You herd it here first.
Two women from England have started an emotional support group for those who may be struggling with their mental health – and are using sheep to help soothe.
Emma Redman, 37, and Pippa Ashton, 46, launched EWE Talk last year, with just one sheep – but now have have a flock of seven as well as two goats to comfort those in need.
“One of the things we have always known is how useful animals are as a tool to help those struggling with diversities and mental health issues,” Redman told South West News Service.
“Sheep aren’t used as therapy animals – people usually think of horse and dog therapy.”
The two first started the non-profit when Redman was offered the chance to buy a Valais Blacknose, a rare breed of sheep.
This breed is known for their “winning” personalities and have a calm temperament similar to that of a “beloved pet dog,” according to The Laurel of Asheville.
Both Redman and Ashton began to realize that there was an opportunity in the market for this distinctive form of animal therapy, so they decided to give it a shot.
“We offer a safe space, if they want to talk to us then they can but maybe they just want to play and giggle and laugh and run around with the sheep,” Redman explained to SWNS.
“We want to be there to help anyone that needs us – we’ve got so much belief that what we can do is make a difference.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness – and 1 in 6 children who are aged 2-8 have a “mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder,” according to the center.
They currently welcome kids who may be struggling with mental health onto their farm, and also have a goal of being able to visit schools with the gaggle of sheep.
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“We’re not alternative education provider, our focus is on wellbeing and emotional support for children with neurodiversity and mental health issues,” Redman said.
And, in other cases, the pair have even taken their animals on the road, making at-home visits to people in their local area.
“We are a mobile service which is unique – we load two animals into a vehicle and can go anywhere within the county,” Redman explained.
“We can go to people’s houses and help those struggling with loneliness and isolation.”
In one example, they claimed to SWNS that they helped a little girl who had tried many different therapies, but found so much success with the sheep that she comes back every week.
At first, they said, she reportedly didn’t want to touch the sheep in the beginning, but soon warmed up to the cuddly animals.
“After that she was in the stable with the sheep being cuddled – over the hour we started to talk and there was laughter and smiles and she’s come back weekly since,” Redman said to SWNS.
“Every time we see a child benefit from their time with the animals it gives us that passion to move forwards and make a difference.”
They explained that they felt “honored” that they were able to help out, and are really looking to make a difference in people’s lives with the furry creatures.
“We felt honored that we were able to be there with them and support them and share that with them and they let us in,” Redman said.
“All the children going through these things are superheroes, if we can make difference to a few people’s lives then it’s a success.”
