Licence No: A07/000007
Meet the Team
Claire is the Founder of The Donkey Den Support Services, a charity supporting children, adults, and families through grief, trauma, and life transitions. With over 30 years’ experience as a teacher and Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), she has supported children facing emotional challenges, including loss and trauma, shaping her compassionate, trauma-informed approach.
As an adoptive parent to her youngest child, Claire understands the ongoing needs of children post-adoption and is passionate about providing continued therapeutic support for families. The charity offers one-to-one grief work for children, one to one, sibling or family post adoption support, a variety of workshops for adults including support to reduce loneliness. Her work is also shaped by early work experiences in care homes, where she witnessed the quiet reality of loneliness and dementia among older people.
Claire’s own grief journey has been shaped and supported by time spent outdoors, alongside her donkeys, finding comfort in stillness, and the present moment. This nature-based approach underpins much of the charity’s ethos—encouraging others to slow down, reconnect, and gently navigate their own paths through grief.
Tasha says "I love being part of The donkey Den Support Services because I understand, on a personal level, how heavy and isolating loss can feel. I'm especially drawn to supporting children outdoors, where nature can offer calm, perspective and room to breathe.
Being around donkeys adds another layer of healing - their quiet presence, sensitivity and steady nature create a comforting environment where children can feel safe."
Laurelle says "I have chosen to be a part of The Donkey Den Support Services as I have witnessed first-hand the benefit it can provide to people; with my children having attended for grief support.
The outdoor setting, along with the donkeys, provided them with the relaxing and therapeutic time they needed during a very difficult time in their lives. Therefore, I want to be a part of providing that for other people who are going through a hard time, for whatever reason that may be."
Caroline says "I enjoy working for The Donkey Den Support Services because I am deeply motivated to support people, especially children, through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Bereavement can be an isolating and overwhelming experience for anyone, especially children, as I have experienced firsthand. I have the understanding, empathy, active listening and emotional support to be able to help others feel less alone and more supported during their journey through loss. "
Mark has completed Grief Support training and supports the children and young people who attend our grief support events.
He says "I just love being outdoors! I like to be outside whether I'm engaging with nature in the woods, exploring on a bike or walking the dogs! I really enjoy watching the children connect with one another over shared experiences."
Tess is a professional artist and qualified art teacher and has studied Trauma Informed Art Therapy. She has experience of running creative workshops for adults and children.
Tess has completed Grief Support training and supports the children and young people who attend our Grief Support events.
Jo says "I love watching children build confidence as they navigate natural obstacles or ignite their curiosity while exploring local wildlife. Being outdoors isn't just about play; it's where children develop the resilience and creativity they need for the future.
Working for a charity allows me to align my career with my values. It's incredibly rewarding to know that my work directly contributes to a mission that puts children's wellbeing first and ensures that every child, regardless of their background, has the chance to communicate with nature."
Nic says " Having worked in education for over 30 years, I value the benefits of nature, time and space for every child's well-being.
I am grateful for the privilege of being able to offer support to children as they grieve in this nurturing, natural environment.
Thank you to the Donkey Den Support Services team for allowing me to volunteer with you."
