I want to give back to my community and support people in East Devon who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing by working alongside horses and animals in nature.
I currently work for a charity supporting young people with their mental health and wellbeing and I have been hoping to start my own business or community interest company along side my work although I am struggling to find the funds which come with starting a new business. I have a strong passion for helping others and I know how much being in nature and with animals can help with mental health and wellbeing. I am a qualified counsellor and I have had horses for about 20 years now. I have called my business Horse Sense and I have a herd of 4 rescue horses and a small herd of orphaned sheep who all live as naturally as possible. My dream is to set up a centre where people of all ages and needs can partake in individual or group sessions alongside horses in nature to support their wellbeing. I have completed lots of training in equine facilitated interventions and fully funded my education to become a counsellor.
Why animals and nature? It has been proven that being in nature can boost wellbeing and working alongside animals and horses can have a positive impact on our mental health. Horses live in the moment and they don’t judge, they are particularly helpful for people who may struggle to verbalise feelings and communication as they are able to mirror non verbal communication. Working with horses using mindfulness can reduce anxiety, improve confidence and self esteem, support healthy boundaries and building trusted relationships.
How would I use the money raised? I would use the money I raise to build a base for my centre where I can hold sessions and wellbeing days for individuals or groups to experience working with animals in nature. I need to raise money to build an office/cabin for shelter and a base, a compost toilet, fencing and gates to ensure the location is safe and practical for the public, and a website. I would also like to raise money for those who may struggle to fund alternative interventions and therapy, with the expense of private therapy and wellbeing interventions, I would like to be able to give back to my local community and offer clients free or reduced rates and make the interventions, therapy and learning at Horse Sense accessible to all.
Thank you for your donations, I look forward to sharing any updates with you all soon