Pippa Ashton (left) and Emma Redman of EWE Talk – SWNS
A new animal therapy business using cuddly, wooly neighbors to help struggling kids and adults with their mental health, and the results are unbaalievable
EWE Talk was launched by Emma Redman and Pippa Ashton last year after Emma was given the opportunity to buy a unique breed of sheep called a Valias Blacknose.
Known for a dog-like temperament that makes them perfect for providing emotional support. The pair now has a flock of seven sheep and two goats to help those that are finding life challenging.
Studies have shown that animal therapy can have both psychological and physiological benefits.
Emma’s life has included accomplishments, joy, and memories, but was also filled with un-or-misdiagnosed mental alterations including OCD, anxiety, eating disorders, and ADHD. These life experiences have proven to be a big drive for creating something new and innovative as a way of supporting others
“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,” said Emma. “Sheep aren’t used as therapy animals—people usually think of horse and dog therapy.”
From there, Emma and Pippa realized there was a gap in the market for a unique animal therapy venture and decided to give it a go.
“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,” said Emma. “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.”
MORE STORIES LIKE THIS: Man Summits Highest Peaks of England, Scotland and Wales with Fridge on his Back For Mental Health–WATCH
Their flock includes the original duo Autumn and Maggy, the Valias Blacknoses, as well as their lambs Nelly and Ziggy. Also on the farm are two Cotswolds sheep Hope and Pearl.
While their goal is to visit schools and educational settings with their fluffy friends, currently they only host children on their farm.
Pippa Ashton (left) and Emma Redman of EWE Talk – SWNS
“A young girl came to the farm who had tried all different types of therapies and for the first ten minutes, she didn’t want to engage,” said Emma. “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.”
On some occasions however, they’ve transported the flock to locals in need of emotional support.
MORE SUPPORT ANIMALS STORIES: ‘Hero’ Dogs From Rescue Operation in Turkey Get First Class Seats on Airliners Flying Them Home
“We are a mobile service which is unique,” said Emma, explaining that they hope to secure more funding to expand their services. “We can go to people’s houses and help those struggling with loneliness and isolation. 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.”
WATCH Emma, Pippa, and their sheep below…
SHARE This Baawsome Story With Your Flock On Social Media…