“Elinor Brewer, owner and visionary of ‘Maggie’s Voice’ has created a nurturing, client led environment, with her experience and passion for the therapeutic capabilities of horses. Coupled with the support and expertise of Louise Worrall of Voyage of Hope Therapy Services, we began exciting discussions of how we could partner to benefit families in need. We approached the 1910 Trust and pitched an idea to work in partnership with local schools to provide farm-based therapeutic sessions with horses for children struggling to engage with mainstream school. We were thrilled when 1910 believed in the idea and agreed to fund us £5,000.
Horses are amazing emotional reflectors, they help us understand our body language, our energy levels and how our communication impacts the world around us. Working therapeutically with horses also boosts self esteem and confidence as the person is empowered to take care and provide for another living creature; children who often feel they do not ‘fit’ or cannot ‘achieve’ in the same way as their classmates blossom in this natural environment, away from the formalities of a classroom setting.
Louise from Voyage of Hope Therapy Service commented “This is the first project I’ve been involved in which takes into account the well being of the parents.” We have worked with 10 local families and the overwhelming feedback has been fantastic. Kirsty, Mam of Paris aged 12 said “I’ve really noticed the difference in her, knowing she’s got
this to look forward to on a Wednesday it gives her something to focus on, she’s been loads calmer.”
Pontypridd High School Alternative Curriculum staff have indicated that this is a provision they would like to continue for their students; we are absolutely over the moon to have been a catalyst in creating this partnership and hopefully Find Your Voice will have a lasting positive impact on local families for years to come.”
For more information on the work of Little Lounge go to www.littlelounge.org
For more information on the services provided by Voyage of Hope Therapy go to www.vohts.co.uk
Photos taken by the Project Team.