Project Outcomes: Positive Impact on Well-being

Our project demonstrated a significant positive impact on participants' overall well-being. Based on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), we observed an average total score of 58.60 across all 25 participants, indicating a high level of mental well-being at the end of the programme.

Key Findings:

• High Average Well-being: Participants reported consistently positive feelings across various aspects of well-being, with average scores ranging from 3.92 to 4.44 across all 14 categories.

• Positive Feelings: Participants reported feeling optimistic about the future (4.16), useful (4.36), relaxed (3.92), interested in others (4.44), energetic (3.92), able to deal with problems (4.32), thinking clearly (4.32), feeling good about themselves (4.20), close to others (4.00), confident (4.36), able to make up their minds (4.28), loved (3.92), interested in new things (4.24), and cheerful (4.16).

• Age and Gender Differences:

  • Participants aged 13-15 showed the highest average total WEMWBS score (58.7).

  • Female participants had a higher average total WEMWBS score (59.4) compared to male participants (57.8).

• Consistency: The standard deviation across all categories was relatively low (0.45 to 0.69), indicating a consistent positive response from participants.

These results demonstrate the project's effectiveness in enhancing participants' mental well-being across a variety of domains.

Transformative Impact: Equine-Facilitated Learning in HMP High Down

Our Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) and Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) program at HMP High Down, delivered with a local partner ‘Kingswood Shetlands & Friends AAT CIC’ has delivered remarkable results, exceeding expectations and fostering profound personal growth among participants.

Key Achievements:

• Overwhelmingly Positive Feedback:

  • Participants consistently described the program as "brilliant," "fantastic," and "amazing," expressing deep gratitude for the experience.

  • The program significantly surpassed initial expectations, demonstrating its powerful impact on emotional, physical, and mental well-being.

• Profound Personal Growth:

  • Residents reported increased self-awareness, improved emotional regulation, and a more positive outlook.

  • The program facilitated the development of practical skills for stress management and coping with challenges.

• Powerful Animal Connection:

  • The bond formed with horses and other animals proved to be a key source of healing and learning.

  • Participants valued the non-judgmental interactions and the insights gained from observing animal behavior.

• Supportive and Transformative Environment:

  • The program fostered a safe and supportive environment, praised for its skilled facilitators and welcoming atmosphere.

  • Participants experienced a sense of community and belonging, contributing to their personal transformation.

• Lasting Impact and Desire for More:

  • Residents expressed a strong desire for longer course durations and follow-up programs, highlighting the program's lasting impact.

  • Participants are eager to apply the skills learned in their daily lives and share their knowledge with others.

• Mental Health Benefits:

  • The program has shown to have a positive impact on mental health, with participants reporting reduced anxiety, and a caliming of the nervous system.

• Broad Applicability:

  • Participants recognized the program's potential to benefit a wide range of individuals, including those with mental health challenges, young people, and even prison staff.

In essence, the EFL/AAT program at HMP High Down has proven to be a powerful catalyst for positive change, fostering emotional growth, and promoting well-being among participants.

EFL's Impact on Compassion Fatigue in Carers:

We supported 10 foster carers and adoptive parents as part of this project. Here are some findings from one case study.

This four-session Equine-Facilitated Learning (EFL) program significantly alleviated compassion fatigue symptoms in an adoptive carer by fostering:

• Enhanced Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation:

  • The carer developed a heightened awareness of their present moment, bodily sensations, and surroundings, leading to increased calm and emotional resilience. (e.g., "I noticed the trees and how still they were.")

  • This improved regulation allowed them to navigate emotional challenges with greater clarity.

• Deepened Connection and Reduced Isolation:

  • Experiencing unconditional acceptance and belonging through interactions with horses counteracted feelings of isolation often associated with compassion fatigue. (e.g., "I felt truly part of their herd.")

  • The non-judgmental nature of horses provided emotional validation and a sense of connection.  

• Safe Emotional Release and Boundary Setting:

  • The sessions provided a safe space for emotional release, allowing the carer to process difficult emotions and establish healthy boundaries. (e.g., "I noticed after the emotional release my physiological experiences released.")

  • This ability to regulate emotions and set boundaries is crucial in preventing burnout and compassion fatigue.

• Increased Trust and Support:

  • Building trust in the EFL practitioner and the horses fostered a sense of safety, allowing the carer to explore vulnerability and seek support. (e.g., "The only constant was [EFLP] and being able to regulate myself because I could experience her regulation.")

  • This reliance on support networks is vital in combating the overwhelming nature of compassion fatigue.  

• Body-Mind Connection Awareness:

  • The carer gained insight into the connection between physical and emotional experiences, recognizing how stress manifests in the body.

  • This recognition allows for better self care.

• Resilience Building:

  • By navigating challenging moments with the horses, the carer built resilience and a sense of accomplishment, counteracting feelings of helplessness and overwhelm. (e.g., "The pride, emotion, and sense of achievement… was amazing.")

In essence, EFL provided the carer with practical tools and emotional experiences that directly addressed the core symptoms of compassion fatigue, leading to increased well-being and resilience.

This project is in progress and data will be published in 2026 once data has been evaluated