FAMILIES LIVING WITH AUTISM 

Stonehill stables are located close to the town of Chudleigh, nestled between Haldon Hill and Dartmoor. This beautiful location helps us to provide a calming and safe environment where our therapists and ponies can help support families and carers with autistic children.

 

Parents and carers can come and chat in our carer’s caravan or out in the sunshine in our fields with our trained councillors and therapists. This peer to peer support group can offer a listening ear, emotional support, coffee and cake and the chance to talk to others in a similar situation. 

Our fully qualified therapists and staff who are all DBS checked will offer a 90 min session to the child or young adult with ASD. During the session, the child/young adult will be able to experience the physical communication of our ponies. They will be able to care for them by cleaning out their stables and paddocks, providing fresh food and water, hugging them, grooming them, leading them and creating a bond with them. This will aid in physical activity and can help with social and communication skills.

 

Sessions are either 90 minutes or half a day, parents can contact us directly or we are happy to take referrals from social prescribers, social workers and NHS. Activities are mainly outdoors so warm, waterproof clothing is required. Hard hats and gloves will be provided, refreshments are available free of charge. A disabled toilet is available on site and most activities are wheelchair friendly. Some activities may be funded or part-funded for those who need financial help. We are fully insured and all our staff are fully qualified, DBS checked and some are specialists in certain fields.