Animal assisted therapy centre to showcase benefits for children
A Hampshire equine therapy and outdoor learning centre for children with specialist needs, is opening its stable doors for prospective parents and professionals on June 14.
Stable Futures is an alternative learning provision offering the benefits of horses and other animals to young people aged five to 18 to help them recover from difficult, and often traumatic life experiences.
‘Alternative provision’ is a national curriculum-based, non-private alternative to mainstream education for children with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and requires referrals from Local Authorities.
The equine therapy centre in Mortimer Common, Hampshire is run by Amegreen Children’s Services which also provides children’s homes across Hampshire and Berkshire and Haywards Farm School in Theale.
Parents of young people unable to attend mainstream school and professionals who work with children are invited to attend the open day on Friday and explore the benefits of spending time in nature with animals.
Stable Futures was founded by joint owner and Director of Amegreen Gary Carlin, who found the healing benefit of horses invaluable in his own life and wanted to ensure as many young people as possible had the opportunity to access this form of therapy.
Stable Futures Manager Emily Clayton said: “Equine therapy is a powerful tool for children who may have severe trauma-generated emotional and behavioural issues.
“We provide a safe space where young people can participate in activities with horses, ponies, and pygmy goats – or simply just be in the company of them! Our aim is to help them to learn about themselves, develop life skills and grow in confidence, ready for independence and the next stage of their education.
“If you would like to visit the stables, we would welcome you to book a visit to the open day.”
Stable Futures cares for horses, pygmy goats, sheep, rescue hens and guinea pigs. Through spending time with the animals, learning about animal care, horticulture, functional skills, art and cookery, Amegreen help support young people to build their confidence and self-esteem, so they can reach their potential.
The learning approach at Stable Futures can be short or long term, with it tailored depending on a child's individual needs. Amegreen works collectively and holistically in enabling children to access education while being mindful of a number of hurdles for individual children.
The Stable Futures open day starts at 2:30pm and finishes at 4:30pm on June 14. To book a space on the open day that includes access to all activities, contact emily.clayton@amegreencs.co.uk