First Choice Animals Assisted Therapy Farm in Spalding, is using snakes, hissing cockroaches, bearded dragons and more to help combat visitors mental health conditions

A new animal therapy farm hopes that the use of snakes, hissing cockroaches, bearded dragons and more, will help combat customers’ anxiety and mental health conditions.

Owners of First Choice Animals Assisted Therapy Farm in Wheatmere Drove, Spalding, recently opened its doors to visitors after first hand experience of the difference animals can make to people in need.

Founder of the business Danika Clark, 34, of Sutton St James, wanted to create a serene and calm environment so people don’t feel alone when they are going through difficult times. She said: “I started the business because mental health matters. This is the perfect way for members of the community who find it hard to socialise, to come and bond with the animals and feel valued as a person.

“I’ve always grown up with animals and I can really appreciate the difference that they can make to someone’s mental health.

“My daughter struggles with her mental health and is receiving help for it, but I feel that I can help her in a different way with the animals. When she is upset she talks to them and it helps her understand herself and gives her an escape and freedom to be her true self. She also gets to learn different facts about her favourite animals.

“I also suffer with my own mental health and, from my personal experience, I can say that the presence of an animal can really help you not feel so alone, which helps massively.”

Some of the animals on the farm include rabbits, ferrets, snakes, ducks, pigeons, cows, tortoises, parrots, hissing cockroaches, millipedes, reindeer, ponies, alpacas, chickens, red deer, dogs, cats, peacocks, micro pigs, sheep, swans, goats, cats, guinea pigs and lots more.

The business caters for children, adults and adolescents and is a therapy technique which is aimed to improve physical, social, emotional and cognitive functioning.

Danika added: “Our therapy farm is a place of serenity and calm for clients to take part in one to one sessions which will help overcome anxiety and offer support for their mental health. We are here so they don’t feel alone and to make them feel like they belong in the community they live in.

“Every person will have their favourite animals and they can create a bond like no other.”

The farm has a range of packages on offer to suit all budgets and prices start at £45 per person.

For more information visit the Facebook page or email 1stchoiceanimalstherapyfarm@gmail.com.