Sirona is a small charity based in South Devon established in 2012 that provides equine and animal-based therapeutic and educational activities to young people and adults with mental health, learning, physical and social and/or emotional challenges. Through a positive person and animal-centred approach Sirona supports beneficiaries to have improved health and well-being and build resilience, so resulting in more positive life outcomes.
A grant from The Pixel Fund will provide funding for young people struggling with their mental health and those with educational challenges, such as young people unable to attend school due to anxiety and those in foster care who have gaps in their attendance. There is a clear link between poor educational achievements and negative life outcomes, and so through attending therapeutic and educational sessions centred around learning how to care for horses and other animals supported by qualified counsellors and teachers, young people are able to build positive relationships alongside improved mental health, increased self-confidence and self-esteem.