Four Legs, Big Impact: How Dogs are Supporting PTSD & Wellbeing on the Frontline

Welcome to ResetUJoining Andy and Nathan in the studio is Gary Botterill and Clare Nicholls, two extraordinary leaders using dogs to transform mental health support in emergency services.Gary Botterill is a Royal Navy veteran and former police officer of nearly 30 years. He co-developed the Backup Buddy police mental health app, founded Service Dogs UK after a Churchill Fellowship researching PTSD assistance dogs, and now leads the award-winning Oscar Kilo OK9 Wellbeing and Trauma Support Dogs programme through the National Police Wellbeing Service. Gary’s work brings trained dogs into police forces to reduce stigma, provide comfort, and open vital conversations about mental health.Clare Nicholls, after 18 years in policing, has seen firsthand the importance of intentional wellbeing and human connection. Alongside her calm and loyal pup, Emmie, she supports colleagues as an OK9 Handler and Lead for Surrey & Sussex, sharing stories, smiles, and the power of a wagging tail to create safe spaces and spark meaningful conversations.Together, they discuss the incredible impact dogs have on mental health and wellbeing, the science behind their calming effects, and the power of grassroots initiatives like OK9 to change culture in high-stress professions. Through personal stories and experiences, this episode emphasizes community, peer support, and hope, showing that sometimes, healing begins with connection… and a four-legged friend.For more information on what has been discussed in today’s episode please head to the below links:https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/services/wellbeing-dogsDownload the ResetU App: https://resetu.co.uk/This podcast is proudly sponsored by Police Mutual, which supports the police family with wellbeing, financial, and practical support, while recognising extraordinary bravery across the UK. To find out more, please head to https://www.policemutual.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.