A day care service for adults with learning disabilities could also welcome dogs if planning permission is granted.

Lisa Correll, director at The Dogs Squad, submitted plans to change the use of Stowmarket Resource Centre, in Crown Street, from a day care for adults with learning disabilities to also include services for dogs.

The Dogs Squad has been running the same service in Christchurch Park in Ipswich for four years and is seeing a lot of success among adults enjoying the service, as well as dogs and their owners.

Ms Correll said: “The combination of adults with learning disabilities and autism and dogs works so well, especially for people with anxiety and struggling mental health. The love dogs give people is second to none.

“The adults, their support workers and their support circle are always very happy with the activities, as are the dogs and their owners - every town has a need for something like this.”

She already has years of experience working with adults with learning disabilities and autism, with her ‘eureka moment’ to combine their care with four-legged friends now serving as a good way to reduce anxiety, improve mental health and promote exercise.