Animal centre launches cash appeal to improve its touch of magic

Kind of Magic, based just outside Torquay at Kingskerswell, provides animal and nature assisted well-being sessions to local young people who struggle with everyday life. Many are unable to cope in the mainstream school system and visit the centre as part of their alternative provision.
Boss Clair Fynn said: "We support them to develop in confidence and learn life skills, especially communication skills and emotional well-being. We are a friendly, non- threatening setting whose positive effects on young people is seen back in their school and home environment."
The centre is a non- profit organisation and is run and supported by people who are 'passionate about the positive effects nature can have on our health - especially the most vulnerable members of our community'
"Our small holding is a peaceful place where vulnerable local people can come and improve their well being and feel valued and calm," said Clair.
"We welcome young people from alternative educational provision, main stream schools, families of children with additional needs and older people who find everyday life a challenge for a variety of reasons. We give them the time they need to be immersed in the countryside and interact with animals at their own pace."
The Community Interest Company has seen demand for its services expand over the past 18 months.
Clair said: "Our current indoor space is a small, cosy caravan which has been fantastic in providing shelter over the last 18 months. It has now seen better days and as our groups have grown, we have now outgrown this space. We would love to be able to build a barn style welcome area as a base for inclement weather, allowing us to open in all but the most severe weather conditions. Routine is so important to our benefactors, so being able to remain open and provide their weekly visit will be extremely valuable. We would provide a purpose built barn with flushable toilet and hand washing facilities as well as shelters for the animals and rooms for animal interactions and to be creative in - all in one accessible building."
She added: "At the heart of our offer to local people is affordability so we rely on good will and donations from local people to support our work."
Sovereign Housing have donated £2,000 towards the improvement project. A Crowdfunding page has also been set up with more than £2,000 donated so far. Go to https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/animal-and-nature-well-being-interventions-2
You can also go to crowd funding via the centre's Facebook page ' A kind of magic animal centre'.
Clair also appealed: "If you are a tradesperson who would be willing to support this project through offering time or resources, we’d love to hear from you."
Email: kofm@btinternet.com or telephone 01803 294569.