Yes, anyone is welcome to attend Conquest Centre, it is not essential that you have a diagnosis or even a referral. We welcome people of any age and ability. Please feel free to pick up the phone for an informal chat with Jess Dixon our Centre Manager, the number is 01823 433614 or email info@conquestcentre.org.uk
We have the most wonderful facilities to offer in our 17 acres of fields, woodlands and vast menagerie of therapy animals. Our services are bespoke and tailored around the individual needs of each person who comes to us which is why the early conversation with the Centre Manager is really important. During this chat she will listen to your background and needs so we can match you with the mentor who has the most suitable training and background for your individual needs. Our mentors have their own ‘lived experiences’ which they are able to draw on and mix with their professional training to support your journey to improve your health and wellbeing. Do look at the staff page with the video introductions from each mentor.The success of our work is in what we call ‘The Sweet Spot’ that sits between our 4 core philosophies, using the foundation of relevant scientific research: 1. Involving animals2. Encouraging movement and exercise3. Working in nature and the outdoors4. Developing healthy relationships
The costs depend on your individual circumstances and needs. We are a charity and don’t receive any statutory funding from the government, so we ask everyone who attends to make a financial contribution. Please discuss this with the Centre Manager who will be able to let you know how much sessions will cost. Subsidies are available for those who may need financial assistance.
No, please see above.
For children and young people funding may be available via the EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan). There are also Trusts that will fund individuals through grants, these are some examples:Grants & Funding – Somerset Community FoundationSomerset Funding Portal | SPARKTurn2us Grants Search
We don’t have any age restrictions, so everyone is welcome, please call the Centre Manager if you would like an informal chat about your individual needs.
Horses form a very important part of our therapy menagerie and they can help in more ways than just by riding them. Horses are wonderful therapy animals that offer their sensitive feedback in subtle non-verbal ways, many people prefer to connect with the horses by grooming them and tending to their ethological basic needs like offering them scratches, making tasty enrichment treats for them or connecting emotionally. We do offer riding to a limited number of people who will benefit, there is a weight limit of 10 stone.
Although we are a British Horse Society Accredited Riding (BHS) Centre and have Accessibility Mark status with Riding for Disabled (RDA) we have taken the decision to stop offering traditional riding lessons for riders who want to learn to ride as a sport or hobby. We have taken this decision so our special horses can be dedicated to therapeutic work.
The minimum commitment is 10 weeks, and we have a 4-week notice period. Experience has shown that clients get the best benefit from attending for a minimum of 10 weeks so this is the minimum commitment you should be planning.
Our cancellation policy is that 4 weeks notice period is required” More about our T&C’s can be found here.
We always try to match you up with a mentor who will be able to support you long term but there are many reasons why this might have to change from time to time. For instance, even though we try our hardest to with the matching up, we may not have got it right for you both or your mentor may need time off for sickness or to care for a family member or dependent. We will always do our best to let you know in advance if there is likely to be a change of mentor or in worst case scenario we might need to cancel or postpone one of your sessions.
Once you are a registered client you will be offered use of any facilities that can support your health and wellbeing.
We are passionate about all things healthy, and we include eating and preparing lovely food as part of our work with you and the animals. We’d love to hear what you like to eat and you are of course welcome to bring food with you. Our fridge capacity is limited so please bear this in mind if you are likely to need to keep food cold and check with your mentor before you bring in perishables.
We are open for sessions from 9am to 7pm during Monday to Friday during school term time, closed at weekends.