The idea
Currently KEFL CIC offers regular equine therapy sessions to marginalised young persons. These sessions are well received in supporting young people. Equine Therapist are trained to teach young people how to build a relationship with the horses that develops trust and resilience.
During the course of regular sessions the Equine Therapist may recognise that a young person has experienced trauma and would benefit from being able to explore and process their experiences with a qualified therapeutic counsellor.
KEFL CIC currently offers this additional service yet the cost of combined counselling and equine therapy restricts many young people from being able to access it. This funding would make both a combined service and regular counselling sessions at our outdoor ‘in nature’ setting affordable to young people. This will mean there is already a therapeutic relationship with our on-site counsellor so that when deeper issues rise to the surface they can be supported in this process.
What we'll deliver
- Deliver affordable therapy sessions to young people.
- Sessions will cost £30 per hour, these currently cost £190 per hour.
- Supply clothing and equipment required to access the environment and weathers.
- Give young people a permanent place to gain a sense of belonging.
- Integrate Therapeutic Counselling with Equine Learning.
- Build resilience, trust and a belief in a positive future for young people.
Why it's a great idea
Incorporating a permanent young persons’ counsellor into KEFL CIC’s equine learning and therapy sessions can bring numerous benefits:
Enhanced Emotional Support: A dedicated counsellor can provide consistent, focused therapeutic support, helping young people navigate their emotions and challenges more effectively.
Holistic Development: Combining equine therapy with professional counselling can address both emotional and psychological needs, promoting overall well-being and personal growth.
Increased Accessibility: Offering affordable counselling ensures that more marginalised young people can access the support they need, reducing barriers to mental health care. Outcomes: Regular counselling sessions can lead to better long-term outcomes, such as improved self-esteem, resilience, and coping strategies.
By supporting the mental health of young people this project can contribute to a healthier, more resilient community.
Trust and Continuity is imperative to a positive therapeutic space.
Steps to get it done
- Incorporate the Therapeutic Counsellor into regular young persons Equine Therapy sessions
- Offer provision for low cost/part funded counselling sessions with current KEFL client base.
- Offer low cost/part funded counselling to marginalised young people additional to KEFL current client base.
- Be established in providing low cost/part funded sessions to up to 4 young people per week.
- To raise funds to provide low cost/part funded counselling service on more days in the week as the need increases
- To raise funds for providing low cost/part funded counselling service for a further 3/5 years.
