Donkeys making a difference

We have a couple of fully funded blocks of sessions coming up so this month's blog is all about how donkeys help make a difference to people's lives....please get in touch if you or a friend/relative has been affected by breast cancer or if you would like to join us in a small group course for 12 weeks to boost confidence and life/work skills or just feel better about life!

How Donkeys Help Foster Social Interaction in Group Settings

In recent years, animal-assisted learning has emerged as a powerful tool to promote emotional well-being and social connection. Among the growing variety of animals used in therapy and educational settings, donkeys have proven to be particularly effective in fostering a sense of community, especially in group environments such as care homes and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) settings. Their gentle, curious nature and ability to engage individuals without judgment create the perfect environment for interaction, collaboration, and joy.

The Gentle Magic of Donkeys

Donkeys have a natural calmness and sensitivity that makes them uniquely suited for working with people of all ages and abilities. They’re slow-moving, patient, and highly intuitive, making them a comforting presence for those who may be anxious or withdrawn. But beyond their individual impact, donkeys truly shine in group sessions, where their presence often becomes a spark that brings people together.

Creating Community Through Shared Experience

In group sessions—whether in a care home or a SEND classroom—donkeys act as a shared point of focus that encourages individuals to engage with one another. Feeding, grooming, or simply observing a donkey together naturally prompts conversation: "Did you see how he nuzzled your hand?" or "I think she likes you best!" These simple, joyful observations often lead to deeper social engagement.

Participants begin to work together: handing out brushes, taking turns leading the donkey, or helping each other understand how to communicate with the animal. This collaboration helps build trust, reduce social anxiety, and promote teamwork.

Encouraging Communication and Laughter

Donkey-assisted sessions are often filled with laughter. Donkeys are curious creatures with big personalities as those of you who have visited our guys will know!—whether it’s a stubborn refusal to move ("No walk Willy!") or a sudden bray at an unexpected moment, or Vinnie's trademark grin their unpredictability brings levity to a group setting. Laughter not only breaks the ice but releases endorphins, helping individuals feel more relaxed and open to connecting with those around them.

In care homes, where residents may experience loneliness or cognitive decline, this type of engagement can reignite long-lost social skills and rekindle a sense of belonging. In SEND settings, children or young adults who may struggle with communication find a non-threatening space to express themselves—sometimes for the first time—in response to their interactions with the donkey and their peers.

Combating Isolation, One Session at a Time

Isolation can have profound effects on emotional and physical health. Donkey-assisted activities offer a meaningful way to combat this by giving participants something to look forward to and someone to share it with. These sessions become a regular event where friendships can form, stories can be shared, and smiles become contagious.

Conclusion

Donkeys do more than just bring comfort—they help build bridges between people. In group settings, their presence becomes a catalyst for conversation, collaboration, and connection. Whether it’s through shared laughter, the simple joy of touch, or the mutual care of another living being, donkey-assisted learning is proving to be a powerful way to foster community and fight loneliness—one gentle nudge at a time.