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About Us

Our commitment to community support led us to provide animal-assisted aid through our team of Therapy Animals in Devon. 
 
We have seen firsthand the many benefits a therapy animal visit can provide, such as reducing anxiety and promoting independence. 

Young person holding a golden Labrador therapy dog on their lap with a smile on their face
Bale's story

Wellbeing Visits

Our Community Therapy animals cater to individuals who may be dealing with mental health challenges, have additional needs, or requiring emotional support. From hospitals to schools, nursing homes to community centres, our dogs visit various settings across Devon. Rest assured, we're fully insured, and our staff has undergone comprehensive DBS checks.

 

Tailored to each client's needs and abilities, our bespoke animal assisted wellbeing sessions are adaptable to maximise desired outcomes. We are a nonprofit organisation, and to support our services, we charge a fee for Therapy Animal visits. To learn about the cost of a visit, please contact us. 

What is involved in an Animal-Assisted Wellbeing Visit?

Experience has taught us that no two clients are the same. During your initial consultation, we will discuss everything we can do with our trained Therapy Animals so we can tailor visits to meet the specific needs of the individual or group.

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Each visit is matched to the client’s needs, abilities and how they are feeling on that particular day. A visit could include interactive games such as hide and seek, peekaboo, tricks and agility to name a few. However, all our animals are just as happy to be tickled on the belly, brushed and cuddle up with their client. 

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They are also trained in providing emotional support and deep-pressure therapy for those who need it. Deep pressure therapy is where the dog uses their body weight when laying across a person's body which can create calming sensory feedback. 

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What's involved

What settings do you visit?

Our four-legged team are experienced and qualified Therapy Assistance dogs. They love visiting people in the community including but not limited to:​

Schools and

Education Facilities

Care, Residential and Nursing Homes

Hospitals and
Wards

Mental Health Facilities

At
Home

Workplaces and Appointments

What settings

The Benefits

​Many studies have shown that having an animal present can help reduce depression, anxiety and decrease blood pressure. During visits our animals can offer many benefits to all age groups including:

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Stress Reduction

Interacting with therapy dogs has been shown to lower stress hormones and promote relaxation, helping to alleviate anxiety and tension.

Sense of Connection and Improving Communication

Stroking and cuddling with therapy dogs can create a sense of connection and belonging, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. The non-judgmental and affectionate nature of therapy dogs can boost self-esteem and confidence, empowering individuals to feel valued and worthy of love. By boosting self-esteem and confidence people feel more open to communicating whilst receiving comfort from the dog. 

Mood Boost

Spending time with therapy dogs can elevate mood and increase feelings of happiness and positivity, even on the toughest days.

Mindfullness and Presence

Spending time with therapy dogs encourages mindfulness and being present in the moment, helping individuals to focus on the here and now and find peace amidst life's challenges.

The Benefits

Meet our Community Therapy Animals

Our community therapy dogs

Outdoor Learning

Contact Us

Email: Hay@balesfarm.org

Phone: 07494 123604

Outdoor Learning hours

Monday, Tuesday (Post-16), Wednesday & Thursday (Term Time)

10:00 am - 3:00 pm 

Office hours

Monday - Thursday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Term Time)

Safeguarding Leads

Rachael Heighway and James Bosworth

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Address

Bale's Farm, Daccombe, Newton Abbot, TQ12 4ST

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Community Outreach

Contact Us

Email: Community@balesfarm.org

Phone: 07494 123604

Address

5 Fore Street, Kingskerswell, Newton Abbot, TQ12 5HT

Office Hours

Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm

Safeguarding Leads

Jessica Macdonald and James Bosworth

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2025 Bale's Farm Outdoor Learning Ltd. |  Company No. 14479783  |  UKPRN: 10099595 / Bale's Farm Community Outreach Ltd. | Company No. 13923570 | Privacy Policy 2025 

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