Hope For The Future - Working With Animals
Community Services projects are always on the lookout for opportunities for young people to become involved in worthwhile activities. East Belfast has found its relationship with the Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary to be particularly successful.
The Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary was founded by Lyn Friel in 1982. It is staffed exclusively by volunteers and sets itself the dual task of providing sanctuary for animals and providing education courses in humane animal care.
When the Sanctuary offered an education programme to the Agency, East Belfast jumped at the chance. Confirming research on the positive effects of interactions with animals, staff found that the experience of working at the Sanctuary has had social, emotional and behavioural benefits for the young people involved.
Initially the Sanctuary organised a 12 week programme which included training on the care of dogs, cats, exotic animals and horses. There were sessions on dog training and on the work of the Cat Protection League. The training enabled the young people involved to complete the Services section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
East Belfast has continued its relationship with Crosskennan and young people are now involved in work there as reparation under the terms of Community Responsibility Orders and Youth Conference Orders. This provides a meaningful opportunity for them to repair some of the harm and damage caused by their offending behaviour and in doing so contribute something positive to society.
For more information on Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary see www.crosskennanlane.org.uk
