Herald  sun

Re-connecting Young People at Risk

Animal Assisted Activities for Young People at Risk using Alpacas

Project details

Suggested by: Louise

Project partner: ECG A division of Community College Gippsland

Budget

$40,000.00

Votes

113 votes received

This project did not receive enough votes to be successful.

Access to this program will be inclusive. Participants will be working with alpacas to help gain trust, enabling young people at risk to reconnect and give them a sense of purpose and a focus on something other than themselves. These young people often suffer from mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, self harm, isolation and suicidal ideation.
Trained Alpacas will regularly be taken to the ECG campus to work with 90 students. Students will be encouraged to learn all aspects of animal care, taking on responsibilities that will assist them in enhancing personal growth and hopefully leading to improved employment opportunities

We are well aware of the toll on the community of youth mental health and suicide This program gives participants a feeling of self worth and helps them re-engage with in the community. The program teaches necessary skills which have been proven to lead to improved mental health, lessen anxiety and help participants reconnect with education. Participants learn emphatic and nurturing skills and have an improved outlook on life. Not all young people are suited to teaching methods used in mainstream schools. Baw Baw shire does not have a youth department and mental health support is difficult to access.

Project details

Suggested by: Louise

Project partner: ECG A division of Community College Gippsland

Budget

$40,000.00

Votes

113 votes received

This project did not receive enough votes to be successful.

Comments

Comments closed

Alliquagz

17 Sep 2018

This is a great project. Good luck!

Joolee

03 Sep 2018

An extremely worthwhile project with so many benefits for those who will have the opportunity to participate.

Linsay

03 Sep 2018

Alpacas are complex intelligent animals with interesting social relationships and we can learn a huge amount from their behavioural patterns... you have my support Louise and I think this is a wonderful project!!

Dipotter

03 Sep 2018

Best of luck. The alpacas are gentle and beautiful. I'm sure they will do well as a different avenue to take with young people and their difficulties with mental health.

Xavies' Mum

02 Sep 2018

Seeing how our young Man has grown and the joy he has got from working with Louise and the alpacas is a credit to this project. All the best Louise

Typhoon

01 Sep 2018

Great project. Using animals to interact with young people is a wonderful way to provide less threatening relationships and build confidence. Well done.

GY095

31 Aug 2018

What an amazing project for country kids. Gives them a purpose.

Grandy Rules!!!!!

30 Aug 2018

Once again you are making a difference. What a great example you are and always have been.

Fayzee

28 Aug 2018

A great initiative to help students

MariscaS

27 Aug 2018

I have seen what positive influence alpacas can have. I hope Louise can continue all the good work she has been doing and for everyone to grant her their vote

Jillian

13 Aug 2018

Such a great initiative from a lady with personal experience, passion, devotion and selflessness for our youth.
Along side an animal that is smart and open to working with people , especially kids.
What Louise has done already with youth and alpacas is amazing, bring it on .
This is Louise all over, building a better place :)

Chakana Blue

13 Aug 2018

Fantastic initiative. Valuable core, with great guidance using interaction with Alpacas.

angela

13 Aug 2018

To see children interact with alpacas once they know how is just a joy. The alpaca is a very intelligent animal and there is no doubt that they connect with people. This project of getting them to assist those who are struggling is a great initiative and one which will help these children in ways which will surprise us and also show just how wonderful alpacas are as a companion animal not only to other alpacas but to humans as well.

HeatherAnn

13 Aug 2018

Such a good project which will help young people when they are particularly vulnerable.

Emmaly

13 Aug 2018

Such an awesome program