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Over the past year, Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary has welcomed 757 individuals into its Animals Helping People Programme, with an incredible 349 of those being young people aged between 2 and 20 years old. Each person who comes through our gates brings their unique story, goals, and challenges. Whether they’re here for therapy, education, volunteering, or simply to learn about our beloved animals, they leave with experiences that go far beyond their expectations.
Who Are the Young People We Support?
The young people we work with come from all walks of life. Some are here to enjoy general activities, others attend for one-to-one sessions, and many volunteer to gain new skills or fulfill school credit requirements. Here’s a snapshot of the demographics and conditions we’ve supported this year:
Autism & Special Educational Needs (SEN): We’ve hosted numerous sessions tailored to children, teens, and young adults, helping build their confidence and skills in a safe, supportive environment.
Autism, ADHD, & Mental Health Challenges: Many young participants have joined us for structured activities aimed at improving self-esteem, communication, and emotional well-being.
Children with PTSD: Through careful planning and thoughtful interactions with animals, we’ve created moments of peace and growth for young people dealing with past trauma.
Children with Terminal Illnesses: We’ve offered supportive, memory-making experiences that bring comfort and joy during challenging times.
“Everyday” Learners: Many young people simply want to learn about horses, ponies, donkeys, and animal care. They’re eager to explore their passions and take the first steps toward a future in animal welfare or veterinary work.
Young Volunteers: A significant portion of our young attendees volunteer, gaining hands-on experience, life skills, and credits for programs such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award or school projects.
A Place for Growth and Learning
Young people at Crosskennan Lane often start their journey with us timid, uncertain, or simply curious. Over time, they grow into confident, capable individuals. Here’s what they experience:
Teamwork & Leadership: Through shared tasks like grooming horses or mucking out stables, young people learn the importance of working together and taking initiative.
Communication Skills: Activities like matching headcollars to horses or making up feeds naturally encourage clear communication and problem-solving.
Emotional Growth: Spending time with animals teaches empathy, patience, and an understanding of non-verbal communication.
Practical Skills: Learning to care for animals provides valuable life lessons, from hygiene to time management.
Overcoming Challenges: Whether it’s overcoming anxiety or simply learning to lead a horse, each victory boosts confidence and resilience.
Our Youngest and Oldest Participants
While our focus here is on young people, it’s worth noting that our participants this year ranged in age from 2 to 87 years old. This wide age range highlights the universal appeal and therapeutic benefits of our programmes.
Young children often come to us as part of family groups or special sessions, eager to experience their first interaction with a horse or pony. Meanwhile, teens and young adults dive deeper into learning and responsibility, often volunteering regularly or attending structured sessions for specific needs.
Why Do Families and Young People Choose Crosskennan Lane?
For many, it’s the combination of supportive, hands-on learning and the calming presence of animals that makes Crosskennan Lane a unique and invaluable resource. Parents often report seeing profound changes in their children:
“She’s more confident and helpful at home, even cleaning her room and helping with dinner!”
“They used to be so anxious, but now they’re excited to go, and they share everything they’ve learned with us.”
“It’s like they’ve found a second home here, and we couldn’t be happier.”
Crosskennan Lane is more than just a sanctuary for animals; it’s a sanctuary for people too. Every young person who comes here, whether for a single session or as a regular attendee, leaves with new skills, greater confidence, and unforgettable memories.
Young People and One-to-One Sessions at Crosskennan Lane
For some young people, a group setting isn’t the right fit. Anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or unique personal challenges can make traditional environments overwhelming. That’s where our one-to-one sessions come in. These tailored experiences offer young participants a safe, supportive space to explore, grow, and connect at their own pace.
Why One-to-One?
One-to-one sessions are designed for young people who need focused, individual attention. This might be due to conditions such as Autism, ADHD, PTSD, or social anxiety, or it might simply be because they thrive better in smaller, quieter settings. These sessions allow us to meet each individual where they are, adapting our approach to suit their specific needs and goals.
