On a serene day in Looe, amidst the lush green scenery and the soothing sounds of nature, representatives from Barnardo’s Safer Futures had the pleasure of visiting Talons Care Farm and Sanctuary. Our team, including myself, Danny Byrne (Senior Lead for Change 4U and Training Coordinator for Barnardo’s Safer Futures) and Laura Pidwell-Hocking (Senior Admin at Barnardo’s Safer Futures), were warmly welcomed by Senara, owner and facilitator at Talons Care Farm, for a multi-agency professional day. This event was a fantastic opportunity for agencies, charities, and organizations dedicated to self-care, wellbeing, and positive mental health to come together, share information, and participate in a positive and rejuvenating experience.
In addition to our team, the event saw the attendance of Pentreath, Time2Shine, Liddy’s Lovelies, disAbility Cornwall & IoS, with guest of honor Councillor Jim Candy. The gathering served as an ideal platform for professionals to network, share insights, and learn from each other’s experiences.
Our tour of Talons Care Farm was nothing short of magical. We had the opportunity to see and interact with a variety of animals, including alpacas, horses, sheep, wallabies, owls, rabbits, and deer. The farm, surrounded by the tranquil Cornish countryside, provided a calm and relaxing atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It was often commented on how the day brought a sense of restoration and energy, highlighting the powerful impact of connecting with animals and nature. For us at Barnardo’s and Safer Futures, it was a privilege to experience this brief respite from our busy schedules.
“The day served as an excellent opportunity for professionals to come together to talk about their services all while supporting the amazing work at Talons. We at Barnardo’s and Safer Futures are thankful to Senara, the incredible woman who has made this palce a reality, and her team, for putting together such an interesting and restorative event for us. We are always happy to support and work alongside local projects and initiatives such as Talons, collaborating together for the wellbeing of all in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly “ – Danny Byrne, Senior Lead and Training Coordinator, Barnardo’s Safer Futures
Senara, with her extensive knowledge and evident passion for animals and nature, guided us through the farm, sharing insights and stories that underscored her tireless commitment to making Talons a remarkable sanctuary. Additionally, Tony, a team member who specializes in working with owls and birds, and Becky Morton, a trauma-informed health coach with experience in alternative modalities such as breathwork, meditation, yoga, bodywork, and reiki, shared their expertise. Their contributions highlighted the therapeutic benefits of engaging with nature and animals.
“Talons was such an amazing place to visit, and I left feeling very relaxed and restored. The passion of Senara and the Talons team is clear to see. Thank you for inviting us to such an amazing day” – Laura Pidwell-Hocking, Senior Admin, Barnardo’s Safer Futures
The day concluded with a delightful treat of homemade cake, which was quickly enjoyed by all attendees. We also had a photo opportunity and a Q&A session, where we discussed the practicalities of utilising Talons Care Farm as a resource for our client groups.
Visit Talons Care Farm and Sanctuary (Contact First)
For those interested in visiting Talons Care Farm and Sanctuary, whether personally or with individual clients or for a group, we highly recommend reaching out to them. You can learn more and make inquiries by visiting their website: Talons Care Farm and Sanctuary. Stay updated with their latest news by giving them a like and follow on Facebook: Talons OECIC.
Our visit to Talons Care Farm and Sanctuary was an enriching and memorable experience, reaffirming the importance of nature and animal interaction in promoting wellbeing and mental health. We look forward to any future collaborations and visits.
