Outdoor Animal-Facilitated Therapy Services

About

This is an independent service, which is not run by the NHS or WSCC.

This service is not checked by WSCC and including it on the Local Offer website does not mean that it is a recommended service.

Before using this service, we recommend you make your own checks. Your checks should include being happy that: the service will meet your needs; staff are properly qualified; policies are in place to keep everyone safe and you know how much the service will cost.

Use this guidance for advice about what to ask to help you make sure that children and young people are happy and protected in clubs, groups and activities. Find out more on our terms and disclaimer.

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OATS supports children who:
-May be struggling with their mental health
-May feel socially isolated or anxious in group situations
-May have low self-esteem and self-confidence
-Experience fight/flight/freeze responses regularly in a way that is impacting their daily lives
-May find going to school difficult or have emotional-based school avoidance
-Want to learn strategies to support their self-regulation
-Want to develop coping strategies and resilience skills
-Want to experience mindfulness and a sense of peace in nature
-Enjoy spending time with animals in the beautiful countryside

What we do

• Learn about fight/flight/freeze responses, understand sensory differences and emotions, and develop self-regulation strategies.
• Bond with a group of peers who have similar lived-experiences, who can understand our needs and accept and support each other.
• Build self-belief, encourage self-acceptance and nurture self-love.
• Develop in confidence and learn strategies to take away and apply in real-life settings.
• Learn about the animals, to help us to learn about ourselves.

Age range

7-25

Wheelchair accessible

No

Free to use

No

Requires application

Yes