How did an English Bull Terrier end up as a calming presence in Petersfield's care homes? Find out in this month's Dogs with Jobs, with presenter, Kate Fairweather.

Sprout is a "one off" in many ways. He survived an operation that went horribly wrong in his puppyhood and, with the help of his owner, Lizzie Strickland, he has overcome the considerable disabilities he was left with.

Now he spreads joy to the elderly in the town's care homes and helps university students struggling with their mental wellbeing.  

Other therapy dog episodes: 
Louis the hospital visitor (Portsmouth)
Phantom the secondary school support worker
Millie the hospital visitor (Petersfield)
Patricia Bland on the qualities needed to volunteer as a therapy dog.

© Kate Fairweather, 2021

How did an English Bull Terrier end up as a calming presence in Petersfield's care homes? Find out in this month's Dogs with Jobs, with presenter, Kate Fairweather.
Sprout is a "one off" in many ways. He survived an operation that went horribly wrong in his puppyhood and, with the help of his owner, Lizzie Strickland, he has overcome the considerable disabilities he was left with.
Now he spreads joy to the elderly in the town's care homes and helps university students struggling with their mental wellbeing.  
Other therapy dog episodes: 
<ul>
<li>Louis the hospital visitor (Portsmouth)</li>
<li>Phantom the <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/petersfieldstories/phantom-the-secondary-school-reading-assistant">secondary school support worker</a></li>
<li>Millie <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/petersfieldstories/meet-millie-the-hospital-visitor?in_playlist=dogs-with-jobs">the hospital visitor (Petersfield)</a></li>
<li>Patricia Bland on <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/petersfieldstories/what-qualities-make-a-good-therapy-dog">the qualities needed to volunteer as a therapy dog</a>.</li>
</ul>
© Kate Fairweather, 2021

Local stories, local voices and local information from Petersfield.

We cover community news, culture, nature, history, events and entertainment in the South Downs market town of Petersfield in Hampshire, UK.

This feed includes all our on-demand audio. Find our more specific feeds by searching "Petersfield" on your  favourite podcast app.

Shine Radio is the radio station made by you. Share your stories or join our volunteer team. Find out more at https://shineradio.uk, email team@shineradio.uk or call Petersfield 01730 555 500.

You make it shine.

Local stories, local voices and local information from Petersfield.
We cover community news, culture, nature, history, events and entertainment in the South Downs market town of Petersfield in Hampshire, UK.
This feed includes all our on-demand audio. Find our more specific feeds by searching "Petersfield" on your  favourite podcast app.
Shine Radio is the radio station made by you. Share your stories or join our volunteer team. Find out more at <a href="https://shineradio.uk">https://shineradio.uk</a>, email <a href="mailto:team@shineradio.uk">team@shineradio.uk</a> or call Petersfield 01730 555 500.
You make it shine.

Voices and stories from Petersfield in Hampshire, UK

Petersfield's Shine Radio

Celebrate the frontline workers of the canine world.

Kate Fairweather comes face to face with a diverse cast of working dogs, perfectly equipped with the instincts, intelligence and training to handle everything their jobs throw at them.

Humans and dogs have worked together for centuries - and still do today in our communities.

Some work with handlers, drawing on their natural hunting, herding, or guarding instincts, or an exceptional sense of smell. Others perform caring roles, providing companionship and support to humans.

Podcast of the Year at the Community Radio Awards 2022.

Produced by volunteers at Petersfield's Shine Radio. Contact Kate at team@shineradio.uk or call 01730 555 500.

Celebrate the frontline workers of the canine world.
Kate Fairweather comes face to face with a diverse cast of working dogs, perfectly equipped with the instincts, intelligence and training to handle everything their jobs throw at them.
Humans and dogs have worked together for centuries - and still do today in our communities.
Some work with handlers, drawing on their natural hunting, herding, or guarding instincts, or an exceptional sense of smell. Others perform caring roles, providing companionship and support to humans.
Podcast of the Year at the Community Radio Awards 2022.
Produced by volunteers at Petersfield's Shine Radio. Contact Kate at <a href="mailto:team@shineradio.uk">team@shineradio.uk</a> or call 01730 555 500.

Meet the frontline workers of the canine world.

