09 October 2024

Wellbeing walks at Redwings

A man strokes a piebald cob over a fence

The 10th October is World Mental Health Day, and did you know that two of our Visitor Centres are the location of monthly wellbeing meet-ups?

Hosted by NHS Talking Therapies Norfolk and Waveney the meet-ups are held at Redwings Caldecott and Redwings Aylsham, the latter being home to Adoption Stars ‘The Gangsters’ – our group of Shetland ponies who prove especially popular because of their antics!

Emma Peek, NHS Talking Therapies Norfolk and Waveney Community Development Co-ordinator, said: “We always love our visits to Redwings, at both Aylsham and Caldecott. All the staff are so friendly and happy to put up with the queue we create when ordering endless coffees and cake!

“We have regulars who attend each month as they love spending time with the horses, donkeys and ponies. For any new attendees, we’ve found that being able to talk about and to the animals really helps break down any anxiety they may have felt about coming into a new situation.

“Our visits are a great chance to practice the five ways to wellbeing - being active (walking around the site); connecting with others (talking to The Gangsters also counts right?); learning (the staff have kindly given us guided tours, teaching us lots about their four legged residents); being in the present (getting out in the fresh air is a great way to do this, and being able to focus on the donkeys wanting a fuss helps ground you in the present moment) and giving (giving our time to each other as we chat, giving our attention to the horses and our pennies to the café, which helps to fund Redwings’ work!).”

She added: “Everyone always agrees that there’s something really calming about being around animals and attendees have said how special it is to spend time with the horses, donkeys and ponies on site.”

You don't have to be part of an organised visit to enjoy the wellbeing benefits of spending time with our rescued horses and donkeys - we welcome visitors to come and enjoy cuddles, and our peaceful surroundings.

We'd be delighted to welcome you at our Visitor Centres. Simply click on the link to find out more about the facilities at each, and the horses and donkeys who live there: Redwings Caldecott (near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk), Redwings Aylsham (near Norwich, Norfolk), Redwings Ada Cole (near Nazeing, Essex), Redwings Oxhill (near Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire) and Redwings Mountains (near Forfar, Scotland).