Welcome to Furry Friends Therapy CIC, where compassion meets companionship, and lives are transformed through the power of animal-assisted therapy. We're a non-profit organisation dedicated to harnessing the power of animal-assisted therapy to improve the lives of those in need. From children facing emotional challenges to elderly individuals seeking companionship, our furry companions offer comfort, support, and a whole lot of love.
The impact our team are already making is massive, but there is so much more amazing work to be done.
Our Story:
The journey ahead is exciting, having acquired our own land, the next step is to further develop the land, improving the facilities available, making them further accessible for the young and vulnerable individuals who benefit from our services. While this marks a significant milestone, we face challenges that limit our ability to fully realise our potential in aiding those in need. At Furry Friends Therapy CIC, we've dedicated ourselves to providing therapeutic interventions through animal-assisted activities. Our furry companions offer solace, support, and a source of joy to individuals facing various challenges. However, with our current facilities, we're constrained in our efforts to expand our services and reach more people who could benefit from our programs.
The Vision:
Imagine a sanctuary where pathways wind through lush grounds, where sturdy stables provide shelter for our beloved ponies, and where a dedicated small animal shed stands ready to welcome furry friends of all sizes. This vision represents more than just physical improvements – it symbolises hope, growth, and the promise of brighter futures for those we serve. We believe in the transformative power of the human-animal bond. Our mission is simple yet profound: to provide therapeutic interventions through animal-assisted activities, enriching the lives of vulnerable individuals and promoting their emotional well-being. Whether it's a gentle nuzzle from a therapy dog or the calming presence of a therapy pony, our animals bring warmth and joy to those who need it most.
Our Needs:
To turn this vision into reality, we need your support. Our immediate goal is to raise funds for essential improvements, specifically to our equine therapy unit. The ground currently is struggling with water logging, causing it to be churned up easily by our 3 ponies. This is causing accessibility issues for many who would benefit from equine therapy. Your support will helps us ensure the long-term sustainability of our programs.
Review of Works Needed:
The below Images showcase the facilities and space in their current state. As you can see, this provides challenges for the young people, vulnerable people and also the staff in navigating this space. We are currently restricted from being able to support individuals with mobility challenges.
Whilst the ponies are currently happy roaming in the mud, this is not an ideal situation that we want to continue to expose them to long term.
Cost of works Needed:
Pathways and Foundation/Ground Works: We require 300 tons of hardcore to create stable pathways and a firmer surface for sheds and stables, laying the groundwork for expanded services. The total cost for this crucial component.
4 x days on digger @ £250 per day - total £1000
300 tons of hardcore
£36 loose type 1 mot - 200 ton - Donated
£30 loose recycled mot - 100 ton - Donated
Total - £1000.00
Stable Block Building:
Stable block: Three stables are essential for our equine therapy program, allowing us to enhance our offerings and assist more individuals in need. The cost for the stable block with 3 x stables is £10897.20.
Here's why your support matters:
1. Impact: By making these improvements, we aim to double our capacity, from assisting 26 young people per week to potentially reaching up to 60 individuals. Additionally, we aspire to launch holiday clubs to provide support during critical times when young people face heightened challenges outside of school. Your donation directly fuels our therapy programs, enabling us to reach more people in need and expand our services to new communities. Every pound you donate translates into moments of comfort, healing, and happiness for those we serve. Your contribution isn't just an investment in infrastructure – it's an investment in hope, healing, and the well-being of our community. Every pound donated brings us closer to our goal of transforming more lives through animal-assisted therapy. Your support is instrumental in helping us continue our vital work. By contributing to Furry Friends Therapy CIC, you're not just supporting an organisation – you're making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals.
2. Community: Furry Friends Therapy CIC is more than just an organisation – we're a community united by our passion for animal-assisted therapy. By joining us, you become part of a network of compassionate individuals dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. Outside of our furry friends community, we also seek to make improvements that positively benefit the wider community within the area we are based. One of the ways our new and improved equine facilities can do this, is by allowing us to open the space up to be utilised for riding lessons. We envision this being done by utilising our links with freelance riding instructors who require spaces to work and come with their own insurance. This will add value to young people and adults alike, looking to spend more time outside exploring nature. Learning to horse ride offers a plethora of benefits for both children and adults, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here's a breakdown of the advantages:
Physical Benefits:
Improves Balance and Coordination: Riding a horse requires riders to maintain balance and coordination, engaging core muscles and enhancing overall stability.
