Operational 

## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



**Trustees’ Annual Report for the period March 2024 – 31 August 2025** 

## **Charity Information** 

**Charity name: Animals in Reach Charity number: 1207504 Registered address:** 

Manor Farm West Lutton North Yorkshire YO17 TA 

## **Trustees during the year:** 

- Rich Hardman (Chair) 

- Alex Lusty 

- Alice McColl 

- Bob Purrington 

- Brenda Mullen 

- Geraldine Casswell 

- Jess Haslam 

## **Manager:** 

- Ruth Haslam 

## **Trustee with additional operational responsiblities** 

- Jess Haslam 

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## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



## **Objects of the Charity** 

## **The object of the CIO is:** 

For public benefit to relieve the impact of hardship and disadvantage faced by children, young people and adults who live in Yorkshire and who are disabled and/or have social, emotional and mental health needs or are struggling with education. This will be achieved in particular but not exclusively, by providing therapeutic and educational support through working with animals, horticulture and crafts. 

## **Vision: Growing through connection** 

## **Golden Thread** 

There is a golden thread that weaves through our planning: 


At the centre of all planning is the belief that connection, trust and emotionally safe relationships help children and young people grow in confidence, wellbeing and engagement. 

## **Animals in Reach Mission** 

_**We improve mental health and wellbeing by encouraging connection with others through activities with animals, horticulture and crafts.**_ 

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## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



## **Animals in Reach Values** 

|**We ENABLE**||
|---|---|
|**E**nabling|We help children and young people to find a voice and develop<br>confidence to speak out through time spent together building<br>relationships of trust.|
|**N**urturing|We increase our young people’s self-confidence and emotional well-<br>being through therapeutic relationships with animals, adults and each<br>other.|
|**A**ccountable|Our evaluation demonstrates the difference we make, outlined below.|
|**B**elieving|We believe in the potential every child and young person has and<br>offer respect, inclusion and space.|
|**L**earning|We offer learning opportunities to support children and young people<br>to re-engage in education.|
|**E**xcellent|In all that we do. We proactively meet children and young people’s<br>needs.|



## **Animals in Reach Key Objectives:** 

- Improved resilience, self-confidence and sense of self-worth of children and young people. 

- Support disabled people to access qualifications and enable young people to re-engage in education. 

- Develop an inclusive environment where children and young people can handle animals and learn together. 

- Increase the range of animals that provide positive connection with children and young people. 

- Maintain excellent animal welfare standards linked to the Animal Welfare Act 

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## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



## **Structure, Governance and Management** 

## **Animals in Reach is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).** 

Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. The board of trustees will choose trustees based on their skills, knowledge and experience needed to support the effective running of the charity. 

## **New trustees are provided with:** 

- a copy of the current constitution 

- the latest Trustees’ Annual Report 

- • the latest statement of accounts 

The trustees worked together throughout the year to provide strategic oversight, support decision-making and ensure the charity continued to work in line with its charitable purposes and values. 

## **The board seeks to ensure that all decisions are:** 

- informed 

- made with integrity 

- in the best interests of the charity 

- focused on the needs and wellbeing of beneficiaries 

## **The trustees recognise the importance of:** 

- safeguarding and risk management 

- equity, diversity and inclusion 

- openness and accountability 

- reflective practice 

- effective use of charitable resources 

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Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



Trustees regularly reviewed activities, discussed risks, reflected on feedback from children, young people, families and professionals, and considered how the charity could continue developing sustainable and person-centred support. 


_Our chinchilla room_ 

## **Public Benefit** 

The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit when planning the charity’s activities and reviewing achievements during the year. 

The trustees are satisfied that the charity’s purposes are for public benefit and that the charity’s activities benefit children, young people, adults and families who experience disadvantage, disability, social, emotional and mental health difficulties, or challenges with education. 

Animals in Reach provides support that is accessible, inclusive and personalised. Activities are designed to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, build confidence and support emotional regulation, communication and engagement with others. 

The trustees also recognise the importance of managing risk of harm and ensuring that all activities are carried out safely and in the best interests of beneficiaries. 

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## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



## **Safeguarding** 

Safeguarding remains central to all the work carried out by Animals in Reach. 

