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The Animals Helping People (AHP) Programme at Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary provides unique opportunities for individuals to engage with animals in a therapeutic and educational setting. Our programme is designed to promote emotional healing, personal growth, and well-being through hands-on interactions with animals such as horses, dogs, cats, and other rescued creatures.
Upcoming Events & Special Sessions
About Animals Helping People
The Animals Helping People (AHP) Programme at Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary is more than just a service—it’s a bridge of connection, understanding, and healing between people and animals. Our mission is to create meaningful, therapeutic, and educational experiences that promote well-being and personal growth for individuals from all walks of life. Here at Crosskennan Lane, we have cultivated an environment where people and animals support each other, fostering empathy, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
How It All Began
Our journey began in 1999, when we recognized the therapeutic potential of interactions between rescued animals and people. With support from the European Union Peace and Reconciliation’s Special Support Programme, we established the first of its kind in Northern Ireland: a program centered on the mutual benefits of animal-assisted therapy and learning. Since then, the AHP Programme has expanded to serve hundreds of individuals, ranging from children and young adults to adults and seniors, each discovering the unique healing that animals can bring.
What We Offer
The AHP Programme provides a variety of experiences, from equine-assisted learning and therapeutic interactions to group learning and animal care workshops. Participants engage with animals in a safe, supportive setting designed to build confidence, alleviate stress, and cultivate skills like empathy and communication. Our rescued horses, dogs, cats, and other sanctuary residents participate in ways that suit their unique personalities and comfort levels, ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved.
Each interaction is carefully structured to support individual needs and goals—whether someone is working to improve literacy skills, build confidence in social settings, or simply enjoy a calming, animal-assisted experience.
The Animals Helping People
The heart of our programme is our animals. Many of them have come from challenging backgrounds, and through rehabilitation, they have become invaluable partners in helping people. Animals like our gentle horses, friendly dogs, and sociable cats are carefully selected for each session based on their temperament and welfare. We prioritize the well-being of each animal, ensuring they are only involved in activities that align with their comfort and needs.
By interacting with animals who have their own stories of resilience and recovery, participants often find a unique sense of connection and inspiration. These animals provide a non-judgmental presence, offering companionship and comfort, which can be especially powerful for individuals facing personal challenges.
Core Values and Commitment
At Crosskennan Lane, we believe in compassion, respect, and inclusivity. Our AHP Programme reflects our commitment to creating safe, healing spaces where both people and animals thrive. We are passionate about making our services accessible to as many people as possible and are continually adapting to meet diverse needs, from wheelchair accessibility to sensory-friendly options.
Why Choose Crosskennan Lane?
Experienced Team:
With over 20 years of expertise in animal-assisted therapy and education, our team brings extensive knowledge and dedication to each interaction.
Customized Experiences:
Every session is tailored to individual or group needs, ensuring a positive, personalized experience.
Ethical Animal Welfare:
We prioritize the well-being of our animals, only involving those who are comfortable and happy to participate.
Commitment to Community:
Through programs like Storytime at the Sanctuary and Pony Pals Club, we engage with the local community, supporting personal development, mental wellness, and animal advocacy.
Our Services
Discover our range of services dedicated to the well-being and care of animals at Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary. From Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) to Therapeutic Interactions, we offer a variety of programs to support our furry friends.
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
Hands-on sessions with horses to build trust, communication, and teamwork skills.
Community Engagement: BRIDGES Project
BRIDGES Project activities are designed to build strong, inclusive communities through group workshops, animal interaction, and team-building experiences
Mindfulness with Animals
Guided mindfulness exercises alongside animals, providing a tranquil environment to reduce stress and promote mental wellness.
Art and Nature Workshops
Creative and educational workshops focused on animal and nature themes combining artistic skill-building with environmental education.
Day Experiences
Hands-on experiences at the sanctuary to gain insight into animal care, enrichment, and the behind-the-scenes work that supports our rescued animals.
Therapeutic Interactions
One-on-one or group sessions with various animals, including PETS Visits (Pet Enhanced Therapeutic Social Visits)
Educational Workshops and Training
Offers workshops in equine handling, care, and animal welfare, suitable for schools, community groups, or individuals seeking foundational animal care skills.
Teambuilding
Designed for corporate groups or teams, these sessions utilize animal-assisted exercises to build stronger communication, trust, and team dynamics. Activities may include problem-solving exercises with equines, group tasks, and reflections with animals present.
