An over 50s centre has teamed up with a stroke rehabilitation company to use dogs as a way of helping Enfield’s stroke victims.

The Ruth Winston Centre in Green Lanes, Palmers Green, has enlisted the help of Sallie Bollans of Stroke Rehab Dogs to help those who have suffered a stroke get back on their feet.

National charity Pets As Therapy (PAT) will also supply volunteers for the project.

The ‘stroke and PAT’ project aims to help stroke survivors with their rehabilitation following discharge from hospital.

A Ruth Winston Centre spokesman said: “We are pleased to be working with Sallie Bollans of Stroke Rehab Dogs in collaboration with the national charity Pets As Therapy, to introduce the 'stroke and PAT' project – an innovative treatment intervention for stroke survivors. 

“As a centre, our aims are to encourage independence, improve well-being and reduce the isolation of the over 50s of Enfield, and we are always looking for ways to expand and improve how we do this. We are therefore thrilled to work with Sallie and roll out this wonderful programme.

“This goal directed intervention has shown good results in the rehabilitation progress of stroke survivors, helping with improvements in speech and communication, bodily strength and concentration.  It is a marvel to see the dogs and service users engaging in exercise becoming stronger and more confident.”

For more information go to www.strokerehabdogs.co.uk/ or call 0208 886 5346.