Exeter Foyer customers get special animal therapy visit

Customers at the Exeter Foyer were paid a visit by two very special guests in the summer to improve mindfulness and tackle social isolation among the young people living there.

Two therapy llamas, named Harry and George, were brought into the specialist supported living scheme from nearby Peak Hill Farm to help customers engage with each other, staff and have fun.

Vicky Chase, Senior Project Coordinator at Stonewater, said: “Therapy animals help customers to get out of their rooms and engage with each other in a group activity – something they might not be used to. The animals help to foster a calming atmosphere and create memories for young people who might not have had many opportunities to do so before.

“It also helps to break down barriers between customers and staff, helping us to get to know them more and build trust so we can support them further.”

Staff at the Exeter Foyer had previously used therapy dogs to encourage customers to interact with each other at the scheme, but tried something new with Harry and George. Customers were able to help groom the llamas, take them for a walk and learn more about them as part of the visit.

Take a look at the pictures from the visit.