Sensory Sessions
Sensory-friendly animal interactions in the cabin or barn
Pony Pals Programme
The Pony Pals Programme at Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary offers a range of engaging, hands-on experiences tailored for children and youth groups.
Storytime at the Sanctuary
Storytime sessions allow participants to read to our animals in a relaxed, non-judgmental setting, ideal for building confidence and reading skills.
Volunteer Development
These workshops prepare volunteers for roles at the sanctuary and develop skills in animal care, welfare, handling, and sanctuary operations. Additional modules on leadership and teamwork are offered for more experienced volunteers.
Interactive Rescue Story Tours
Storytelling sessions about animal rescue and rehabilitation
Booking Information
We’re delighted to welcome you to Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary for a range of unique and enriching experiences. Please see the information below for booking a session, workshop, or event with us.
How to Book
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Visit Our Events Page: For scheduled events and sessions, please check out our listings on our website. You can book directly through the event pages.
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Contact Us via Email: For more personalized bookings, custom sessions, or group visits, please email office@crosskennanlane.org.uk. Our team will be happy to provide further details and help you find the best options for your needs.
Session Availability
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Weekdays and Saturdays: Our sessions are available on weekdays and Saturdays, depending on other events, activities, and overall availability. Please reach out in advance to confirm your preferred date and time.
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Flexible Timing: Weekday afternoon slots are often available from 1 pm to 5 pm, with additional options on Saturdays when booked in advance.
Payment and Deposits
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Advance Payment: All bookings must be paid in advance to secure your spot.
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Deposits: For certain activities, a deposit may be required to hold the date or session. The remaining balance can be settled either before the activity or as arranged.
All income from our Animals Helping People Programme directly supports the sanctuary's work, including the care and upkeep of our resident animals and the continuation of our therapeutic and educational programs that benefit the wider community.
We look forward to welcoming you to Crosskennan Lane for an unforgettable experience with our animals! If you have any questions about the booking process or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at office@crosskennanlane.org.uk.
Benefits of Animal Interaction
Engaging with animals in a supportive environment offers a wide range of scientifically supported benefits, particularly in areas of mental health, confidence-building, and social skill development. Here are some of the key benefits:
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Mental Health & Stress Reduction
Interacting with animals has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels and increasing oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone. This can lead to a calmer, more relaxed state, which supports overall mental well-being. -
Confidence Building
Animal-assisted activities provide a non-judgmental, supportive setting, allowing participants to take on new challenges without fear of criticism. This promotes confidence, especially for individuals who may feel anxious in social or academic settings. -
Enhanced Social Skills
Working with animals often encourages empathy, patience, and communication. These skills are valuable in building better relationships and improving social interactions, making it an ideal activity for both children and adults looking to develop these abilities. -
Literacy & Learning Support
Animal-assisted learning has been found to positively influence literacy skills, particularly in children. Reading to animals can improve reading motivation, reduce performance anxiety, and create a more enjoyable learning experience. -
Physical Activity & Mindfulness
Animal interactions encourage gentle movement, whether through grooming, walking, or playing. These activities promote mindfulness and encourage participants to be present, which is beneficial for mental clarity and focus.
Our Animals Helping People Programme combines these therapeutic benefits with educational and confidence-building activities, tailored to each participant's unique needs. Through this, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our visitors while supporting the welfare of our sanctuary animals.
Accessibility and Inclusion Information
Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. We strive to accommodate visitors of all abilities and needs to the best of our capabilities, ensuring that each participant has a safe, enjoyable experience. Below is an overview of our current accessibility provisions and guidelines for visiting our sanctuary.
Physical Accessibility
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Wheelchair-Accessible Spaces: Our main cabin space is wheelchair accessible, and we have some accessible outdoor areas as well. However, due to the nature of our sanctuary, these spaces are limited. Please let us know in advance if you require wheelchair-accessible areas, and we will prepare accordingly.
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Toilet Facilities: Currently, we do not have a wheelchair-accessible toilet on-site. We apologize for this limitation and are actively working on finding solutions to improve our facilities.
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Parking and Access: For individuals with mobility challenges, parking is available directly beside our barn and cabin areas. This proximity reduces the distance to main activity areas, making it easier for those with mobility needs to access our facilities.
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Navigating Uneven Surfaces: Some areas within the sanctuary may have uneven ground. Our team is available to provide assistance to those who may need extra help navigating these areas.
Sensory-Friendly Options
We understand that some visitors may have sensory sensitivities, and we are happy to make adjustments as needed. Please inform us in advance if anyone in your group would benefit from:
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Quiet Spaces: We can offer designated quiet areas for those who may need a break from stimulating environments.
