At the begining of the project we set out to examine the current situationin providing support to young people experincing mental distress and to identify local and regional organizations already implementing animal assisted therapies. Our aim was to gain a clear overwiev of existing practices, gasps and opportunities for further developement in this field. A specific objective was to reach people from rural areas and enable their partivcipation in animal assisted workshops, witch are often inaccessible ti them. The project also focused on raiseing awareness among the local population about positive effects os animal assisted therapies and the possibilities for participation in such programes. We aimed to transfer this approach to working with young people into schools and other institutions that engage with youth. Through the project, we sought to promote implement, implement these alternetive metods of aouth work, thereby contributing to greater accessibilitay and recognition of animal assisted therapies. We also intended to develop a handbook to support the integration of animals into youth work and to provide clear guidelines for introducing apitherapy and falconry as innovative methods in working with young people.
Between 2020 and 2021, within the framework of Family Centre Ormož, we observed an increase in mestal distress among young people and a growing number of youth expressing the need for psychological counselling, while at the same time showing reluctance to engage in standard form of support. Based on there findings, we indentified the need to develop an inovative, alternative approach that is more accessibile and safe for young people. As a supportive solution to facilitate youth engagement in help serveces, we identified animal-assisted therapies. Research has shown that animals reduce stress and anxiety, while fostering self confidence, trust and improved self esteem. Animal-assisted therapie in Slovenia is still in its early stages, with a sortage of trained practioners and appropriate educational programmes. At the same time, we recognized the need to raise awareness among the local population about the positive outcomes of animal-assisted inteventions. The project adresses the need for accessibile basic information about organizations providing animal-assisted therapies and responds to the demand for concrete presentations of animal assisted workshops for all those interested in implementing this method of work.