The HangOut is a small charity based in Garnant, Ammanford, Wales, an area of multiple social deprivations. The charity came about from the experiences of its founder through fostering local children. The smallholding where we are based provides a wonderful opportunity for these children to relax, unwind, share time with animals and learn new purposeful skills. We work with those who suffer from anxiety, low self-esteem, ADHD, and other conditions that make it hard for them to engage.

We achieve this through two main activity programs. Our campfire sessions offer small group activities outdoors for either the whole family to engage in side-by-side learning or as drop-off sessions for young people developing their confidence away from the family. The campfire provides a focal point for the session as well as providing opportunities to make food and drink on the fire which both engages young people but also builds self-confidence as most are very wary initially. The activities around the fire are based in nature through art, craft, observation etc. so may include weaving with willow or wool, natural dyes, orienteering, mountain walks, green woodwork, charcoal making and drawing as examples. The focus required for these activities help those involved to forget about ‘the bad stuff’. Many of the skills involved are repeatable so they learn that a skill can develop over time with practice. They also see that others may find new things difficult too, so they learn and grow together and support and encourage each other.  
 
We also offer equine assisted programs for individuals and small groups. These programs are to help individuals develop self-regulation and strategies to help themselves cope in the real world. The eight key areas we develop and assess are assertiveness, calmness, confidence as a learner, self-responsibility, communication, realistic planning, empathy, and focus/perseverance. These areas are developed through a task-based program with guidance from a facilitator but feedback from the horse. The horse’s feedback is non-judgmental so easier to take as it is visual and immediate as the horse responds to them moment by moment. As the participants make changes in themselves, they see the changes in the horse and understand the link to the outside word and that they can influence how others respond to them. The techniques practiced help them develop coping strategies for if they feel themselves getting overwhelmed.