Dawn Goulding gave members a moving talk on her journey setting up Alpaca Acres.

Alpaca Acres is a small family run farm nestled in the village of Great Tey, but the many species of animals are not raised for their meat. The emphasis here is on promoting the therapeutic possibilities that come with being around animals.

Many of us know how helpful animals can be when you are feeling low, stressed or just not yourself, but owner Dawn Goulding found a passion for helping others and has done a lot of work, particularly with children with anxiety and special needs who benefit tremendously from their visits to the farm and their freedom to interact with the animals.

Dawn told us about her journey, the considerable challenges she faced, how Alpaca Acres became a Community Interest Company and the opportunities available for our mental health wellbeing, where the animals are the therapists.

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