Jude Porteous and Lloyd Tibble with their herd of miniature horses Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
Struggling children and teens are entranced when they spend time at Fossil Creek Farm just outside Nelson.
The donkey, Holly, senses when she should snuggle close and the rhythm of egg collecting and duck feeding brings a sense of stability to the kids who visit the property in "a valley within a valley."
"It hugs you," owner Jude Porteous says.
The registered social worker and her partner Lloyd Tibble bought the 42-hectare former sheep and beef farm at Brightwater, near Nelson, four years ago.
She still gets goosebumps remembering her first walk up the tree-lined drive.
Jude Porteous and Lloyd Tibble of Fossil Creek Farm Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
The meandering creek full of fossils and eels helps bring the property its wairua (spirit or soul), Porteous said.
Its calmness and sense of nostalgia all add to its healing qualities, she added.
"People say 'it feels like I've been here before'."
The farm is now a charitable trust and Porteous is among four social workers who run therapy sessions based around the farm animals, nature and cosy cabins where people can stay for respite and care.
There are cabins where caregivers and those needing care can stay overnight Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
Ninety percent of their "clients" are youths, teens and children. They range from those with autism, foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder (ADHD) and anxiety to people with eating disorders and those that are suicidal.
Some stay overnight, others arrive for group or one-to-one sessions or just find a quiet spot to sit and breathe.
They are free to explore the farm and connect with whichever animal they like.
"We don't have behaviour issues on the farm ... the environment doesn't allow for it."
"And these are kids that can't sit in a classroom. They've been identified as needing intensive wraparound services but here this is their world. They relax. There's no pressure."
Roo relaxes while others in the alpaca herd stay alert. Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
The Fossil Creek environment is similar to Tibble's experience growing up in the freedom of Golden Bay. He feels for kids living in small spaces without pets.
"To come here and be able to explore the outdoors and the natural world is something that is really special.
"They learn how to associate risk with doing different things."
People arrive anxious about even ordinary things like walking down a slope because they might trip or fall, Porteous said.
The creek with its fossils is a place to explore and enjoy Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
"They don't know how to put a leg through a fence to take a shortcut. So sad to see what was normal behaviour for children when we grew up as anxiety-provoking, things they shouldn't do, for fear of ... what if I get stuck?"
Clients can grab a brush to groom the miniature horses, a great place for learning the dynamics of the herd.
Harriet is a bossy little madam, in fact, she's a bully, and her attention-seeking is a good thing for the kids to watch and understand, Porteous explained.
"It's about being gentle and respectful and listening to body language."
Each species on the farm has something to offer.
Priscilla the pig and Luna the foal Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
The flighty, high-anxiety alpacas can hold the attention of a child with ADHD for half an hour.
A still-born foal enables conversations around life and death.
Many autistic people enjoy chickens, Porteous said.
"It's almost like an indicator for us."
She thinks it might be to do with the chooks' predictability and being in their own little world.
The operation runs on funding from various health agencies and sponsorship but it's always looking for more.
One hundred people a week visit the farm which also has a studio in the old feed room for art therapy and a community vegetable garden where care-givers can get their hands in the soil while waiting.
The old feed room has been turned into a space for clients to express themselves through art and graffiti. Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
Porteous said there is a growing need for what they provide.
"Anxiety seems to be absolutely out of control ... people who are in their bedrooms not able to leave their homes."
With so much change and unpredictability about, she concentrates on providing security and stability.
"I say, well, the farm carries on, the flowers come out, the food grows, the animals need feeding, nothing changes."
Holly the Mediterranean donkey with her friends Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
Twenty five horses, some of them rescued, are among the farm animals Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
Jude with Luna Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Victim Support 0800 842 846
Rape Crisis 0800 88 33 00
Safe to talk: a 24/7 confidential helpline for survivors, support people and those with harmful sexual behaviour]: 0800044334.
HELP Call 24/7 (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): be 04 801 6655 - 0
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