Key Benefits of One-to-One Sessions:
Personalized Learning: Activities are tailored to each participant’s abilities and interests, ensuring they feel confident and engaged.
Building Trust: Developing relationships with both animals and facilitators helps participants feel safe and supported.
Overcoming Challenges: With focused guidance, young people can tackle fears, learn new skills, and experience personal victories.
Calm and Quiet: The sanctuary’s tranquil environment provides a soothing backdrop for individuals who may struggle in busier settings.
A Day in a One-to-One Session
One-to-one sessions often begin with simple tasks to ease participants into the experience. For example, a young person might start by watching how to groom a horse before trying it themselves. Activities can vary widely based on the individual’s needs and goals, but some common elements include:
Horse Grooming and Care: Learning to brush and care for a horse isn’t just about technique—it’s also about building confidence, understanding non-verbal communication, and fostering trust.
Sensory Activities: For participants with sensory sensitivities, we might focus on the tactile experience of brushing a pony or the calming rhythm of walking alongside one.
Skill-Building Tasks: Activities like matching headcollars or making up feeds incorporate learning in areas like math, problem-solving, and organization.
Mindfulness and Connection: Spending time with animals naturally encourages mindfulness. Participants often describe feeling calmer and more grounded after sessions.
A Win-Win for Young People and Animals
What makes these sessions truly special is that they benefit not just the young people but also the animals they work with. Many of the sanctuary’s residents are rescues who have overcome their own challenges. By caring for these animals, participants often draw parallels to their own lives, finding strength and inspiration in their shared resilience.
What Families Say About One-to-One Sessions
“He loves it here. Every week he’s more excited to come, and we’ve seen such a difference in his confidence.”
“The way the staff and animals connect with her is incredible. She’s finally feeling like she belongs somewhere.”
“It’s amazing how calm he is when we leave. This is the only place where he seems truly at peace.”
Through one-to-one sessions, Crosskennan Lane provides young people with the opportunity to grow, heal, and discover new strengths in a safe, nurturing environment. It’s a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a little extra time and attention to make a world of difference.
Young People and Group Sessions at Crosskennan Lane
While one-to-one sessions are a cornerstone of our work, group activities and general sessions offer unique opportunities for young people to connect, learn, and grow together. These experiences bring an entirely different energy to the sanctuary, creating moments of shared discovery and teamwork.
The Power of Group Sessions
Group activities are designed to foster collaboration, communication, and confidence. Whether it's a group of school friends, a youth organization, or families coming together, these sessions emphasize the importance of working as a team while building individual skills.
What Group Sessions Include
Group sessions often incorporate a mix of activities tailored to the interests and needs of the participants. Here are some popular options:
Tours and Introductions: Participants meet the animals, hear their stories, and learn about the sanctuary’s work.
Interactive Equine Games: Activities like "Take the Lead" and "Equine Whispers" build trust, communication, and leadership skills.
Grooming and Animal Care: Hands-on experiences with the horses and ponies, teaching care techniques while fostering connection.
Educational Sessions: Learn about animal welfare, equine anatomy, or the basics of stable management through engaging, age-appropriate lessons.
Sensory Activities: Quiet, reflective sessions with grooming or simply spending time alongside the animals.
Building Lifelong Skills in a Group Setting
Group sessions provide a safe space for young people to build and practice essential life skills, including:
Teamwork: Completing tasks together encourages cooperation and shared responsibility.
Leadership: Activities often allow participants to take on leadership roles, helping others and guiding the group.
Communication: From discussing strategies in games to sharing what they’ve learned, group activities naturally foster better communication.
Problem-Solving: Challenges like obstacle courses with horses or matching equipment teach critical thinking in a fun, supportive way.
Making Connections That Matter
For many young people, group sessions are a chance to connect—not just with the animals but with their peers. These shared experiences create bonds that last well beyond their time at the sanctuary.
