Animal therapy centre opens in response to health crisis

Hundreds of people queued up to get a glimpse inside as a new animal-assisted therapy centre threw open its doors to the local community.

Inspiring Animal Therapy CIC was celebrating its new home at the Etherow Centre in Broadbottom on the border of Tameside and Glossopdale.

Animal-assisted therapy is increasingly recognised for its ability to reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation and build resilience.

Sessions are delivered by trained practitioners working alongside carefully selected therapy animals, including miniature horses, pigs, pygmy goats, dogs, reptiles and small animals.

One in five children and young people nationally has a probable mental health disorder, according to NHS England and across Greater Manchester, demand for mental health and emotional wellbeing support for children, young people and adults has increased in recent years, with schools and community services reporting rising levels of anxiety, emotional distress and additional needs.

Locally, an estimated 5,485 children and young people in Tameside live with a diagnosable mental health condition, underlining the importance of accessible support.

Inspiring Animal Therapy was founded by directors Anna Provart and Becki Taylor after realising the power of animals to help their own families through tough times, after Anna’s sister was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of two.

Anna said: “Interacting with animals can trigger release of the “feel-good” hormones oxytocin and serotonin, which are linked to reduced stress and improved emotional wellbeing. For some, working with a horse can build confidence and emotional regulation, while for others, spending time with smaller animals offers comfort, grounding and reassurance. Our animals help people feel safe, accepted and understood - often when words are hard to find.”

Inspiring Animal Therapy works with a wide range of people, including those experiencing anxiety, trauma, emotional difficulties, neurodiversity, additional needs, low confidence and social isolation. It also offers ASDAN and AQA courses for young people who struggle to attend full-time mainstream school.

The centre hosts therapeutic one-to-one sessions, small group work and community programmes, with plans to expand services in response to demand.

The service also works in partnership with schools, hospitals, hospices, care homes and individual families to provide early intervention, education and preventative support through its extensive outreach work.

“Having our own centre has been a dream for us from the beginning. Opening in Broadbottom allows us to become part of the local community,” Becki added. “This centre is about creating a welcoming, inclusive space where people of all ages can heal, grow and feel inspired.”

To enquire about services: admin@inspiringanimaltherapy.org