Exotic animals pay a visit to dementia centre

A HOST of exotic creatures paid a visit to a Rochford centre for people with young onset dementia.

Members, and staff also volunteers from Peaceful Place in Dalys Road spent the day with the animals from RC Exotics, an animal shelter on Canvey.

The furry, and not so furry, visitors included a giant continental rabbit, puppies, baby rats, an African grey parrot, four ferrets, an albino hedgehog and an adorable sugar glider possum.

Lyn Smee, a volunteer at the centre, said: “The members, staff and volunteers at Peaceful Place, had a wonderful time when they were able to get up close and personal with some furry friends who paid them a visit at the day centre.

“Thank you to Richard and Claire who brought their gorgeous animals along from RC Exotics of Canvey.”

Animals handlers, Richard Smith and Claire Cooke of RC Exotics are very experienced at what they do.

Peaceful Place is a specialised centre which supports people, aged between 40 and 65, with early onset dementia and it supports their families too.