MW Impact’s animal therapy program is designed to support emotional wellbeing, social development, and confidence-building through structured interactions with trained therapy dogs and visits to various settings.
This course provides young people with comfort, stress relief, and companionship, enhancing personal growth through safe and meaningful animal-assisted experiences.
Course Modules
1. Introduction to Animal Therapy
- Understanding the benefits of animal-assisted therapy
- Developing trust and positive connections with therapy animals
- Exploring how animals support emotional regulation and wellbeing
2. Emotional & Social Development
- Building confidence through guided interactions with therapy dogs
- Reducing stress and anxiety through calming engagement with animals
- Strengthening social communication skills in a supportive environment
3. Mindfulness & Wellbeing with Animals
- Encouraging relaxation and mindfulness through pet therapy techniques
- Exploring outdoor settings to promote emotional balance and positive thinking
- Learning self-care practices through animal interaction
4. Respect & Responsibility in Animal Care
- Understanding animal behaviour and emotional cues
- Learning how to care for therapy dogs and build compassionate connections
- Developing responsibility and routine through structured activities
5. Interactive Visits & Community Engagement
- Therapy dog visits to outreach centre, and wellbeing spaces
- One-on-one and group therapy sessions tailored to individual needs
- Encouraging inclusion, empathy, and teamwork through shared experiences
6. Long-Term Personal & Emotional Benefits
- Increased self-esteem, emotional resilience, and positive mindset
- Strengthened ability to manage emotions and stress effectively
- Improved social skills and engagement with peers
Awarding Body
ASDAN
Student Expected Outcomes
"Our animal therapy program is designed to support emotional wellbeing, confidence-building, and social development through guided interactions with therapy dogs and community visits. Participants will gain comfort, companionship, and essential life skills, promoting a positive and calming experience.
1. Emotional Wellbeing & Stress Relief
- Reduced anxiety, stress, and emotional tension through animal interaction
- Increased ability to manage emotions and develop self-regulation strategies
- Improved sense of calm, relaxation, and overall mental wellbeing
2. Confidence & Social Development
- Strengthened ability to engage with peers in supportive environments
- Increased self-esteem and personal confidence through structured activities
- Enhanced communication skills and ability to express thoughts comfortably
3. Mindfulness & Emotional Awareness
- Improved ability to practice self-care and mindfulness techniques
- Greater emotional intelligence through connection with therapy animals
- Strengthened ability to manage difficult emotions in a healthy way
4. Respect, Responsibility & Compassion
- Increased understanding of animal behaviour and emotional cues
- Development of responsible habits through structured therapy interactions
- Promotion of empathy, kindness, and respect for others
5. Therapeutic Benefits & Positive Coping Strategies
- Ability to use animal-assisted therapy as a calming support system
- Strengthened resilience in handling personal and social challenges
- Long-term emotional benefits promoting overall wellbeing
Long-Term Impact: Participants will leave the program feeling more emotionally balanced, socially confident, and personally empowered, gaining skills that extend beyond therapy sessions into everyday life. Animal-assisted experiences provide comfort, connection, and long-term support for mental and emotional wellbeing."
Key Stage course delivered to
KS1; KS2; KS3; KS4; KS5
Admissions Criteria
5-16
Staff Experience
Highly trained mentors SEND experience working with young people
Delivery Area
MW Impact provides an enriching and supportive animal therapy program, featuring two trained therapy dogs alongside visits to various settings, ensuring young people can benefit from comfort, emotional support, and interactive engagement with animals.
Our Therapy Settings Include:
On-Site Therapy Sessions: Structured interactions with therapy dogs in controlled, calming environments.
Community Visits: Bringing therapy dogs to educational and social settings to support emotional wellbeing.
Outdoor & Natural Environments: Encouraging relaxation and mindfulness through nature-based therapy sessions.
Specialist Care & Support Settings: Visiting facilities where animal-assisted therapy can enhance emotional and social development.
One-on-One & Group Sessions: Tailored experiences for individuals or small groups, focusing on engagement and wellbeing.
Our therapy dogs provide companionship, stress relief, and emotional grounding, offering young people a safe and positive space to develop confidence, communication skills, and self-awareness.
Programme length
Up to a whole Academic Year
Transport Provided
Yes
Days Of Delivery
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Times of Delivery
10am-2pm
Staff Ratio
1:1
Cost of Course
1:1 - £200 per student, per day. 2:1 - £380 Per Student, per day
