From The Ground Up Wellbeing Farm, founded by Kamala Paech, is committed to helping locals achieve their personal journeys through interactions with farm animals.
Kamala, who previously spent years as an early educator, recognised a growing demand for alternative avenues of learning and support.
Driven by this realisation, Kamala undertook extensive training and acquired qualifications in animal-based therapies, nature-focused interventions, and equine assisted learning.
With her newfound expertise and passion, she, along with her family, created a wellbeing farm in Branyan.
“The wellbeing farm was established for individuals to heal, grow, and explore in a safe and nurturing environment,” Kamala said.
The farm offers three primary program options, each lasting an hour, and encourages support workers and family members to participate alongside the main beneficiaries:
* Equine assisted learning and support: This program involves interactions with the farm’s equine team, providing a calm and respectful space for exploring one’s relationship with themselves and others.
* Animal and nature based occupational therapy: Occupational therapy at the farm adopts a holistic approach, using the natural environment to build skills and promote personal growth through meaningful and purposeful farm-related activities.
* Animal and nature assisted learning and support: In this program, a safe and trusting space is provided in nature, where support animals assist individuals in reflection and learning. This environment fosters personal connection, skills development, and the achievement of personal, social, and physical goals.
Kamala said that sessions at the wellbeing farm are individualised to meet each client’s unique needs and goals, and they are facilitated by a team of experienced and compassionate professionals.
“Our clients have the opportunity to interact, care for, and work with a variety of support animals, including horses, dogs, goats, pigs, alpacas, sheep, poultry, guinea pigs, and donkeys.
“Our animals are often rescued and raised to be valued members of our farm community.
“They are purposefully nurtured and trained to positively interact, work with, and support participants,” Kamala said.
The farm offers many experiences to provide participants with the opportunity to learn, connect, and regulate the sensory and emotional requirements of their bodies.
“Engaging with meaningful and purposeful activities within our natural farm environment supports a range of personal, social, and physical developmental areas for the establishment of foundational life skills.
“Developmental and support areas include, but are not limited to physical, sensory, cognitive, social, mental, and quality of life,” Kamala said.
If you would like to learn more about From The Ground Up Wellbeing Farm you can visit their website at fromthegroundup.net.au, to enrol or get in touch, you can email them at admin@fromthegroundup.net.au
