In Newport, Wales, this Foundation places great emphasis on children’s learning-by-doing. Lylac Ridge provides children with the opportunity to gain new, first hand experiences through active involvement with animals.
Lylac Ridges' main focus is to provide opportunities for children and young adults, particularly those experiencing 'disadvantage', to grow emotionally and learn through interaction with a range of animals.
We define disadvantage as:
· Living in poverty or situations of deprivation
· Illness, Distress, Abuse or Neglect
· Behavioural or Psychological Issues
· Disability
Lylac Ridge aims to:
· tackle issues of education and exclusion, amongst children and young people with limited
social skills.
· raise an awareness and understanding of alternative education .
· enable children and young people to interact with others and build their· confidence and self-
esteem.
· offer and promote volunteering opportunities.
· facilitate workshops throughout schools, youth clubs and centres.
The use of animal-assisted programmes has grown tremendously in recent times, particularly in the United States, where there are more than 2,000 programmes. Although interest in this field is lively in the UK, there are fewer animal-assisted programmes and networking/training opportunities for people undertaking these activities.
Animal Assisted Interventions - is a broad term that includes what is traditionally known as "animal assisted activities" or "animal assisted therapy".
Lylac Ridge has the ability to deliver activities at its 'Animal Interaction Learning Centre', based in the Caerphilly County Borough or by providing outreach services.
The Animal Learning Centre is an open space; where animals, wildlife and people grow together. The Centre currently has in excess of one hundred animals which include: domestic animals, miniature donkeys, Shetland ponies, pygmy and dairy goats, various breeds of chickens, Kune Kune pigs and reindeers - to name but a few! Future developments on the land - such as a sensory garden and wild meadow - will provide opportunities for learning about the countryside, wildlife, conservation and horticulture skills.
Lylac Ridge is a social enterprise/company limited by guarantee (no. 06873453), established as a not-for-profit organisation.