Teddy is officially top dog! We are celebrating wonderful news this week as our much‑loved therapy dog, Teddy, has been announced as the winner of The Jellie Award for Pet Companionship in the Oswestry Life Awards.
Teddy, a flat coated retriever owned by our Director of Student Services, Safeguarding and Wellbeing, Paul Bradshaw, has been a familiar and much‑loved presence around Derwen College since he arrived as a six‑month‑old pup back in 2019. He works four days a week across our Gobowen, Ludlow and Telford campuses, offering calm, gentle companionship to students and staff.
Whether he is providing reassurance during wellbeing groups, motivating students to head out for a walk, or helping someone feel confident enough to attend a session or work placement, Teddy makes a real difference every day.
Students regularly join our ‘Walking with Teddy’ and ‘Reading with Teddy’ enrichment groups, where his presence helps them relax, build confidence and enjoy being active. As Functional Skills teacher Grace Amblin puts it, “Students come and read to the lovely Teddy. It’s a great way to encourage reading and chilling out, especially for Teddy!”
Teddy also supports students one‑to‑one, particularly those who feel anxious or overwhelmed. Sometimes simply walking alongside him is enough to help a learner feel settled and ready for the day ahead. Student Services Coordinator Adele Hinton sums it up perfectly: “You can tell him everything and he doesn’t judge.”
His impact reaches learners with profound and multiple learning disabilities too. During regular visits to our Nurture provision, Teddy’s non‑verbal communication offers a unique way for some students to explore connection and empathy.
Familiar face at Derwen events
Teddy is also a proud ambassador for the College at community events. Last year, he met Prince Edward, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, when he visited our Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Outdoor Centre and College Marketplace. Each year he leads the 1km Teddy Trail as part of the Derwen College 10k, helping to make the event more inclusive. He joins in the annual Santa Dash, dresses up for Christmas Jumper Day, and even made a star appearance in the 2024 Christmas show, The Wizard of Oz.
We are thrilled that Teddy has been recognised with this award. He has brought comfort, confidence and man smiles to our students over the years, and continues to be an important part of life at Derwen College. Congratulations Teddy!
