Help Us Build a Welfare and Education Outbuilding

Riverlink Donkey & Animal sanctuary is a fully volunteer managed charity which cares for Donkeys and Animals. Riverlink is a safe haven for both rescued animals and humans, where violence is never the answer. Our horses and donkeys are cared for by a dedicated team of volunteers. We believe that our animals help humans, just as humans help the animals. Horses are extraordinary teachers; they do not judge. They teach people about trust and confidence and help individuals express themselves with understanding rather than anger.

We serve the local communities of Wirral and Deeside, with sites in both areas. We offer equine-assisted learning, using our animals as an alternative coaching tool to build trust and teamwork. Clients and animals form bonds that foster personal growth. Our sanctuary welcomes individuals dealing with mental illness, anxiety, depression, or stress. Additionally, we support students from Plas Derwin School and those seeking alternative education, promoting lifelong learning outside the traditional classroom.

For those struggling with routine or classroom settings due to various challenges such as home life issues or abuse, Riverlink provides a holistic learning environment. Our approach aims to develop intellectual and practical skills, emphasizing creativity, environmental care, and respect for all life.

We collaborate with various organizations, including T. Grosvenor Hospital for Mental Health, Frontier Learning Disability Team, College Cumbria, Rosneath College for Work Experience, Social Services for Children and Families, We're All Ways to Recovery, and Launchpad for Veterans. Our clients include individuals with mental health issues ranging from anxiety to PTSD, as well as those dealing with alcohol addiction and family breakdowns.

Our animals play a crucial role in enhancing self-confidence, self-esteem, well-being, calmness, and self-regulation. They help improve social skills, communication, self-awareness, empathy, focus, task engagement, and overall wellness, both physical and mental.

We provide our services free of charge because most of our clients cannot afford to pay a fee. However, to continue offering these vital services and to better serve our community, we are in urgent need of an outbuilding for welfare and educational purposes. This new facility will allow us to expand our programs and provide a safe, welcoming space for all our clients.

How the Welfare Unit Will Be Used

The new welfare unit will be a multifunctional space designed to enhance the services we offer at Riverlink. Here’s how we plan to use it:

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Educational Workshops: We will host workshops and training sessions focusing on mental health, personal development, and animal care, providing valuable learning opportunities for our clients and volunteers.

Welfare provision for our volunteers and visitors: The welfare unit will provide shelter and refreshments to our dedicated volunteers and visitors.

Alternative Education: For students of all ages seeking non-traditional learning environments, the unit will serve as a classroom where they can engage in creative and practical learning activities.

Community Engagement: The welfare unit will be a hub for community activities and events, helping to foster a sense of belonging and collaboration among our clients, volunteers, and local residents.

Animal Care Training: We will conduct training sessions on animal care and welfare, empowering our volunteers and clients with the skills needed to care for our horses and donkeys effectively.

Thank you for considering supporting Riverlink. Together, we can continue to change lives, one step at a time.