Breaking Isolation: Group settings help young people who may feel isolated or struggle socially to find common ground.
Building Confidence: Seeing their contributions valued within a group helps participants feel empowered and capable.
Creating Memories: From a pony gently nuzzling a shy child to a group cheering as they complete a game, these moments stay with participants for years to come.
Stories of Group Success
The Youth Group Visit A group of teens from a local youth group visited the sanctuary for an equine-focused day. While some were nervous around the animals at first, by the end of the session, they were confidently asking questions and laughing together. Their leader shared, “This is the first time I’ve seen them all working together like this. They’ve really come out of their shells.”
Family Day Magic During a family day, parents and children worked together to groom horses and participate in games. One parent commented, “It’s rare to find something that all of us can enjoy equally. The kids learned so much, and we had a chance to just relax and connect as a family.”
Why Group Sessions Work
Group sessions create a dynamic environment where young people can:
Explore new skills in a low-pressure setting.
Learn from both their peers and facilitators.
Experience the joy of working with animals in a shared space.
Build friendships and connections that extend beyond the sanctuary.
What Families and Participants Say
🌟 “They couldn’t stop talking about the horses all the way home. It was such a positive experience for them.”🌟 “The group activities were brilliant. My daughter, who usually doesn’t speak up, was leading a pony by the end!”🌟 “This was the best outing we’ve had as a family. We all learned something, and the kids loved every minute.”
Group sessions at Crosskennan Lane offer young people an opportunity to grow in confidence, learn valuable skills, and make connections that last a lifetime. It’s not just about the animals; it’s about the experiences and growth that happen when people come together.
Young People Volunteering at Crosskennan Lane: Empowerment Through Service
Volunteering at Crosskennan Lane isn’t just about lending a hand; it’s about gaining skills, building confidence, and making a real impact. Many of the young people who volunteer with us arrive eager to work with animals but leave with much more—newfound responsibility, teamwork skills, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Why Young People Volunteer
For many, volunteering starts with a love of animals. But as they spend time at the sanctuary, their reasons for staying evolve. Young volunteers often join us to:
Gain experience for future careers in animal care or veterinary work.
Fulfill school or award requirements, like the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Build confidence and life skills in a supportive environment.
Give back to their community while doing something they enjoy.
What Volunteers Do
Young volunteers play an essential role in the day-to-day running of the sanctuary. While the tasks vary, they’re all designed to teach responsibility and foster personal growth:
Animal Care: Feeding, grooming, mucking out stables, and preparing bedding.
Maintenance: Helping with yard work, cleaning equipment, or maintaining spaces.
Support for Programmes: Assisting with group sessions or activities as helpers.
Administrative Support: For those interested in office work, volunteers help with fundraising, event planning, and outreach.
Volunteers often begin with simple tasks but quickly move on to more complex responsibilities as they demonstrate their skills and commitment.
The Impact of Volunteering
Volunteering gives young people opportunities to develop skills that go beyond animal care:
Time Management: Learning to balance responsibilities, especially for those juggling school or other commitments.
Problem-Solving: Tackling unexpected challenges, like figuring out why a horse isn’t eating or fixing a broken tool.
Teamwork: Collaborating with staff, fellow volunteers, and participants in programmes.
Leadership: Taking charge of tasks, mentoring newer volunteers, or stepping up during activities.
Emotional Growth: Building empathy through interactions with animals and understanding their unique needs.
What Families and Participants Say
🌟 “Volunteering at Crosskennan has completely changed my son’s outlook. He’s more focused, more engaged, and takes pride in his work.”🌟 “She’s learned so much, not just about animals but about herself. It’s been such a positive experience for her.”🌟 “Volunteering has taught them responsibility and teamwork, and it’s amazing to see them so passionate about something.”
