Licence No: A07/000007
*We are currently awaiting Charity Commission approval*
The Donkey Den Support Services provides free, targeted support to children, young people and adults to promote positive mental health and wellbeing. Our sessions and workshops are designed to support individuals and groups experiencing grief, isolation, trauma and other life challenges, offering a safe, nurturing space within nature.
What we offer
We provide one-to-one bereavement support for children and young people, allowing them the time and space to process grief in their own way with the guidance of caring adults. These sessions are tailored to each child’s needs and take place in a calm, supportive natural environment.
Alongside this, we run bereavement holiday camps throughout the year, bringing together children who share similar experiences. These group sessions help reduce feelings of isolation, encourage emotional expression and build a sense of community and belonging.
For adults, we offer targeted workshops and programmes, including grief support for widows and widowers.
Our “Elders in the Woods” programme supports individuals living with dementia or loneliness, providing gentle, sensory experiences in nature that encourage connection, wellbeing and mutual support.
We also provide post-adoption support for children and their families, helping them navigate trauma, attachment and change. Many adopted children have experienced early trauma that continues long after adoption. Our support helps families build stronger relationships by offering ongoing guidance, understanding and a safe space to navigate challenges together.
Our sessions
Our programmes combine Equine Facilitated Learning with our donkeys, Forest School activities and mindfulness in nature.
Donkeys are calm, sociable and intuitive animals that naturally encourage connection and emotional regulation. Activities such as grooming, walking and interacting with the donkeys help build confidence, trust, empathy and self-esteem while creating a peaceful and grounding experience.
Our Forest School sessions include woodland walks, stream exploration, fire lighting, nature art, den building and other outdoor activities. Spending time in nature is known to reduce stress, improve wellbeing and create a sense of calm and connection.
All sessions also include mindfulness practices, helping participants develop practical tools such as mindful breathing to manage stress, regulate emotions and support their overall mental health.
Through one-to-one support, group sessions, workshops and programmes, The Donkey Den Support Services helps improve emotional wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen connections to others and the natural world.
Our work takes place on our 9-acre site at the foot of the Quantock Hills in Somerset, which includes three acres of woodland, fields and a flowing stream. We also have a wellbeing barn and base camp that allows us to run sessions all year round. We work with six donkeys and hold an Animal Activity Licence with Somerset Council.