Dogs with Jobs

Sprout, the care home visitor

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio.
Have you thought about a volunteering role, what about Citizens Advice.
Join the Next Wild Wander on Petersfield Heath.
Volunteer drivers have made 770 trips so far this year.
Let’s see what’s needed at the foodbank this week.

To share your news stories email team@shineradio.uk or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500.

You make it shine.

Published at 5:00am on 17 June, 2026

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio.
<ul>
<li>Have you thought about a volunteering role, what about Citizens Advice.</li>
<li>Join the Next Wild Wander on Petersfield Heath.</li>
<li>Volunteer drivers have made 770 trips so far this year.</li>
<li>Let&rsquo;s see what&rsquo;s needed at the foodbank this week.</li>
</ul>
To share your news stories email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:team@shineradio.uk">team@shineradio.uk</a> or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500.
You make it shine.
Published at 5:00am on 17 June, 2026

Local news for Wednesday 17th June

This is the statement from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (who provide servcies at Petersfield Hosptal.)

We asked about what the old Rowan Ward Space was to be used for. They provided this statement:

Wendy Rees, Managing Director, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Division at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust :

“By rolling out the home-based rehabilitation improvements, we have looked at how existing and additional community and mental health services in Petersfield Hospital can be best provided.

“Alongside the well-used Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) we want to provide flexible clinical space in the hospital in line with what data is telling us. We also need to play our part in modernising care delivery aligned to the  NHS 10-year health plan and Trust strategic aims. 

“Building on ideas shared by community members, we have drawn up proposals to expand the hospital’s range of clinical expertise such as Urgent Community Response (UCR), geriatric (older people), physiotherapy, musculoskeletal (MSK) and mental health professionals.

“We are creating an urgent care hub in some of the Rowan Ward space. The hub will offer appointment and treatment options, care for those who have frailty needs and those at risk of hospital admission, as part of our UCR offer and hospital at home national model.

“We are also using some of the Rowan Ward space to see community mental health patients, ensuring that more individuals are seen, treated and supported than previously possible

“Redesigning hospital space and repurposing Rowan Ward will ensure that the Trust provides an effective range of healthcare services to local communities long term.”

This is the statement from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (who provide servcies at Petersfield Hosptal.)
We asked about what the old Rowan Ward Space was to be used for. They provided this statement:
Wendy Rees, Managing Director, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Division at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust :
&ldquo;By rolling out the home-based rehabilitation improvements, we have looked at how existing and additional community and mental health services in Petersfield Hospital can be best provided.
&ldquo;Alongside the well-used Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) we want to provide flexible clinical space in the hospital in line with what data is telling us. We also need to play our part in modernising care delivery aligned to the&nbsp; NHS 10-year health plan and Trust strategic aims.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Building on ideas shared by community members, we have drawn up proposals to expand the hospital&rsquo;s range of clinical expertise such as Urgent Community Response (UCR), geriatric (older people), physiotherapy, musculoskeletal (MSK) and mental health professionals.
&ldquo;We are creating an urgent care hub in some of the Rowan Ward space. The hub will offer appointment and treatment options, care for those who have frailty needs and those at risk of hospital admission, as part of our UCR offer and hospital at home national model.
&ldquo;We are also using some of the Rowan Ward space to see community mental health patients, ensuring that more individuals are seen, treated and supported than previously possible
&ldquo;Redesigning hospital space and repurposing Rowan Ward will ensure that the Trust provides an effective range of healthcare services to local communities long term.&rdquo;

Urgent care hub  and community mental health in  the Rowan Ward space

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio.
Shopping Returns to Herne Farm as Former Co-op Reopens.
Break out the Pimms - Winton Houses says thanks to its volunteers.
The Salvation Army exhibition marks 140 years in Petersfield.
We have this week’s What’s On.

To share your news stories email team@shineradio.uk or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500.

You make it shine.

Published at 5:00am on 16 June, 2026

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio.
<ul>
<li>Shopping Returns to Herne Farm as Former Co-op Reopens.</li>
<li>Break out the Pimms - Winton Houses says thanks to its volunteers.</li>
<li>The Salvation Army exhibition marks 140 years in Petersfield.</li>
<li>We have this week&rsquo;s What&rsquo;s On.</li>
</ul>
To share your news stories email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:team@shineradio.uk">team@shineradio.uk</a> or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500.
You make it shine.
Published at 5:00am on 16 June, 2026

Sprout, the care home visitor

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