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Sensory Accommodations: We are open to discussing individual sensory needs and can tailor certain activities or choose specific animals to interact with to create a comfortable experience.
Inclusive Experiences
Our sanctuary programs, including therapeutic interactions, animal-assisted learning, and reading activities, are designed to be inclusive and supportive. We welcome participants of all ages and backgrounds and encourage a non-judgmental, respectful environment where everyone can feel valued and supported.
Personalized Support
If you or someone in your group has specific accessibility needs, we encourage you to contact us in advance. By discussing your requirements ahead of time, we can ensure that we’re prepared to provide the best possible experience, whether it’s for mobility, sensory, or other individualized needs.
We are committed to continual improvement and appreciate any feedback on how we can further enhance accessibility and inclusion at Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or special requests—we’re here to help!
Meet Our Experienced Team at Crosskennan Lane
At Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, our passion for animal welfare and dedication to human well-being have driven us since 1982. With over two decades of experience in Equine Assisted Interactions, we offer a unique space where animals and people support each other in a harmonious environment.
Our Story
Founded by Lyn Friel, Crosskennan Lane began as a rescue in 1982, becoming a registered charity in 1996. In 1999, we launched the Animals Helping People (AHP) Programme, funded by the European Union Peace and Reconciliation’s Special Support Programme. This program, one of the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, has since evolved to provide one-on-one and group learning sessions, therapeutic animal interactions, and specialized training.
Key Milestones
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1999: Launched the AHP Programme, focusing on Equine and Animal Assisted Therapy.
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2000: Hosted Northern Ireland’s first Laminitis Clinic.
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2011-2013: Advocated for updates to Northern Ireland’s Welfare of Animals Act.
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2023-2024: Expanded programs and received recognitions for contributions to animal and human welfare.
Qualifications and Expertise
Our team members bring a wealth of experience in animal care, welfare, and therapy, backed by specialized training and certifications:
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Equine Handling & Care: Our team holds diplomas in Stable Management and Equine Nutrition and includes British Horse Society (BHS) certified "Changing Lives Through Horses" facilitators, providing equine-led programs that build resilience, confidence, and life skills.
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Animal-Assisted Therapy and Learning: Our Athena Herd-trained team members are skilled in Equine Facilitated Interactions. We’re also proud to have ACCPH-registered staff who uphold high standards of care in animal-assisted interactions.
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Diverse Backgrounds: Our team’s expertise spans Zoology, Stable Management, Animal Management, and more, ensuring the highest level of care and interaction for both animals and participants.
Our Vision
We believe in the profound, positive impact animals can have on people’s lives. Our goal is to create a model of excellence in animal-assisted therapy and learning, with a commitment to ethical practices and compassionate care for all.
Continuous Growth
At Crosskennan Lane, we are always working to expand our knowledge and improve our facilities to better serve our community. Facility upgrades and professional development help us create an inclusive, accessible sanctuary for all who visit. We encourage those interested to reach out, as we work to accommodate diverse needs and ensure each visit is meaningful.
Your support helps us continue our mission to foster well-being, connection, and healing for both animals and people. We look forward to welcoming you to Crosskennan Lane.
Volunteer and Sponsorship Opportunities
Join us in making a difference at Crosskennan Lane! Our work is made possible thanks to the generosity and commitment of our volunteers and sponsors. Whether you’re interested in hands-on support or financial sponsorship, your involvement directly impacts the lives of both animals and those who benefit from our programs.
Volunteering
Volunteers are essential to our daily operations and long-term success. From animal care and event support to administration and program assistance, there are many ways to lend a hand. No experience is necessary—just a passion for helping animals and people alike.
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Interested in Volunteering? Email us at volunteer@crosskennanlane.org.uk to learn more about our volunteer opportunities and how you can contribute.
Sponsorship
Sponsorships are a wonderful way to provide ongoing support, helping us maintain high-quality care for our animals and fund programs that bring people and animals together in meaningful ways. You can sponsor specific animals, sessions, or projects, ensuring that your contributions go directly towards what matters most to you.
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Interested in Sponsoring? For more details, please contact us at office@crosskennanlane.org.uk. We offer tailored sponsorship options to fit individual or business needs.
Your support, whether through volunteering or sponsorship, enables us to grow our impact, ensuring a brighter future for both animals and the community we serve. Thank you for considering becoming a part of Crosskennan Lane!