One of the youngsters helps tend to a rabbit.

Enables young people to further their personal development

Disadvantaged teenagers in Scotland are reaping the benefits of a project that enables them to work with animals.

The Pet Boarding Enterprise project helps young people to further their personal development and to gain valuable work-related skills in a supportive environment.

Organised by staff at Edinburgh’s Gorgie City Farm, the project gives those suffering from physical or learning difficulties or mental health issues the opportunity to work with animals in its pet boarding facilities.

“For many youngsters bonding with an animal can be an important step for managing challenging behaviour and developing empathy,” said Sarah Campbell, community engagement manager at Gorgie City Farm.

“The animals themselves act as a social lubricant, triggering communication and humour. With the support of our staff, volunteers increase in self-confidence and self-esteem, modify anti-social behaviour, improve communication, build relationships and achieve practical learning in animal care.”

One young person with mild learning difficulties has spoken about how much he benefited from the experience:

“I know that my experience helped me get a place at college and has also helped me find a permanent job working with animals which is what I wanted to do. I became more confident during my time at the farm and I found all the staff really helpful and friendly.

“Gorgie Farm is a great place to learn about animal care, but also helped me develop my skills working with different people and doing other tasks such as cuddle corner events and maintenance”.

Pet boarding is available all year round and the service is popular because of its reputation for being affordable and close to the city.

The service takes care of animals when owners are on holiday or moving house, as well as in in more unfortunate circumstances like hospital visits or when owners have been in a domestic abuse situation.

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