Helping to improve the lives of
children and young people
About Us
Elm Tree Farm Wellbeing Centre is a not for profit organisation in a countryside setting at Sheepway, on the outskirts of Portishead near Bristol and just a few minute’s drive from junction 19 of the M5.
We are passionate about delivering equine assisted learning and nature therapies to help children and young people achieve happiness and fulfilment.
The Team
Claire Browning, Director
Hello, I’m Claire, the director at Elm Tree Farm Wellbeing Centre.
I am LEAP trained and qualified in Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL). EFL uses equine-facilitated activities as a tool for self development and education, with a focus on the present moment. Skills include non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, relationship skills, confidence and resilience. I have been practising equine therapy for many years with some remarkable results. That makes me happy. Now, with the help of my team and our animals, I want to help improve the lives of as many children and young people as we can by connecting with nature, with ourselves and with each other.
Danielle Southey, Student Support and Horse Handler
Dani has been working with horses her entire life and with children for the past 10 years. She has worked in primary schools, youth centres and with children and young people in many other settings. Dani has qualifications in Aces Training (adverse childhood experiences), as well as a whole range of experience including: autism training, trauma informed training, mental health in children and young people, first aid and youth mentoring safeguarding. She also holds diplomas in horse care and horse management.
Leah Collins, Assistant
Leah is passionate about the wellbeing of children and young people and has a level 3 diploma in supporting teaching and learning. She has worked in main stream schools with nurture intervention, as well as SEND schools specialising in autism.
She also has a foundation course in Special Yoga, which helps children with additional needs learn how we can use our bodies as tools to help self-regulate.
Leah works with the precepts of humility, generosity, patience, loving, kindness, empathy and trust with the goal to help children and young people feel safe and calm.
She is a nature enthusiast and a competent horse handler.
Tracey Fowler, Business Development Manager
Tracey is using her wealth of experience gained volunteering with a number of charities and community groups, to help us build concrete foundations for Elm Tree Farm Wellbeing Centre and support its future growth.
The team is building - more details to follow...
What We Do
At our centre, based outdoors in green open space, we provide opportunities for children and young people to connect with nature to benefit their mental wellbeing. We support those who experience, or have experienced, social and emotional trauma and who may have reduced attention and concentration spans. Elm Tree Farm Wellbeing Centre offers equine assisted learning and nature therapy to help reduce anxiety, stress and anger. Our activities promote emotional awareness, empathy, trust and relationship building; help elevate self-esteem, assist in the development and improvement of social skills and problem-solving skills, boost confidence, build resilience and help establish boundaries.
All our work is aimed at providing therapeutic interventions to help improve how the children and young people feel, think and behave, which in turn can also support better learning in school or college.
Contact Us
Elm Tree Farm Wellbeing Centre CIC, Elm Tree Farm, Sheepway, Portbury, Bristol, BS20 7TF