Young offenders donate handmade Christmas toys to dogs at rescue centre

Young people in custody at HMP & YOI Polmond have donated handmade Christmas gift bags to dogs waiting for their forever home at a rescue centre.

The group have been working for a month with local non-profit organisation Paws for Progress to create handmade tug toys and treat bags for dogs at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.

The prison’s residents work with Paws for Progress throughout the year through dog-assisted learning programmes, which allow them to learn outside of formal education.

As part of the programme, they train and socialise dogs to help them find forever homes.

The programme benefits both the dogs and the residents. The residents have a chance to gain animal care qualifications while enjoying the mental health benefits of working with their four-legged friends.

The young people decided to make handmade fleece tug toys and a treat bag for the dogs without homes over Christmas.

Christmas gift bags donated by young people at HMP & YOI Polmont SPS

This gave the individuals in custody an opportunity to learn a new skill in crafting and work towards a shared goal as a team.

For a month, a group of seven individuals in custody gave up their time to make over 50 toys from fleece blankets that they cut up, making toys in all sizes.

Paws for Progress delivered the treat bags to Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home on December 19 on behalf of the group.

One of the participants said: “This project gave us an opportunity to give back to an organisation which helps with the overall mental health of us in prison, giving us enjoyment and a lasting experience while making the animals happy at the rescue.

“It’s a nice feeling to give back and make them feel wanted again.”

Megan Wilson, Education and Wellbeing Specialist at Paws for Progress added: “This was a heart-warming project for everyone to be involved in. We have been so impressed by the enthusiasm and care shown by everyone. As a team, we have all really enjoyed making them!”

Jamie Simpson, director of People and Services at Edinburgh Cat and Dog Home, added: “The hand-made toys and treats from Paws for Progress and HMP & YOI Polmont was a delight to receive at this time of year and our dogs were thrilled.

“Our partnership with Paws for Progress has helped many of our own dogs find their forever homes thanks to the work they do with the people in custody at HMP & YOI Polmont.”