Why Volunteering Matters
At Crosskennan Lane, volunteering isn’t just about what young people can give—it’s about what they gain. Through meaningful work, they discover new strengths, develop critical skills, and grow into confident, capable individuals.
Volunteering at Crosskennan Lane creates a ripple effect of positive change, empowering young people while helping the sanctuary thrive.
Stories of Transformation: Young People at Crosskennan Lane
Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary is more than just a haven for animals; it’s a place where young people find their confidence, rediscover their passions, and build brighter futures. These are just some of the stories shared by parents, families, and volunteers that highlight the profound impact our Animals Helping People Programme (AHP) has on young participants.
Finding Courage in New Spaces
*"He wouldn’t even go the first day. I had to call and cancel. The second day, I walked in with him, left him off, and came back exactly two hours later to sign him out again. He’s nearly 16, but his anxiety makes it difficult for him to step into new things.
But he wants to be a vet, and he wanted to work and learn at the sanctuary.
At first, I only heard about the things he was doing from others—he never told me himself. Then, one day, I came to pick him up, and he didn’t come out. I went in to find him, and there he was, still working. He told me he’d be a little late because he had to finish tidying up and putting away his tools.
I was taken aback—he’s always on time and doesn’t like to change his routine. But he’d been told to finish the hay, and so he stayed to do it. I was so proud of him. It was only an extra few minutes, but for him, it was a big step out of his routine."*
A Spark That Ignites a Passion
*"What started as a Duke of Edinburgh project has turned into a true interest. My daughter tells me all about the different animals and is so disappointed when she misses a session.
She’s always been quiet and a little shy, but at the sanctuary, she’s thriving. She’s getting more involved, and she becomes so animated when asked about the animals and the work she’s doing. The sanctuary has given her a space to grow, and it’s wonderful to see."*
A Lifeline for a Difficult Time
*"They’ve had a bit of a difficult time at school. When they said they wanted to work with horses, we looked around a few places, but they already knew people at the riding centres, and it made them anxious.
By chance, I came across the sanctuary and took a chance contacting them. They had space, and I’m so glad they did.
They spent two years working with the team, and each session seemed to help them grow. The sanctuary was so different from school—it was okay just being themselves.
I truly believe their time at the sanctuary is why they were able to finish school. It gave them the confidence and stability they needed to keep going."*
Beyond Animal Care: Confidence and Connection
*"It’s amazing how they can go from being anxious to relaxed so quickly. I thought working with horses would just be a bit of fun, but it’s been so much more.
She’s helping out at home, engaging more, and there have been fewer incidents at school. The change in her confidence is incredible."*
Volunteer Dedication: The Heart of AHP
The AHP Programme is entirely volunteer-run, a testament to the dedication and passion of those who make it possible. Volunteers give their time, energy, and patience to create an environment where both animals and participants can thrive.
"Seeing the impact of our work firsthand, especially with individuals facing unique challenges, is truly humbling," shares one volunteer.
Through their unwavering commitment, these volunteers provide a space where young people can grow, flourish, and find joy in their connection with animals.
At Crosskennan Lane, the stories of transformation we witness every day remind us why this work matters. From shy beginnings to confident strides, these young people—and the animals who inspire them—are proof of the power of compassion, patience, and care. 💛
🌟 Today, You Can Make a Difference and support Animals Helping People; Young People! 🌟
By supporting the Big Give Campaign, you can help us continue our vital work with young people at Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary.
Every session, every interaction, every moment at the sanctuary changes lives—not just for the young people who come through our gates but for the animals they connect with. From building confidence and learning life skills to creating memories that last a lifetime, your support makes it all possible.
💛 Your Donation Will Be Doubled! 💛For every pound you give, the Big Give Campaign will match it, doubling your impact and ensuring we can continue to empower the next generation.
📅 Support us today and transform lives—one young person, one animal, one moment at a time.
Together, we can create brighter futures. Thank you for your kindness and generosity! 💕🐾
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