Adorable dog Poppy visited older members of the community in Welwyn Garden City with local police officers.

As part of their community engagement work, the Welwyn Hatfield Safer Neighbourhood Team have been out and about visiting older members of the community – and police pooch Poppy has been assisting.

On Tuesday morning (October 24), PCSOs Anne Devine and Bill McCaskie visited residents in Panshanger.

They were joined by special guest Poppy from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s RAPPAW scheme.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Panshanger residents meeting special guest Poppy from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s RAPPAW scheme.Panshanger residents meeting special guest Poppy from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s RAPPAW scheme. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

RAPPAW sees trained dog owners and their pets support vulnerable victims and witnesses. They also provide wellbeing support to officers and staff within the force.

Later that day, PCSO Devine and PC Mitch Cartwright spent some time at the Dementia Friendly Community Café in Digswell.

The event was Halloween themed and included a performance from a singer.

Welwyn Hatfield Safer Neighbourhood Teams

  • Welwyn Hatfield North – bit.ly/police-whnorth (Welwyn West, Welwyn East, Haldens, Sherrards, Handside, Peartree and Panshanger).
  • Welwyn Hatfield South – bit.ly/police-whsouth (Hollybush, Cuffley, Howlands, Northaw, Hatfield East, Hatfield South, Welham Green, Brookmans Park and Little Heath).
  • Welwyn Hatfield West – bit.ly/police-whwest (Hatfield Villages, Hatfield Central, Hatfield South West and the University of Hertfordshire).

 

Of the visits, PCSO Devine said: “We had such a lovely day meeting everyone and offering our help and support. They all made us feel very welcome.

Poppy was certainly the star of the show on our Panshanger visit and we were pleased to bring some fun and joy to the residents.

“There was a brilliant atmosphere at the café too, with lots of singing and dancing!

"It's so important for our vulnerable members of the community to feel protected by the police and it was a pleasure to attend.”

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