My Story
After several years working as a mainstream teacher, I finally made the decision In October 2020, to set up Furry Friends Therapy, a not for profit service that works with young people, through to adults who struggle with their emotional and mental health. The first year was spent building up evidence to show the amazing affects that animal and equine therapy brings. I grew my team slowly and started by renting space to operate from. In November 2023 we purchased a 3.5 acre plot of land that also consists of our very own Forest school area. Almost 5 years on and things are going great, I have a highly qualified team of 6 x well-being coaches and we now offer both onsite sessions and outreach sessions.
Partnerships
We are now in partnership with the local authorities and have built strong relationships with many schools throughout Staffordshire, who use our alternative provision for children that require some therapeutic interventions.
We are also now a chosen provider of the HAF programme for both Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Councils, so operate holiday clubs during the Easter, Summer and Christmas Holidays.
Current Facilities
Our current facilities, vastly limit frequency and accessibility of our equine therapy sessions, due to the fields currently used for turn-out being very uneven and water-logged. We are unable to offer the full capacity of our equine therapy during the Winter months as the area is simply to wet.
Our Vision
Our vision is to have an all-weather paddock with even ground, making it accessible to all. With the addition of an all-weather schooling area, we will be able to offer extra services, including natural horsemanship and therapy rides to support increased numbers of individuals from several at-risk groups, to access activities getting them active in a supervised and therapeutic way, all year round.
Helping More People
Sadly, the amount of children who struggle with their emotional and mental health is increasing and if we could improve our equine area, we will be able to more than double our capacity, from assisting 26 young people per week to potentially reaching up to 80 individuals.
The improved facilities will also allow individuals and families in the local and surrounding areas, to be able to enjoy our equine therapy, helping to bring people together.
Time is of the Essence
Due the great British weather, we need to get this work done during Spring/Summer, to allow machinery to access the area. With this is mind, we are aiming to start this project as soon as possible, to ensure everything is in place and ready for the inevitable wet weather.
Breakdown of Work Required
Drainage - This is the first thing we need to do, as without suitable drainage, the surface will remain wet and not suitable all year round. Cost £1200.00
Groundwork - Once we have a suitable drainage system in place, we will then work on preparing the grounds for the all weather surface. Cost £600
Surface - (Membrane / Hardcore . Sand / Rubber) - When the ground has been levelled, we will then look put down suitable membrane, hardcore and an all weather surface. Cost £3200.00
The Impact
This project has the ability to improve the lives of young people, through to adults, so if you can offer any donation, no matter how small, we will be eternally grateful and be one step closer to reaching our goal.
Why I chose to do this...…
The reason I chose to set up Furry Friends Therapy was not to make money, or for an easy life, it was to make a difference. I have always know the powerful affect that animals can bring, and now want to help as many people as possible,
I strongly believe that no child misbehaves for no reason, there is always a reason behind behaviour. With the help of our Furry Friends, we are now able to help many people, who are struggling, as whilst they are enjoying the therapeutic affect that the animals bring, they are able to open up and talk to our well-being coaches about their struggles, allowing us to assist them in learning new coping mechanisms, improve resilience and learn life long skills.
I am incredibly passionate about wanting to help others, and I am now reaching out to you, to help make this project happen, and for us to continue helping more people.