Value proposition

Greatwood acts as a catalyst for change through inspiration and aspiration.

GREATWOOD CHARITY focuses on educating disadvantaged children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI), using former racehorses. Greatwood’s innovative educational programmes are inclusive and designed for people with cognitive, physical, emotional and social challenges or disabilities, with the aim of making a real difference to their future lives and careers as well as facilitating their social mobility by challenging the perception of “success” and “failure” in a secure and nurturing environment. By providing a unique learning and sensory experience, it gives those who have little knowledge of the countryside and animals the chance of a totally new opportunity to complete real, physical tasks whilst developing their own life skills.

Greatwood was the first organisation in the UK to use former racehorses to educate young people with SEND and has been delivering education since 2006; in 2012 Greatwood was accredited by Wiltshire Council as an ‘Alternative Provider of Personalised Learning’ and in 2015 as a ‘Provider of Positive Activities for Young People’. More recently Greatwood has extended our charitable reach to include the opportunity for adults to access learning at Greatwood, specifically Wellness & Wellbeing. With emotional wellbeing and mindfulness at the heart this programme, Wellness & Wellbeing is for those experiencing common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression as well as those with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence.