New animal assisted therapy centre opens at Mortimer Common for children with special needs

A new equine therapy and outdoor learning centre for children with specialist needs is opening tomorrow (June 14).

The centre, based in Mortimer Common, is run by Amegreen Children’s Services, which also provides children’s homes across Hampshire and West Berkshire, including Haywards Farm School in Theale.

Stable Futures was founded by joint owner and director of Amegreen Gary Carlin, who discovered the healing benefit of horses in his own life and wanted to ensure as many young people as possible could access this form of therapy.

Stable Futures manager Emily Clayton said: “Equine therapy is a powerful tool for children who may have severe trauma-generated emotional and behavioural issues.

“We provide a safe space where young people can participate in activities with horses, ponies and pygmy goats, or simply just be in their company.

“Our aim is to help them to learn about themselves, develop life skills and grow in confidence, ready for independence and the next stage of their education.

“If you would like to visit the stables, we would welcome you to book a visit to the open day.”

The open day will run from 2.30pm until 4.30pm.

Contact emily.clayton@amegreencs.co.uk to book a space, which includes access to all activities.

Parents of young people unable to attend mainstream school and professionals working with children are also invited to attend and explore the benefits of spending time in nature with animals.

Stable Futures is an alternative learning provision supporting young people aged five to 18 to recover from often traumatic life experiences.

The learning approach at Stable Futures can be short or long term and is tailored to each child's individual needs.