The Donkey Sanctuary recently welcomed a group of local NHS staff to their site in Sidmouth for a team day focusing on their health and wellbeing.
Twenty-five employees from the Children & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) took part in ground-based activities aimed at combining interaction, mindfulness and coaching at the Donkey Assisted Activities (DAA) centre.
The experience allowed the staff to reconnect with each other and share experiences while enjoying time outdoors in the presence of donkeys. The activities aimed to help to support the staff’s self-development and promoted positive attitudes towards donkeys.
“The group took part in a mindfulness body scan. The purpose of a body scan is to tune into your body to reconnect to your physical self, and notice any sensations you’re feeling without judgement,” said Sophie Channon, DAA equine coach.
“Practising mindfulness techniques is a great way to help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and to focus instead on the present moment, rather than worrying about past events or what’s next in your busy schedule.”
Photo bomb
“We then went in with the herd and all the donkeys came over to welcome the group with curiosity. Harry and William, two miniature donkeys, stole the show by photo bombing the group photo, while donkeys Dennis and Zebedee in particular, chose to spend time connecting with a few specific individuals,” continued Sophie.
“The donkeys gave instant feedback, responding to the calmer energy levels of the group, which saw even some of the more anxious donkeys choosing to seek interaction.”
One of the participants, Rosie Preston, interim operational manager for Torbay and South Devon, said: “I really enjoyed spending time with Zebedee who seemed to love my ear scratches and leant against me. I found the whole interaction very comforting.”
At the end of the day, the group discussed what they had learnt from their experience with the donkeys. There was lots of positive feedback and one team member said they would start incorporating mindfulness into their workday.
“This session came at the perfect time with lots of staff feeling burned out, and so it was hugely restorative,” said Holly Billington, children and family health Devon service lead.
“The sanctuary team looked after us from start to finish, and we enjoyed a session with the donkeys and a mindfulness space.”
