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Emotional support sheep help people get in shape mentally: ‘We offer a safe space’

A support group is helping people improve their mental health — with a flock of sheep.

Emma Redman, 37, and Pippa Ashton, 46, launched EWE Talk last year. The nonprofit organization based in Thame, in Oxfordshire, England, aims to help struggling adults and children. 

“We can go to people’s houses and help those struggling with loneliness and isolation,” said Redman, according to SWNS, the British news service.

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While the pair started their service with just one sheep, today they have a flock of seven sheep and two goats to help people who find life challenging.

Animal therapy can have both psychological and physiological benefits, studies have shown.

Valais Blacknose sheep similar to the animals shown here are being used as emotional support animals for people in need. (Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images)

Said Redman, “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.”

She added, “People usually think of horse and dog therapy.”

Instead, she said, “We offer a safe space. If [children] 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.”

Valais Blacknose sheep are known for their dog-like temperament. 

She also said, “We want to be there to help anyone who needs us. We’ve got so much belief that what we can do is make a difference,” as SWNS reported.

The two women started EWE Talk after Redman was given the opportunity to buy a unique breed of sheep — a Valias Blacknose. 

Valais Blacknose sheep are known for their dog-like temperament, making them excellent animals for providing emotional support, said SWNS.

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From there, the pair realized there was a gap in the market for a unique animal therapy venture and decided to go for it.

While their goal is to visit schools and educational settings with the fluffy friends, currently they welcome children struggling with their mental health to their farm.

Sheep at an annual event.

Valais Blacknose sheep are shown during a show. A nonprofit group in the U.K. is hoping to secure funding to expand their emotional support program for adults and children. The pair realized there was a gap in the market for a unique animal therapy venture — and decided to go for it. (Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images)

On some occasions, they’ve even transported the flock to locals in need of emotional support.

Now, they’re hoping to secure more funding to expand their operation.

Said Redman, “We are a mobile service, which is unique — we load two animals into a vehicle and can go anywhere within the county.”

“We can go to people’s houses and help those struggling with loneliness and isolation.”

She also said of children who are struggling with a variety of issues today, “All the children going through these things are superheroes. If we can make difference in a few people’s lives, then it’s a success.”

Recently, the group shared on its Facebook page another example of its work.

“EWE Talk made an official home visit to young Joseph,” they wrote. 

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“It was wonderful spending time with this family and seeing the impact the animals had. Joseph’s [mom] told us it was the longest time ever that he spent outside in their garden.”

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They added, “It was an honor to spend this time with them all and [we] look forward to hosting him at the farm at the end of the month.”

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