## **We believe that:** 

- safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility 

- children, young people and adults at risk of harm should never experience abuse of any kind 

- we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them 

## **We recognise that:** 

- the welfare of children, young people and adults  is paramount in all the work we do and in all decisions we take 

- all children, young people and adults, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse 

- some children, young people and adults are additionally vulnerable because of previous experiences, communication needs or levels of dependency 

- partnership working with families and other agencies is essential in promoting welfare 

## **We seek to keep children, young people and adults at risk of harm safe by:** 

- valuing, listening to and respecting them 

- promoting confidence so all at Animals in Reach know they can talk to trusted adults 

- ensuring concerns are treated seriously 

- maintaining safeguarding policies for children and adults 

- carrying out appropriate risk assessments and safe working practices 

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## **Complaints, Feedback** 

The charity welcomes feedback from children, young people, families and professionals and uses this to reflect on and improve practice. 

## **Data Protection / Confidentiality** 

Information shared by families and professionals is treated sensitively and stored in line with data protection requirements. 

## **Staff and Volunteers** 

Ruth Haslam was appointed manager January 2025. They were supported by trustees and additional volunteers John Haslam, Annabel Gibb, Marny Beckett, Marian Grindrod. We were also supported by volunteers staying for one to two weeks, working on the land and with animals, sometimes alongside the young man accessing our support. They were not given any responsibility for young people and were always accompanied when with the young people or young man. 

## **Animal Welfare** 

Animals involved in sessions are cared for to high welfare standards and their wellbeing is carefully monitored as part of the therapeutic environment. 

## **Equality, Diversity and Inclusion** 

Animals in Reach works to reduce barriers to participation and adapts activities to individual sensory, emotional, communication and physical needs. 

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## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



## **Main Activities During the Year** 

During the year Animals in Reach continued to provide therapeutic and educational support through work with animals, horticulture, arts and crafts, outdoor activities and music. 

## **Main activities included:** 

- support for individual children and young people 

- support for a young adult with complex needs 

- family days for families with disabled children 

- alternative education provision for children struggling to attend school 

- therapeutic and reparative work using a trauma-informed ‘Thrive’ approach 

- Forest School style activities 

- animal care and outdoor learning 

- creative and practical projects designed to build confidence and resilience 

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Operational 


## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 




_Spray painting a reel Watching the horse dentist_ 

A poly tunnel and shed were acquired during the year to create new environments for the children, young people and young adults in Animals in Reach. These have been invaluable providing inside space in bad weather, space for chill time, space to garden. 

The poly tunnel was erected with support from volunteers, the young man and 2 WWOOFers. WWOOF volunteers (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) supported practical work on the land and maintenance projects under supervision. Please see image on the next page. 

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## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 




_Ereccting our poly tunnel John helping the young man to fit a panel_ 

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## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



## **- Family Days 1 September 24 31 August 25** 

Family days were run during each school holiday period except Christmas. 

## **Across 10 sessions:** 

- 48 children attended 

- 38 adults attended 

- sessions lasted approximately 2.5–3 hours 

These sessions provided inclusive, low-pressure opportunities for families to spend time together, connect with others and enjoy accessible activities in a safe environment. 

## **Activities included:** 

- caring for animals 

- planting and horticulture 

- crafts 

- outdoor exploration 

- shared games and creative activities 

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## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 




_Having fun near halloween at a Family Day_ 

Parents consistently described the sessions as welcoming, calm and supportive. 

One parent commented: 

_“Giving the time and effort that's put in is truly amazing, my child loves to come and experience new exciting things. Always talks about the farm and able to come out their shell a lot which is wonderful.”_ 

Another family shared: 

_“We love coming here, what Ruth and Jess do with the animals and children is fantastic.”_ 

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Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



## **Continuing Health Care Support** 

During the year Animals in Reach continued to provide intensive support for a young adult with complex needs through a Continuing Health Care package. The young man attended three days each week, taking part in 147 sessions across the year. 

The support focused on building trust, emotional safety, confidence and independence through highly personalised activities involving animals, outdoor work, practical tasks and creative experiences. Sessions were carefully adapted to meet his communication, sensory and emotional needs. Staff took time to listen, learn from his family and respond flexibly to ensure he felt safe, valued and understood. 

Over time he developed stronger relationships with staff, greater confidence in trying activities and increased enjoyment in purposeful work around the farm. Activities included animal care, practical outdoor jobs, creative tasks and opportunities to take responsibility in ways that were achievable and encouraging. 