Strengthens Muscles: The act of riding, including maintaining posture and controlling the horse's movements, helps to strengthen muscles throughout the body, particularly in the legs, core, and back.
Increases Flexibility: The motion of riding encourages flexibility in joints and muscles, promoting suppleness and range of motion.
Cardiovascular Exercise: Riding can provide cardiovascular benefits, especially during more active riding disciplines such as jumping or cross-country riding, where riders experience an increased heart rate and improved endurance.
Mental Benefits:
Boosts Confidence: Successfully mastering the art of riding and bonding with a horse can significantly boost confidence and self-esteem, as riders overcome challenges and develop new skills.
Enhances Focus and Concentration: Riding requires riders to remain focused and attentive to their horse's movements and signals, enhancing concentration and mindfulness.
Stress Reduction: Spending time with horses in a peaceful outdoor environment can have a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Sense of Achievement: Progressing in riding, whether it's mastering a new skill or achieving success in competitions, fosters a sense of achievement and pride.
Emotional Benefits:
Bonding with Animals: Building a relationship with a horse fosters a deep emotional bond, promoting feelings of companionship, trust, and empathy.
Sense of Responsibility: Caring for a horse involves responsibilities such as grooming, feeding, and mucking out, teaching riders important life skills and instilling a sense of responsibility and empathy towards animals.
Connection with Nature: Horse riding provides an opportunity to connect with nature and the outdoors, fostering appreciation for the natural world and promoting a sense of well-being.
Social Interaction: Riding often takes place in a social environment, whether it's group lessons, competitions, or simply spending time at the yard. This promotes social interaction, camaraderie, and the opportunity to make new friends who share a common interest.
Overall, learning to horse ride offers a holistic approach to personal development, combining physical exercise, mental stimulation, and emotional connection. Whether it's the thrill of mastering a new skill, the tranquillity of spending time in nature, or the joy of bonding with a four-legged friend, the benefits of horse riding extend far beyond the saddle.
3. Sustainability: Your support helps us ensure the long-term sustainability of our programs. From covering the costs of veterinary care for our therapy animals to maintaining safe and welcoming therapy environments, your contribution plays a crucial role in sustaining our mission for years to come.
4. Financials: Being able to use the facility outside of our general working days, for income generating activities such as riding lessons, will help to ensure the future of our space. The money raised would be re-invested to further improve our facilities, whilst also helping to cover the running and management costs for such a large and varied amenity.
What is equine therapy?
Equine therapy, or horse-assisted therapy, involves a range of therapeutic activities and interventions conducted in partnership with horses.
Here's what equine therapy typically looks like:
Initial Assessment:
The therapy process often begins with an initial assessment conducted by qualified therapists or practitioners. This assessment helps determine the individual's specific needs, goals, and suitability for equine therapy.
Establishing Trust and Bonding:
Building trust and rapport between the participant and the therapy horse is essential. Participants are encouraged to spend time getting to know the horses, grooming them, and engaging in activities that foster a sense of connection and trust.
Ground-Based Activities:
Equine therapy sessions frequently involve ground-based activities conducted in an outdoor or indoor arena. These activities may include leading the horse, grooming, groundwork exercises, and obstacle courses designed to promote communication, trust-building, and emotional regulation.
Mounted Activities (Optional):
Depending on the individual's comfort level and goals, mounted activities such as horseback riding may be incorporated into the therapy sessions. Riding sessions are conducted under the supervision of trained instructors, focusing on building confidence, balance, and coordination.
Therapeutic Interventions:
Equine therapy incorporates various therapeutic interventions tailored to the individual's needs and objectives. These may include cognitive behavioural techniques, mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and experiential learning activities facilitated in the presence of the therapy horse.
Goal-Oriented Approach:
Equine therapy sessions are structured around specific therapeutic goals identified during the assessment process. Therapists work collaboratively with participants to set achievable objectives and track progress over time, adjusting interventions as needed to meet evolving needs.
