Comfort Horse Therapy animals Fabergé and Darwen visit Framework charity at The Meadows Spalding
A chance to ‘horse around’ was good therapy for staff and residents at a charity that supports homeless people.
Framework, a residential facility based at The Meadows in Spalding, delivers housing, health, employment and care services to people who have a diverse range of needs across Lincolnshire.
Brenda Depear, a support worker at the facility, also runs Comfort Horse Therapy, and brought her miniature ponies- Fabergé aged two and eight year old Darwen - to visit residents Sophie and Lee. They are being supported by the charity after being homeless.
Brenda said: “Horses are sensitive to people’s emotions.
“They have a calming influence and horses are not prejudiced.
“They love you whatever.”
Brenda has a license from Lincolnshire County Council, high distinction in animal welfare, psychodynamics, horses and people and level four in integrative counselling.
She also takes the horses into homes where they can provide comfort to patients having end of life care.
Brenda said: “They are trained to go in lifts and visit elderly people in their beds.
“If someone is cold Darwen will sniff them until they are covered with a blanket.
“Blind children love the sensory touch from stroking the horses.”
Brenda, who keeps her horses in Surfleet, has taken six years to train them as therapy animals so that they are socialised around lots of people.
She said: “I like seeing smiles on people’s faces and doing something that gets a reaction.
“They are trained to walk alongside electric wheelchairs.
“They are extremely placid and love watching the horse racing.”
The horses have specially made nappies and are fully bathed before visiting homes.
Jack Hudson, South Holland team leader at Framework, tries to arrange activities to help residents such as Sophie and Lee. who will live at the facility until suitable housing can be secured.
He said: “I love helping people and that is why I started back here ten years ago.
“These moments are the ones we cherish.
“It brings people together and is a lasting memory.”
Framework, which also has a site in Holbeach, receives hundreds of referrals from South Holland District Council.
Sophie, 26, experienced homelessness and is currently a resident at the site, which has 24/7 support, in one of the six rooms and flats.
She said: “My family had horses and I loved horse riding.
“I suffer with mental health and the horses help me feel calm.
“These horses are awesome.”
Staff will now help Sophie for six months or more until she is able to become independent.
Lea Flynn, support planner, is in charge of the flats.
She said: “People who are at high risk are here.
“We refer them for the right support so that they can learn to manage themselves.
“We want them to be living independently.”
Lee, 45, who also found himself in a homeless situation and is being supported by the charity, enjoyed the time with the horses which have a calming effect.
Coun Tracey Carter, Portfolio Holder for Housing said: “It’s fantastic to see the difference Rowan House and the wider Framework scheme is actively making for people in need across South Holland.
“Framework’s team do incredible work alongside our own housing officers at the council to help vulnerable residents with a raft of accommodation support, such as providing guidance and resources to ensure people can maintain existing tenancies or find more stable housing wherever it is needed.”
The staff also got a lot from spending time with the animals and the activity will be planned again in the future.
Katie Wells, community recovery team, said: “It is about helping people get back into the community.
“Activities and hobbies really help service users.
“It helps with addiction issues and boosts their self esteem.”
For further information visit www.frameworkha.org and for Comfort Horse Therapy contact Brenda Depear at BrendaDepearbrendauk@outlook.com
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