THE HEALING POWER OF HORSES From providing community ambulances, to funding state-of-the-art equipment, your support goes a long way. It even reaches some very special stables in Buckinghamshire, where horses are improving the emotional health of patients and NHS staff.
The Turning Point project supports young people with special needs, NHS staff and veterans to gain control of their emotions using horse ‘therapy’. Interaction with horses creates a neurochemical response that enables people to be more aware of their emotions and stress triggers. The sessions are led by the charity HorseHeard and involve interacting with the horses, rather than riding them. They provide an opportunity for anyone experiencing issues with mental wellbeing to address their trauma and anxiety. For both staff who worked in intensive care during the pandemic and children who may have ADHD or autism, the benefits are incredible.
WHEN WESLEY MET MILLIE
Wesley has an ADHD and ASD diagnosis, along with high sensory disorder and anxiety. His mum Onnei went to try horse therapy with Wesley and saw the benefits first hand.
“I have noticed Wesley being much calmer from the first visit to HorseHeard. Apart from getting an insight of what he would be doing, it has helped me feel more mindful and grounded. “When I met the horse we were working with, Millie, I took a deep breath and had my palm on her, then said ‘Hello’. I felt an instant warmth and calmness. It was a weird feeling, but I felt safe and grounded. It was amazing the horse felt the connection, which showed through her body language, as she just relaxed. I can see it would be so beneficial if HorseHeard was made consistently available to Wesley.”
87% said they’ll be making a positive change because of the experience.
HOW HORSES HEAL Horse therapy helps people by: • Making them aware of symptoms of stress • Helping them manage their emotions • Guiding them to challenge and minimise stressful thoughts • Supporting them to recognise healthy and unhealthy feeling and thinking patterns • Enabling them to understand unconscious attitudes and beliefs • Helping them develop positive beliefs, self-confidence and self-esteem • Empowering them to find solution-focused coping skills
Your continued support is so appreciated by us all, thank you.
WE NHS
10
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online