About
What We Do
We support our clients to learn, explore, grow and heal in a safe environment supported by our Herd, animals and humans alike.
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We offer Bareback Riding which offers a greater sensory experience for the rider. Helping them to ground and centre themselves both physically and emotionally . It also enhances motivation, purpose and confidence as clients gain more independence through taking the reins.
Along with the Animal work we are able offer Bushcraft skills, archery, foraging, cooking outside, willow work, den building, slacklines, cargo nets, swings and more. We have a wonderful woodland area great for grounding, mindfulness and sensory exploration and learning about balance and core strength. It’s a safe space inspiring self directed creative play and exploration.
We also have a wildlife area, polytunnel and vegetable garden where learners can be involved in and benefit from seeing the process of food production from start to finish and then be rewarded by a bountiful harvest of yummy treats we can prepare on site.
We see first hand the growth students make with us at Herd Thyme and our testimonies speak for themselves.
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How we do it
By working closely with the animals, students are supported to take the initiative, become in tune with their unique selves and step into their personal empowerment. Participants learn about building genuine connections with themselves and others.
Herd Thyme has a committed and supportive team. Each staff member brings a wealth of experience, both professional and personal and with our ethos on collaborative working means Herd Thyme is a unique and uplifting place to be.
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We all take inspiration from the beautiful essay "In the Service of Life" by Rachel Naomi Remen (click here for full text).
Through our work we support students with the following:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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SEN including autism and ADHD
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Self esteem
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Self worth
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Confidence
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Communication
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Setting life goals
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Recognising and overcoming past, present and future challenges
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Working as a team
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Promoting empathy for others
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Regulating emotions
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Social rehabilitation
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Anger management
Post 16
For our older students we have teamed up with Keits, one of the country’s premier training providers. We are able to offer City and Guilds qualifications, up to Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care. We also offer Functional Maths and English Qualifications with our tutor and are able to offer blended learning to support our students in achieving their potential and give them access to further education and training. This is particularly supportive for students unable to access mainstream college settings.
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We work closely with parents, carers, schools and Local Authorities to meet the needs and goals of a student's EHCP. We believe that by working together we can achieve the best outcome for all concerned.
What next
Sessions are individually tailored to each student's needs.
We work mainly 1:1 and in small groups. Beneficial Healthy connections and friendships are encouraged.
We offer short term and long term placements depending on individual circumstance and desired outcomes.
With our support many of our students are able to transition smoothly into their chosen educational setting with improved mental health and a toolkit to ensure they continue to thrive.
Anyone can make a referral to Herd Thyme and we encourage everyone to come and visit to see if it is a good fit.
We have full day or half day spaces available but we are able to offer shorter sessions subject to availability.
Please use our Provision Enquiry form to get in touch. You can download it here
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Contact us for more details
Call Kara on 07920 583327 or Email herdthyme@gmail.com