Cuddling a dog helps beat stress for Shrewsbury students
Students have been given the chance to beat exam stress – with a fun, furry cuddle from a puppy.
Rather than spending the afternoon studying, students at University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS) enjoyed a break from their exams as they got close with guide dogs from the town's Mobility Team and help raise money for the charity.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association brought the puppies and adult dogs to Guildhall, UCS's learning and research base.
The visit also helped raise funds for the charity and was part of the Stress Less campaign for students which has been running during the exam period.
Jess Grocutt, Shrewsbury Students' Union co-ordinator, said it was one of many activities introduced to help the students.
She said: "Sitting exams can be a tough time so we've organised a series of activities to help to reduce stress levels including yoga sessions and things like having fresh fruit in the common room to keep healthy.
"The cuddle a puppy activity has proved extremely popular – there are lots of dog lovers here. It's also given us a chance to raise some money for Guide Dogs and learn more about the charity.
"We'd like to say a big thank you to the Shrewsbury Mobility Team from the Association for bringing Farley, Leyland, Quilla and Krista to meet us today."
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association provides mobility and freedom to blind and partially sighted people.
The charity also campaigns for the rights of people with visual impairment, educates the public about eye care and funds eye disease research.
For more details go to guidedogs.org.uk or ucshrewsbury.ac.uk