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Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 





_Our young man enjoying a guitar lesson Talking to Comet_ 

His family consistently shared the difference the provision had made, not only to him, but to the wider family. 

His stepfather spoke privately to a trustee and said: 

_“Those two and John are angels. They keep him happy.”_ 

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Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



The family’s Continuing Health Care coordinator also recognised the positive impact of the provision and wrote: 

_“Mum shared how much L enjoys his time at Animals in Reach and how responsive you are to his needs. Thank you.”_ 


_The young man loves physical labour that provides strong sensory feedback_ 

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Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



His mother described the change in more detail: 

_“My son has attended AiR for just over 12 months now. He has the most amazing time while he is there. The team listen and adjust behaviours and discussions to accommodate his needs. They give daily updates of activities accompanied by photos. I know when he is there, he is looked after so well and I can truly genuinely relax while he is there.”_ 

She explained how important it was to know her son was in a place where staff wanted to understand him as an individual: 

_“We have spent a lot of years with people not understanding L, which is ok as he is very complex. We have found that you guys are happy to learn, which has resulted in getting the best from him.”_ 

She also reflected on the impact this had on the family as a whole: 

_“Finding AIR has definitely helped both my son and us to have some time knowing he is in a safe nurturing environment.”_ 

His mother described how he was encouraged to try new things while always feeling supported: 

_“He is challenged with a variety of different daily tasks but always supported to achieve, which gives him a huge sense of achievement.”_ 

She concluded by saying: 

_“Every word is true — you guys are outstanding. You listen and you care and want to get things right and as a mum that means the world. He absolutely loves coming to you. You should all be very proud of what you do.”_ 

These reflections demonstrate the importance of relationship-based, person-centred support and the impact a safe and accepting environment can have on young people with complex needs and their families. 

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Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



## **Alternative Education Provision** 

During the year Animals in Reach began providing alternative education provision for a young person referred by school following significant difficulties managing within a mainstream environment. 

When ME first visited Animals in Reach, he struggled with low self-confidence, emotional regulation and overwhelming feelings of shame linked to failure and poor relationships with others. At school he often became dysregulated when he found tasks difficult or felt he had got something wrong. Small incidents could quickly escalate into violent outbursts or withdrawal. 

Before beginning his placement, careful planning meetings took place involving school staff, foster carers, social workers, the Virtual Head and the academy SENCO. Together they explored how a more personalised and therapeutic approach could help him feel safe enough to engage. 

ME attended around 35 sessions between May and July 2025. 

Sessions combined therapeutic support with practical learning and outdoor activities. Rather than focusing immediately on any formal academic work, Animals in Reach prioritised emotional safety, connection and confidence-building. Activities included animal care, outdoor exploration, experiments, storytelling, practical projects and creative tasks, all focused around his interests. 

One activity involved creating a moth trap together. Through this project ME learnt about experiments, persistence and that it was acceptable to fail and try again. The activity became an opportunity to develop emotional resilience as well as curiosity and learning. 

Staff used trauma-informed approaches including PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy), Thrive principles, structured routines and opportunities for ME to make choices and experience success. 

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## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 




_Creating Sponge Bob Square Pants                                Creating a moth trap_ 

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Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25
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Operational 

## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



## **At the beginning of the placement, ME often struggled to:** 

- identify what he wanted to do 

- recognise body signals linked to emotions 

- express preferences 

- tolerate mistakes 

- accept responsibility 

- regulate his energy levels 

Over time, significant changes were observed. 

## **ME began:** 

- making choices independently 

- asking for breaks when overwhelmed 

- choosing quieter activities such as reading 

- listening to and enjoying stories 

- writing instructions and recording experiments 

- acknowledging mistakes 

- showing empathy towards animals and peers 

One particularly significant moment occurred when he admitted twice that he had been wrong about something. When she heard about it, his foster mother responded emotionally: 

## _“That is revolutionary!”_ 

By the end of the placement ME appeared calmer, more confident and increasingly able to talk about himself and his feelings. He developed stronger emotional vocabulary and greater awareness of when he needed support. 

His story demonstrates how therapeutic, relationship-based approaches can help children who are struggling in traditional educational environments rebuild confidence, emotional safety and engagement with learning. 

