Interaction with animals has many benefits, influencing not just our happiness, but our health too.
PhysicalCaring for animals increases physical activity, stretching and walking exercises strengthens bones, muscles and joint. It can also help with balance, fine and gross motor skills and coordination. Activities like petting and feeding the animals stimulates all the senses and can improve the control of movements, especially in the hands and arms.
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PsychologicalAnimals accept us, love us unconditionally, just as we are. They are natural therapists and are the perfect medicine for anxiety, depression and stress. For people with brain injuries, interacting with animals can be very motivating, serve as an incentive, and keeps them active, speeding up rehabilitation. Animals can be included in mental health treatment plans to increase self-esteem and self-confidence, or help with loss and grief.
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SocialAnimals can serve as a communication bridge between the therapist and patient, facilitating conversation and laughter. Time spent with animals encourages social contact and and the development of social skills. Empathy, respect, communication, cooperation and teamwork can all be improved by working closely with animals. Some studies have shown that interacting with animals can positively improve the social behaviours of children with autism.
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A Versatile Approach
Animal Assisted Therapy can be undertaken with groups or individuals, on site at our family farm, or we can visit you in any setting. People of any age can benefit from personalised attention from animals.
You Visit UsWe can arrange for health or educational professionals to deliver their own therapy sessions with individuals or groups at our farm.
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We Visit YouOur animals are well handled, friendly and calm, so can be brought to you in any indoor or outdoor setting.
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Base CampMake a regular booking to use our farm as a base for your therapy group or service.
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Contact Danielle today on 07413 975756 or email us at info@animaledge.co.uk to discuss more
*we do not offer the therapy services ourselves but can support other professionals, organisations and groups with access to our venue and animals.
Partner Organisations
These organisations work closely with our farm and animals to support their service users.
The Seeds of ChangeWe work in a non-judgemental, non- confrontational way, using horses as our co-coaches.We provide a therapeutic learning environment where individuals can come and feel emotionally and physically safe.
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Autism BedfordshireAutism Bedfordshire’s services help break down the barriers to social participation for autistic people and their families by providing places where they can go and feel comfortable, accepted and not judged by society. With the encouragement and support of specialist trained staff we help autistic people build their confidence, self-esteem, and social skills through taking part in social activities and mixing with other people. Furthermore, we help them to develop practical skills and independence which will improve their prospects in life and help them be part of the community.
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Really Flexible CareReally Flexible Care is a unique organisation specialising in providing a high standard of individualised care for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities and/or behaviours that challenge. We provide flexible care tailored to the individual that is responsive to their changing needs. We promote independence by putting the person’s choices at the centre of their care.
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Animals can provide a sense of calm, comfort, or safety and divert attention away from a stressful situation and towards one of peace and calm.
