Case Studies:
Back To School
My Noah’s ART Story: Josh
“It’s improved my confidence, at the same time as enabling me to help give other people independence and confidence too.”
How it began
Josh began volunteering at our community café, after he had stopped attending any formal education or placement.
He loves animals, and had a lot of knowledge and experience to offer. He settled into the team quickly, and became our resident herpetology expert (reptiles). He felt he had found a safe and accepting space at Noah’s A.R.T., where everyone shared his love of animals and he could leave his ‘bad boy’ image behind.
“Volunteering has helped me to feel more motivated. I have noticed an increase to my confidence, both here and outside. I think that volunteering here has made me better connected with adults too. I don’t feel judged, and the team genuinely care about my wellbeing.”
Then what happened?
After having worked at the Pop Inn for several months, Josh began volunteering with our dog-assisted befriending scheme, Pet Connect, too.
He became one of Pet Connect’s ‘supported volunteers’. The Pet Connect Coordinators supported him to visit Pet Connect clients with the Noah’s A.R.T. therapy dogs.
First, he visited ‘B’ with Tyler. B was struggling to get out and walk her dog Shylock, due to severe anxiety.
Josh and Tyler built up B’s confidence by providing friendship and support on regular dog walks. B told us:
“Josh and you have enabled me to have the confidence to take Shy out on my own. It's amazing to be a part of.”
What’s next?
After that, Josh started volunteering every week with one of our school groups, becoming a valued member of the team.
Happily, he was also successfully accepted onto a college course, marking an amazing return to formal education.
“Noah’s ART helped me trust people again, gave me a purpose, helped me feel a sense of achievement and helped me to see my future goals more clearly.”
