Donkeys inspire confidence in young carer

Alex Follows, 13, supports her family by helping to look after her nan, who sadly has Alzheimer’s, and often found life a bit overwhelming and a lot to carry on her shoulders.

To help give Alex the respite she needed, she was referred by Devon Young Carers to our Donkey Assisted Activities (DAA) centre at our Sidmouth sanctuary where she joined a Wellbeing with Donkeys programme.

Devon Young Carers work with young people aged four to 18 with caring responsibilities. They work to make sure young carers are supported through their services, which can include specialist advice, access to respite opportunities and one-to-one support. 

Earlier this year Alex was welcomed by Eilish Pryce, Centre Coordinator, and Megan Marles, Equine Assistant, who facilitate and deliver donkey-assisted activities at our centre in Sidmouth. She was introduced to the resident DAA donkeys and guided through what the sessions might include.

Wellbeing with Donkeys (WWD) offers individuals time and space with donkeys to focus on developing skills around everyday wellbeing needs. These sessions take place in natural surroundings with a focus on promoting positive physical and mental health practices.

Sessions may involve quiet interactions with donkeys, participating in mindfulness activities, providing donkey care activities and observing donkey behaviour. They are run as standalone sessions or a programme of sessions taking up to six weeks.

Lauriel Woodley, Centre Manager at our Donkey Assisted Activities centre, said: “We are very pleased to partner with organisations supporting young carers.

“They do such an important role but this often comes with huge pressures, leaving many young people feeling anxious about those they care for and trying to juggle all their additional responsibilities alongside a busy school day.

“Spending time outdoors with the donkeys can just give a little time and space to focus on their own wellbeing. We provide a safe environment to explore life skills such as decision making and managing emotions, and practise simple mindfulness techniques to become calmer and more grounded.

Calm, connection and confidence

Alex shared how the experience with the donkeys brought a sense of calm, connection and confidence, along with the chance to spend meaningful time with the four-legged residents.

Despite her initial nerves and not knowing if the donkeys would accept her or not, the experience quickly became one of happiness and a time for creating special memories.

“After my first session, I felt really happy and content. I felt comfortable and safe to speak openly, it had been a long time since I felt that relaxed in my mind. I couldn’t stop smiling all the way home,” said Alex.

Eilish Pryce said: “Alex came to the DAA centre through Devon Young Carers. Alex was enthusiastic for her taster session, which I think exceeded her expectations, and she wanted to then complete a programme with us. It was lovely to see Alex so calm and relaxed throughout her sessions; she was always smiling. The donkeys seemed to pick up her calmness and wanted to spend time with Alex throughout her sessions.”

While each donkey is special, one in particular stood out to Alex – a gentle boy named Coill. Alex spoke of him fondly: “He had this fluffy fringe on his forehead and such lovely energy. I felt such a strong connection with him. When I called his name during my second session, he came over and rested his head against me – it was such a special connection.

“It felt like such a privilege to be greeted by the more anxious donkeys like Kit and Apple Green. I think my respect and gentleness seemed to have a positive effect.”

Throughout the sessions, Alex developed a deeper appreciation for the donkeys’ unique personalities and quiet forms of communication. She loved learning and noticing their little quirks and how they all communicate so much through their ears. Alex said: “The most wonderful thing to do is stroke their soft fur and give them scratches on their favourite spots, usually their bottoms, that was always fun!”

The sessions gave Alex more than just memorable moments. They provided her with a sense of calm and presence that she could carry back into her daily life. Alex said: “When I was with the donkeys, I didn’t think about the past or what I had to do when I got home. I was just there, in the moment being present, which really helped to clear my head.

“Anyone who is finding life a bit of a struggle can benefit from these sessions. They offer a safe space where you can connect with nature and be in the gentle presence of the donkeys. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, low mood or the weight of responsibility, just being in the present moment with the donkeys made me feel happy.”

Alex added: “Now when I feel overwhelmed or upset, I look at the photos of the donkeys and visualise myself with them. This really helps me feel calm, present and more positive.”

Supporting wellbeing and life skills

Tony Badcott, Young Carers Support Worker for East and Mid Devon at Devon Young Carers, said: “Devon Young Carers is a county wide charity working with young people who often have complex and complicated lives, because of caring for a loved one. The wellbeing sessions provided by the DAA team at The Donkey Sanctuary have been incredibly beneficial for Alex. They give young carers a rare and valuable opportunity to step back from their daily responsibilities and focus on their own wellbeing. We’ve seen first-hand the positive impact these sessions have on emotional and mental health, and we’re extremely grateful for this ongoing partnership.”

After benefitting from the Wellbeing with Donkeys sessions, Alex is now taking the next steps on her journey through the Donkey Facilitated Learning programme. This is a more tailored coaching-based experience focusing on six key life skills: self-awareness, self-belief, communication, decision-making, empathy and managing emotions.

Alex’s mum Mandy said: “Mental health is such an important topic especially with carers and young carers. We’re certainly ambassadors for The Donkey Sanctuary and the profound work they are doing to support children and adults with the all-important help of the donkeys.”