Therapy tortoise helps schoolchildren with stress

A tortoise is playing an un-shell-fish role in the lives of students at a school when they are stressed.

Billy has the unique role of "emotional support tortoise" - and even has his own lanyard and identification card.

As he wanders the corridors of Gartree High School in Oadby in Leicestershire, a heart-shaped balloon is attached to his shell - so the children see him coming, albeit very slowly.

Helen Collins, head of learning support at the school and Billy's owner, said students "really love seeing Billy" as he has "a calming presence".

Billy was originally brought in because of a vet's appointment, but has since become a mainstay at the school.

Ms Collins said: "He comes into school with me most days and works in the learning support department."

She said Billy helped when students "are feeling a bit overwhelmed or a bit wobbly".

Ms Collins added: "We do have students, like most schools, with neurodivergence.

"With that can come a huge amount of stress and worry in lots of different areas, whether it's social or learning.

"So when a student comes and sees Billy, they don't have to worry about how Billy may react to them.

"They don't have to worry about starting conversation. They don't have to worry about unpredictable human behaviour.

"With Billy, you have a very predictable tortoise who will wander around slowly."

Billy is also cool to the touch, Ms Collins explained, which from a sensory point of view makes him "very calming".

"He's a lovely, fun, cute tortoise that kids just enjoy seeing," she added.

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