A FARM has taught care professionals how four-legged friends can help vulnerable people.

Wellies-On at Butterfly Lodge, Abberton, uses animals to assist people with mental health problems learning disabilities.

The farm in Mersea Road, which provides therapy sessions, also helps young people who are struggling and school and the homeless.

Ellie Goff, managing director who runs the farm with husband Warren, uses pigs, horses, chickens, goats and guinea pigs.

She said: “It was a brilliant day in spite of the infamous British weather, which delivered sun, showers and hail stones for our 50 or so guests who came equipped wearing wellies for the day.

“We gave everyone a tour of the farm so that meant they got to cuddle and bottle feed goats, toast marshmallows in our fire pit in the woods, groom our horses and hear from other professionals how using the farm has helped people in their care.

"Interactions with animals have been shown to improve health and wellbeing, especially in terms of mood and socialisation.”

The farm also takes some of their animals out on the road through their ‘flat-pack’ farm initiative.

Organisations using the therapy farm include Autism Anglia, Perry Clayman Project for people recovering from addictions, CoCo Care for people with learning difficulties, Colchester Institute and an NHS Foundation Trust.

To find out more about volunteering and fundraising events visit wellieson.com or call 01206 735453.

A sky dive is taking place on June 24 and the Wellies-On Summer Ball is being held on July 21.

Tickets for the ball are available through eventbrite.co.uk.