How animals are changing lives in Essex
2nd August 2023
Horses, dogs, goats and many other animals are all playing their part in projects to improve and enhance the health and well-being of people in Essex.
Whether it is a wheelchair user feeling freedom through horse riding, a donkey visiting people in hospice care, someone in a care home cuddling a greyhound or a teenager with anxiety building confidence by working with creatures great and small, there is no doubt about the therapeutic power of being with animals.
Spending time with any animal can help reduce feelings of loneliness and stress, overcome trauma and make a positive difference to mental health. Animals provides comfort and distraction to those who may be feeling low and can also be a benefit to anyone with social barriers, including people with learning disabilities or autism.
Essex Community Foundation (ECF), the independent charitable trust which distributes around £4.5 million in grants to local charities each year, has supported a wide range of voluntary organisations with projects that utilise animals to improve the lives of local people.
Ace Hounds, in Uttlesford, was set up and is run by a small and dedicated team. They take retired racing greyhounds into care homes for elderly people and spend time with those who feel lonely or isolated.
The project was temporarily paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but was able to restart thanks to a grant from ECF of £5,000.
Susan Phillips, a volunteer at Ace Hounds, said: “We help lots of different groups and take the greyhounds to see people who are elderly, have dementia, learning difficulties or mental health challenges. We have also started working in schools, to help young people gain self-confidence.
“The use of animals, especially dogs, has been proven to be therapeutic for people who are lonely or anxious and we’ve had feedback which shows that people leave our sessions feeling happier and more motivated.”
Barrow Farm Riding for the Disabled provides riding and carriage driving to 120 disabled children and adults every week. The charity is a purpose-built riding centre in rural Essex, between Chelmsford and Brentwood, making riding accessible for people who may otherwise be unable to learn.
Anne Mitchell, Trustee, whose family founded the charity, said: ” Spending time with horses and ponies is proven to help improve both mental and physical health and well-being. For many of our participants the time spent at Barrow Farm may be the only exercise, and time spent in a countryside environment that they get. For them, learning a new skill builds confidence and self-esteem and the chance to make new friends. I see the benefits every day from the smiles on their faces and from the pride of their parents watching their riders achieve.”
One parent said: “Riding at Barrow Farm has increased my son’s core strength, his balance and his coordination. It has also helped hugely his social and emotional well-being. It has been a real game changer, not only for him but for our whole family.”
The charity has been able to employ a part-time riding coach, thanks to a grant of £6,000 from ECF.
Wellies-On runs a 40-acre working care farm based in Abberton, near Colchester. For the last 18 years the farm has been a haven for a range of people from different backgrounds and age groups, including those with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
The charity’s therapeutic service enables people to care for the land and the environment and work with animals on their farm.
Ellie Goff, CEO of Wellies-On, said: “Time spent in a farm environment allows people to grow in self-awareness, resilience and confidence, not just in physical tasks, but also in social interaction and life skills.
“People typically feel better about themselves when they are taking care of others and the same is true when caring for animals. We have goats, chickens, sheep, ducks and pigs to name but a few, and it’s a joy to see people of all ages connect with them.”
Wellies On received a £10,000 grant from ECF to employ a part-time mental health worker, to give specialist support to children and adults on site at the farm.
St Helena Hospice helps families to make the most of the time they have together in a compassionate and caring environment. One of their patients has always enjoyed visits to the seaside so they brought the beach to them, complete with sand, pie and mash from their favourite shop in Walton, and even a rescue donkey called Sam from Riffhams Donkeys. Sam the donkey then had a wander around the Hospice visiting everyone and lifting spirits.
In 2022, we supported the Hospice to expand the capacity of their free bereavement service supporting people in north east Essex.
Research shows that:
- Spending time with animals increases levels of serotonin and dopamine, promoting calm and relaxation
- Owners of pets are less likely to have depression
- Pets improve the quantity and quality of socialisation, providing conversation points
- Hugging and stroking an animal provides almost immediate relief from stress and anxiety
Can you help support Essex people?
You can give a one-off donation to help local charities or choose to set up your own charitable fund to give support over the longer-term. To find out more, call us on 01245 355947 or donate online here.