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## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



## **Impact and Outcomes** 

Children and young people attending Animals in Reach are often highly anxious, dysregulated or lacking confidence following difficult experiences in education or social settings. By reducing demands, building trusted relationships and offering practical, meaningful activities, young people are able to feel emotionally safe enough to engage, explore and grow in confidence. 

Throughout the year Animals in Reach continued to see strong positive outcomes for children, young people and families. 

## **Evidence was gathered through:** 

- feedback forms 

- observations 

- reflective diaries 

- meetings with families and professionals 

- case studies 

- direct feedback from children and parents 

Many children and young people attending Animals in Reach demonstrated increased confidence, emotional regulation and willingness to engage socially and educationally over time **.** 

## **Evaluation feedback showed:** 

- 97% of children and young people wanted to return 

- 100% reported learning new skills or trying new activities 

- 100% of families said they felt welcomed and listened to 

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## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 

## **Children and young people showed progress in:** 

- confidence 

- emotional regulation 

- communication 

- independence 

- decision-making 

- social interaction 

- resilience 

- engagement in learning 

- ability to try new experiences 




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## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



## **Families reported:** 

- reduced isolation 

- feeling welcomed and understood 

- improved confidence supporting their children 

- opportunities to relax and connect with other parents 

## One parent shared: 

_“The high ratio of support to children meant we parents could relax.”_ 

Another said: 

_“I felt fully supported.”_ 


_Thank you card posted by grandparents who enjoyed a Family Day_ 

Animals in Reach also strengthened relationships with the commissioning schools and professionals during the year, contributing to wider understanding of trauma-informed and person-centred approaches. 

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Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



## **Young People and Community** 

Animals in Reach aims to create spaces where children and young people feel safe to be themselves. 

Children with additional needs were able to engage freely without fear of judgement. 

## **Young people took part in shared activities such as:** 

- building dead hedges 

- hunting for mushrooms 

- planting trees 

- outdoor games and searches for natural items 

- animal care 

Parents valued opportunities to meet others facing similar challenges and several families exchanged contact details. 

The charity also benefited from the support of volunteers, trustees and community members who contributed practical help, advice and encouragement throughout the year. 

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Operational 

## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



## **Managing Risk and Resources** 

## **The trustees regularly reviewed risks relating to:** 

- safeguarding 

- health and safety 

- financial sustainability 

- staffing capacity 

- wellbeing of beneficiaries 

- 

The principal risk of being a very small charity is depending on a very limited team. If one member of the team were unable to continue this would jeopardise the running of the charity. This risk was fully discussed and appropriately managed. 

Resources were directed carefully towards frontline support and development of safe, therapeutic environments. 

The trustees recognise the importance of maintaining sustainable funding and developing partnerships with schools and other organisations to support future growth. 

## **Finance** 

The principal source of funding for the year was from commissioned places (Continuing Health Care and Alternative Provision) and The Young Game Changer Award for Ruth Haslam. The trustees prepared the annual accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) and applicable charity law requirements. The full accounts are presented as an appendix to this report. 

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Operational 

## Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



## **Reserves Policy** 

Reserves were built up during the year to be able to maintain 6 months of running costs. 

## **Future Plans** 

## **During the coming year Animals in Reach hopes to:** 

- continue developing alternative education provision 

- strengthen partnerships with schools 

- increase support for children struggling to attend school 

- increase support for local children who can be isolated as in a rural community through a weekend club 

- offer support to isolated children who are electively home educated 

- continue therapeutic and family support opportunities 

- continue developing evaluation and evidence of impact 

- appoint additional staff, initially on a part time, self employed basis 

- seek funding to support governance and growth 

- train and equip staff with skills to meet the complex needs of children and young people 

- further develop volunteer involvement and community partnerships 

The trustees remain committed to maintaining a highly personalised, relationship-based approach that values each child and family as individuals. 

The trustees are encouraged by the progress made during the year and grateful for the trust shown by children, young people, families, schools and professionals. The charity remains committed to providing safe, relational and personalised support for those who often struggle to access environments where they feel understood and valued. 

## **Trustee Approval** 

## **This report was approved by the trustees on: 19[th] May 2026** 

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Animals in Reach Annual Report March 24- August 25 



**Signed on behalf of the trustees:** 


**Rich Hardman Chair of Trustees** 

**Appendix One Finacial Report** 

**See below** 

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