Donkey Therapy for Special Needs Children - Volunteers Required
20/09/2006

A charity which provides donkey-riding therapy for special needs children has today appealed for more volunteers to help support its centre in Leeds.

The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys (EST) provides more than 150 special needs children with donkey-riding therapy at each of its centres every week and relies on the help of volunteers to carry out a wide range of tasks including leading the donkeys or supporting the children during the riding sessions.

Allison Mann, principal of the Leeds centre, said: "Our centre was opened in 1999 and volunteers have played a vital role right from the start. Without them we just could not continue.

"We need to find more volunteers who are willing to be called upon. Volunteers must be fit and have a keen interest in both donkeys and children with a wide range of disabilities.

"They are the first line givers of encouragement and assistance in the lesson and have a very rewarding responsibility."

One of the current volunteers, Bryony Bell, said: "I work mainly in the arena, leading the donkeys while we play games with the children.

"I also help out at lunchtimes in the kitchen. I do enjoy volunteering for EST, the donkeys and children are a great combination. It's a happy place to be."

Anyone interested in volunteering at the centre should contact the Ms Mann on 0113 261 9249 or email estleeds@btconnect.com for more information.

To learn more about the work of the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys visit the charity's website at http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

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