THE mental health benefits of visiting Redwings’ Visitor Centres were being highlighted by the charity on World Mental Health Day (10^th October).

Redwings is one of the biggest horse welfare charities in the UK, with centres open to the public in Norfolk, Essex, Warwickshire and Forfar in Scotland – all of which are dog-friendly.

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) are the permanent homes of hundreds of rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, many of whom have suffered cruelty and neglect and are now living their best lives in sanctuary care, thanks to the generous donations of supporters.

NHS Talking Therapies Norfolk and Waveney hold monthly wellbeing meet-ups at Redwings Caldecott and Redwings Aylsham, the latter being home to Adoption Stars ‘The Gangsters’ – a group of Shetland ponies popular for their antics.

Emma Peak, 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 can find out more about the events organised by NHS Talking Therapies Norfolk and Waveney by going to their Facebook page here www.facebook.com/NHSTalkingTherapiesNorfolkandWaveneySocials 

Find out more about Redwings’ Visitor Centres opening days and times and the horses, ponies, donkeys and mules who live there here www.redwings.org.uk/visit