Firefighters and their families unwind with our donkeys

A group of 22 children and 16 adults from as far afield as London took part in a number of activities in the spring sunshine. The day aimed to provide some wellbeing time for the whole group and give the firefighters a brief respite from their busy frontline duties.

During a packed day our visitors spent plenty of time with our donkeys and engaged in hands-on activities. They created fruit and vegetable enrichment kebabs, which were hung up for the donkeys to search out and enjoy. The group also created an obstacle course and led the donkeys around the route under guidance from our grooms.

A member of the group takes a moment to bond with a donkey during the obstacle course activity.

A member of the group standing with donkeys in the sand arena.

The group took part in creating enrichment kebabs for the donkeys to enjoy.

Outside in the sand area, the visitors were shown some of the medical health checks that our donkeys receive, and the younger members of the group were able to listen to donkeys’ hearts using stethoscopes.

A member of the group completes health care checks with guidance from our team.

The session concluded with some grooming, an activity that was popular with the firefighters and their families, and our donkeys too.

Jason Stone, Welfare Caseworker from The Fire Fighters Charity, said: “Huge thank you to Eilish and everyone at The Donkey Sanctuary for a wonderful afternoon. It was great to see our beneficiaries enjoying themselves and making memories together.”

A couple of girls from the group spend time grooming one of the donkeys outside together.

The Fire Fighters Charity offers specialist, lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community. It provides a broad range of health and wellbeing services, including residential programmes, online support and access to a wide range of resources to help individuals live happier and healthier lives.

Eilish Pryce, Centre Coordinator, said: “It was a privilege to support The Fire Fighters Charity family programme by welcoming them to the Donkey Assisted Activities centre at Sidmouth for the day.

A member of the group takes a moment to bond with a donkey during the health check activity.

“The families were split into groups to spend the day completing different activities with the donkeys and spend time interacting with them. Each family had the chance to build an obstacle course, create a nourishing enrichment activity – which was later presented to the donkeys – and learn about the welfare and wellbeing of the donkeys by performing health checks and grooming.

“Even though we had quite a few people, the day felt very relaxed and everyone was enjoying themselves. The day also gave an opportunity for the guardians and children to build connections. We are welcoming them back later in the year for another family day.”