Group or Individual Sessions:
Equine therapy sessions may be conducted on a one-to-one basis or in small groups, depending on the preferences and requirements of the participants. Group sessions provide opportunities for peer support, social interaction, and shared experiences.
Integration with Other Therapies:
Equine therapy may complement other forms of therapy or treatment, such as counselling, occupational therapy, or physiotherapy. Therapists may collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to the individual's well-being.
Safety and Welfare Considerations:
Ensuring the safety and welfare of both participants and therapy horses is paramount. Trained staff closely supervise all equine therapy activities, adhering to strict health and safety protocols and ensuring the well-being of the horses at all times.
Evaluation and Progress Monitoring:
Regular evaluation and progress monitoring are integral parts of equine therapy. Therapists assess the individual's response to the therapy interventions, track changes in behaviour and emotional regulation, and adjust treatment plans accordingly to maximise therapeutic outcomes.
Benefits of Equine Therapy:
Equine therapy, also known as horse-assisted therapy or hippotherapy, offers a unique and powerful approach to promoting emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Here are some specific benefits of equine therapy, articulated in British English:
Emotional Regulation:
Interacting with horses can help individuals learn to regulate their emotions more effectively. The calming presence of horses and the bond formed between human, and animal can promote feelings of security and stability, aiding in managing stress, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem:
Working with horses can be empowering, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. As individuals develop trust and communication skills with the horses, they often experience a boost in confidence, which can positively impact various aspects of their lives.
Enhancing Social Skills:
Equine therapy provides opportunities for social interaction and collaboration, particularly in group settings. Participants learn to communicate non-verbally with the horses, as well as with fellow participants and therapists, improving their social skills, empathy, and ability to form meaningful connections.
Physical Rehabilitation:
The rhythmic movement of horseback riding can offer physical benefits, such as improving balance, coordination, and muscle strength. For individuals with physical disabilities or injuries, equine therapy can serve as a form of rehabilitation, aiding in mobility and enhancing overall physical well-being.
Stress Reduction and Relaxation:
Spending time with horses in a natural outdoor environment can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Engaging in activities such as grooming, leading, or riding horses can promote relaxation, reduce tension, and provide a welcome break from the stresses of daily life.
Promoting Mindfulness and Presence:
Horses are highly attuned to their surroundings and sensitive to human emotions, requiring individuals to be present and mindful during interactions. Engaging with horses encourages participants to focus on the present moment, fostering mindfulness and emotional awareness.
Developing Responsibility and Empathy:
Caring for horses involves a level of responsibility, including feeding, grooming, and maintaining their well-being. Through these tasks, individuals learn valuable life skills such as accountability, empathy towards animals, and the importance of nurturing relationships.
Encouraging Problem-Solving Skills:
Equine-assisted activities often involve challenges or tasks that require problem-solving and creative thinking. Participants learn to adapt to unpredictable situations, make decisions, and overcome obstacles, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and resilience.
Equine therapy offers a holistic approach to personal growth and development, addressing emotional, physical, and social aspects of well-being. Through meaningful interactions with horses, individuals can experience profound transformations and gain valuable skills that extend beyond the therapy arena.
How Can You Help:
Donate: Your generous donation will directly fund the purchase of hardcore, construction of stables, and other essential improvements. Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference. Your generosity helps us continue providing life-changing therapy sessions to those in need.
Spread the Word: Share our story with your network and help us raise awareness about the importance of animal-assisted therapy and the impact of our work. Together, we can raise awareness and expand our reach, ensuring that more people have access to the healing power of animal-assisted therapy.
Get Involved: Volunteer your time, skills, or resources to support our cause and make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. If you're passionate about animals and helping others, consider volunteering with us. Whether it's assisting during therapy sessions or helping with fundraising events or supporting us with the labour needed to bring this goal to life, your time and skills are invaluable to our mission.
Conclusion: At Furry Friends Therapy CIC, we're driven by the belief in the profound impact of connection, compassion, and furry companionship to spark positive change. We understand the significance of every individual experiencing the unconditional love and support of a furry friend, especially during challenging times. Your support is the key to turning our vision into tangible reality, broadening our horizons, and touching the lives of even more people in need. Together, let's ignite hope and forge a lasting legacy of transformation within our community. Thank you for standing steadfastly by our side on this meaningful journey!
Total Costs: £23,137.20