Our Mission & Story
Our Mission
Kindness. Dignity. Respect.
Helping Both People & Animals
Our charity has multiple aims, which are to;
- Provide a rescue and rehabilitation centre for horses, ponies, donkeys and other animals that have been abandoned, mistreated or unwanted within the UK
- Rehome as many as possible of those rehabilitated horses, ponies and donkeys into their forever home
- Promote humane behaviours towards animals and educate the public in animal welfare
- General prevention of cruelty and suffering amongst animals, working alongside other charities and organisations to build a support network and give animals the best chance for rescue and recovery (we are now part of the National Equine Welfare Council)
- Provide services to improve social, emotional, physical and mental well-being for children and young people, increasing early intervention to support
- Work collaboratively with other services, such as NHS CAMHS, to provide a holistic support network and the best possible outcomes for service users
- Increase well-being in the elderly through visiting care homes and hospices
- Increase well-being in military personnel and veterans through a range of support including equine assisted interventions
Our therapeutic and supportive interventions are not classed as traditional ‘talk’ therapy, but as an alternative or additional support to those who are experiencing a wide range of needs including; social, emotional, physical and mental ill health, those who have experienced trauma, abuse and neglect, low self-esteem, learning and developmental needs, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), social isolation, reengaging with education, life transitions, bereavements, self-harm and those at risk of suicide.
Our Story
The Hugs Foundation, was founded on a vision driven by respect, love and compassion for animals. A vision to change the futures of horses, ponies and donkeys through rescue and rehabilitation and finding them their forever homes.
The experienced team understood, that in order to achieve success, lots of time, energy and funding would be required. Specialist services such as professional veterinary care and animal behaviourist teams would be needed.
So the vision began from day one with quality care and a realistic view of how Hugs could provide these animals the rehabilitation and care they needed. Equines were introduced slowly and with compassion. Animals from terrible mistreated backgrounds and harrowing stories of abuse soon found themselves in the loving, caring arms of the The Hugs Foundation.
As the success stories of these animals being nursed back to full health and rehabilitation started to grow, the love for animals soon found the team taking on other animals from dogs to sheep! What a diverse and colourful mixture our Hugs family has become. The animals bringing such joy and happiness, it was through this concept a new vision was born.
The love and positive journey extended to people around us. Animals and nature have therapeutic qualities. Anyone who spends time with animals or the outdoors will tell you how much of a positive influence they can have on someones life.
The Hugs Foundations brought on board a team of well-being intervention support workers to extend their positive reach to people. Again, our culture and belief at The Hugs Foundation is to recognise a need and ensure we provide professional expertise to deliver that service.
Combining the rehabilitation of the animals and supporting people both young and old experiencing mental ill health and complex needs, such as depression, PTSD, low confidence and low self esteem, means our hugs reach so much further. Working in many different ways with 1-2-1 sessions, groups, schools and the local community, we can not only change the lives of the animals but also change the lives of people.
With your help The Hugs Foundation can reach its goal to continue to grow and touch the lives of many. Bringing positive change to the local community and grow to a full centre of rehabilitation.
Please let us know how The Hugs Foundation can help you.
Kindness. Dignity. Respect. Helping people & animals.
Testimonials
See how our organisation makes a difference
“We had a lovely visit from a tiny pony here at The Grove. A huge thank you to The Hugs Foundation for bringing Dude in to see all the residents. We all loved him and we are looking forward to the next visit!”
Personally I can be very cynical about the ethics of places that do animal experiences for children as I feel that often the animals suffer. How heart-warming it was to see how different Hugs is – how well the staff know all their animals, how they are constantly assessing their needs (Is that horse happy in that field? Should we keep that pony’s coat on a bit longer? Let’s not groom the horses today as they’re still damp and it would make them itch) plus many other examples of how well all the animals are thought of and cared for.
Go and see the battery hens clucking around the courtyard, the cat will sit on the forms you have to sign because he wants a fuss (you’re lovely, Monty!) and the dogs Fudge and Bailey who just love cuddles!! These previously abandoned/abused/neglected animals not only have their needs met but are understood, respected and adored! As well they should be! Thank you so much to all the staff we met today, you could not have looked after us better and you are all doing an amazing job.”
Then I discovered The Hugs Foundation and after just one session there Daisy blossomed, she started to smile again, chatting about the ponies and the wonderful staff. Each week she came home, I could see that I was getting the old Daisy back.
All the hard work the staff and the animals put in at the Hugs (or Huggles as Daisy calls it) has made a real difference and I can’t thank you all enough. You do an amazing job and long may this continue so that other young people can benefit like Daisy has, thank you again.”
How You Can Help
Our organisation cannot survive without your kind donations