Welcome to the support group using SHEEP to help people improve their mental health.<br /><br />EWE Talk was launched by Emma Redman, 37, and Pippa Ashton, 46, last year.<br /><br />The non-profit organisation aims to help struggling children and adults.<br /><br />The pair started with just one sheep - but now have a flock of seven sheep and two goats to help those that are finding life challenging. <br /><br />Studies have shown that animal therapy can have both psychological and physiological benefits. <br /><br />Emma said: “One of the things we have always known is how useful animals are as a tool to help those struggling with diversities and mental health issues. <br /><br />“Sheep aren’t used as therapy animals – people usually think of horse and dog therapy. <br /><br />“We offer a safe space, if they want to talk to us then they can but maybe they just want to play and giggle and laugh and run around with the sheep. <br /><br />“We want to be there to help anyone that needs us – we've got so much belief that what we can do is make a difference.” <br /><br />Emma and Pippa, from Thame, Oxon., started EWE Talk after Emma was given the opportunity to buy a unique breed of sheep - a Valias Blacknose<br /><br />Valais Blacknose sheep are known for their dog-like temperament - making them the perfect animal to provide emotional support.<br /><br />From there, the pair realised there was a gap in the market for a unique animal therapy venture and decided to give it a go.<br /><br />While their goal is to visit schools and educational settings with the fluffy friends, currently they welcome children struggling with their mental health on to the farm.<br /><br />On some occasions, they've even transported the flock to locals in need of emotional support. <br /><br />Now, they're hoping to secure more funding to expand their operation. <br /><br />Emma said: "We are a mobile service which is unique - we load two animals into a vehicle and can go anywhere within the county.<br /><br />"We can go to people’s houses and help those struggling with loneliness and isolation.<br /><br />"We’re not alternative education provider, our focus is on wellbeing and emotional support for children with neurodiversity and mental health issues.<br /><br />"We’ve run pilots with people offering free services mostly from home.<br /><br />"A young girl came to the farm who had tried all different types of therapies and for first ten minutes she didn’t want to engage. <br /><br />"After that she was in the stable with the sheep being cuddled - over the hour we started to talk and there was laughter and smiles and she's come back weekly since.<br /><br />"Every time we see a child benefit from their time with the animals it gives us that passion to move forwards and make a difference.<br /><br />"We felt honoured that we were able to be there with them and support them and share that with them and they let us in.<br /><br />"All the children going through these things are superheroes, if we can make difference to a few people's lives then it’s a success."
