Animal Therapy & Education in Mental Health

Our snakes, lizards, tarantulas, scorpions & fascinating array of bugs challenge, stimulate & encourage engagement, communication & joy in patients struggling with mental health. They also bring life to learning for hospital schools.

Improving Mental Health & Wellbeing

[Snakes bring hope in poor mental health]Preliminary research conducted within the NHS (2009) showed that snakes make excellent pets & bring hope to depressed patients by improving mood, concentration & focus. Patients also have something to share with others, encouraging them to socialise.

Further research from around the world also suggests that snakes are beneficial to mental health & are a benefit to exposure therapy for phobias.

Whilst working with our animals in mental health settings, we have seen success in both younger & adult patients. Feedback from Clint, a patient attending one of our sessions, sums it up succinctly.

"The event was a huge success and enjoyed by all. Feedback from service users included, 'It was great!', 'I really enjoyed it' and 'When can we do it again?' ... The hospital will be inviting Stuart back in the New Year."

Cygnet Hospital, Stevenage, Herts

Our Work With Mental Health Practitioners

[Reptile Handling: Building Confidence, Self-Esteem & Improving Personal Health & Mental Health]Meet The Beasts supports therapists in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation, residential & respite care.

We use our animals, in conjunction with trained mental health professionals to create activities that promote a sense of well-being & achievement, stimulate communication & improve socialising.

Stuart has some personal experience & understanding of the difficulties patients face in their daily lives, having spent 2-years recovering from unexpected serious depression in his 40s.

All activities can be adapted to groups & one-to-one sessions.

Our calm, relaxed, friendly style creates a safe setting in which patients meet our animals, allowing them to be stimulated & to face their fears & overcome them.

Read case histories of how Meet The Beasts has enabled adults & children to overcome their fears & grow in confidence

 

See photographs of our animals here & photographs of our animals working here

We have full Public Liability Insurance, DBS Enhanced Disclosures, Risk Assessments & Animal Activity Licence (details here)

Contact Meet The Beasts for how we can help you with Animal Assisted Therapy

Exciting Learning for Hospital Schools 

[Reptiles & minibeasts in hospital schools - Meet The Beasts]Meet the Beasts brings extra life to learning for schools & learning in hospitals treating mental health. Patients encounter nature, overcome fears & build confidence.

Stimulating activities which are fun & build confidence, allow patients to enjoy our animals. This interaction brings learning to life on a wide range of subjects including survival, environment, diet & animal care in captivity.

We create a calm & receptive atmosphere in which the learning is relaxed & fun. Our patience & confidence help to build trust & allow the magic to happen.

Select the animals that suit your setting & we will liaise with you to create powerful learning & a great experience for everyone. We can create & provide worksheets that meet your learning objectives & allow study to continue after we have gone home.

We have full Public Liability Insurance, Risk Assessments & Animal Activity Licence (details here)

[Meet The Beasts is Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Approved Enhanced Disclosure]Meet The Beasts is covered by Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosures.

Contact Meet The Beasts about our work in hospitals & hospital schools.

Treats, Rewards & Fun

[Challenging fears & increased socialising for hospital schools - Meet The Beasts]Help your patients on their Journey towards improvement, recovery or better mental health with our powerful reptile & minibeast encounters.

Snakes, lizards, tarantulas, scorpions & creepy crawlies provide fascination, fun & reward. They also promote confidence.

Joy & fun are tonics, improving mood & providing a range of health benefits, including improved immunity.

Our gentle, patient & calm encouragement helps to allay fears, allowing them to engage with their encounters, including touching & handling snakes & lizards. Participants often show improved interaction & better socialising as they share their achievements with others.

We always liaise with organisers beforehand to ensure that our visits are high impact, leave a lasting impression & positive legacy.

"Thank you Stuart for coming. You and your beasts were a very big hit with the staff as well as the patients!"

Ellingham Hospital, Norfolk

Contact Meet The Beasts about our work in hospitals & hospital schools.

Meet The Beasts: Contact Information

More Information From:

Dr Stuart Wood
c/o Meet the Beasts
31 Burder Street
Loughborough
Leics
LE11 1JH

Telephone: + 44 1509 553362
Mobile: + 44 7814 628123
E-mail: stuart@meetthebeasts.com

[Return to top of page]
Top of Page

[Facebook Logo] [Twitter Logo] [Instagram logo (courtesy of Clipart.email)]