TACT’s Animal-Assisted therapy Partnership

TACT and The Baxter Project have been collaborating proudly since 2023. During this partnership, The Baxter Project has provided invaluable support to TACT’s young people, making a profound impact on their lives.

What is The Baxter Project?

The Baxter Project is a specialist service dedicated to supporting young people facing a wide range of challenges. The foundation of their approach is the Trauma Recovery Model (TRM), which prioritises relational development as a key element of healing and growth.

Central to The Baxter Project’s work is the creation of trusting, supportive relationships with young people. By fostering positive engagement, the project empowers vulnerable individuals, with the help of Wellbeing Dogs. These specially trained dogs facilitate communication between young people and The Baxter Project’s skilled practitioners, helping to break down barriers and support emotional wellbeing.

How has The Baxter Project helped TACT?

The Baxter Project offers an innovative approach to supporting young people who find it difficult to engage with traditional clinical services, such as CAMHS. The one-to-one sessions provided by The Baxter Project have been invaluable for TACT’s young people, creating a safe space where they can open up and discuss their feelings and struggles.

Through its unique methods, The Baxter Project has demonstrated that, when support is delivered in the right way, it can successfully engage and motivate young people, offering them the opportunity to overcome challenges and make positive changes in their lives.

“She really loved walking Baxter and enjoyed spending time with the Support Worker. She looked forward to the days she knew she would be walking Baxter.”

Paul & AlY, TACT Wales Foster Carers since 2014

Paul and Aly, who have been TACT foster carers since 2014, said: “The Baxter Project was introduced to us when ‘S’ was in High School and was struggling very much with the work and school life generally.

“She really loved walking Baxter and enjoyed spending time with the Support Worker, Jess. She looked forward to the days she knew she would be walking Baxter. When she stopped attending school, she asked if she could keep walking Baxter. Through the Local Authority and TACT, we were able to continue. S has always enjoyed these times – but the most important aspect is the relationship she has built with Jess. She loves to spend time with Jess and she trusts her, opening up about her feelings and struggles. Jess has been able to talk things through with her and help her.

“We can only speak really highly of the Baxter Project, the help that it has given to S and the support and relationship that she now has with Jess has been great.”