instagram page, @mabey.babey.

Mabel is based in the safeguarding office and it is hoped her presence will help students who may be suffering from anxiety or other mental health issues.

To begin with, Mabel will be in school every Friday while she gets used to her new environment, and has been getting to know Year 7 and Sixth Form students.

Vice principal Alex Salmon, who is the school’s safeguarding lead, said: “It’s very well documented that having animals is therapeutic, stress-relieving and comforting. A common theme that we have picked up on with the young people we work with is their love of animals, especially younger children, and we wanted to do something nice for them.

“So far our students have responded really well to Mabel – she has a very calm nature and she’s taken to the fuss very well! The children want to sit with her, and they’ve been telling us about their own dogs.

“We are hoping that Mabel will go out on home visits with our Family Worker in the future. It’s still in its infancy but the plan is to have Mabel in school two or three times a week. Having a dog in school is something that’s becoming more and more common.”