Animals used to support young people with anxiety

The Surrey Mental Health Investment Fund pays for the provision

Young people struggling with emotional challenges in Surrey are "overcoming anxiety and getting back into the world" thanks to a programme which sees them spend time with animals.

Elysian, which provides therapeutic education and support services, is currently running an outreach provision for young people aged seven to 19 who have been out of school for three months or more.

Sandy Riddle, Elysian's inclusion and outreach lead, says the aim is to use "gentle, creative approaches - involving time with animals - to reduce anxiety and build trust".

This scheme is funded by the Surrey Mental Health Investment Fund, a £10.5m fund from Surrey County Council and Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board.

Established in 2022, this funding is used to support services which are non-statutory and developed by local community-based groups.

A total of £268,900 was allocated to this project in December 2023 for the duration of three years.

Simon Brauner-Cave, director of mental health at NHS Surrey Heartlands, said: "Elysian's caring, animal-assisted approach truly helps young people feel seen and supported.

"During a visit last week (30 July), we saw how, through the programme, young people here are overcoming anxiety and getting back into the world. Looking to the future."

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