Gul Outdoor Therapy's primary provisions are Equine Facilitated Interventions (using horses and associated activities to improve well-being).
The charity also provides outdoor education, navigation, work placements, apprenticeships, gardening and more.
Most of Gul's work is with young people who use its service to supplement their education, as such most of our referrals come via either council youth services or education providers. Gul always encourages parents, carers and other service providers to get in touch with us too as we can accept referrals via this route too.
Services
Gul exists to improve the well-being of as many individuals as possible through activities in the outdoors. By giving people access to safe, non-judgmental, outdoor space and the support of trained staff, individuals have the opportunity they need to flourish.
Gul is an Alternative Provider of Education, referred to by over 70 schools, colleges, councils and other statutory providers to deliver individual packages of support for young people and adults. Sessions at Gul take place in many forms as each person is different but are typically 1:1 or in small groups. This is a sometimes be a confusing area with lots of contributory factors, if you need advice, about what we can offer, either as an individual, or as an organization, please contact our team HERE.
The Gul referral process is a simple one; request a form from our office, complete and return it, the the office will contact you to arrange a visit to Gul and a chat with one of its therapists. Gul then programmes activities, liaises to discuss funding and sets goals to work towards which will be regularly reviewed.
Equine therapy
Theraputic Provision
Defined as an intervention designed to improve either the physical, mental or emotional wellbeing of an individual. All therapy activities take place under the supervision of the senior team and are regularly reviewed to ensure set goals are met for those attending.
Equine Assisted
Using horses and associated tasks to improve mental and physical wellbeing. Gul has 16 incredible ponies it uses for its therapy; you can meet them here. Interested in finding out more? if you are interested in finding out more please get in touch.
Lower Back Pain
Run from its Riverside site by trained physiotherapists. Lower back pain therapy uses the natural movements of bareback riding to treat chronic back pain. If you wish to discuss further get in touch.
Outdoor therapy
Animal Assisted Therapies
Lots of animals can be used to improve mental and physical wellbeing. In addition to horses and ponies Gul makes use of dogs, chickens, goats and guinea pigs at its various centres.
Gardening
Begun in 2017 at The Bustard and expanded to the charity’s Riverside and Welsh sites, Gul has successfully added gardening to its provision. With input from staff and beneficiaries, these gardens grow produce food which is used in the community. Growing food teaches us about the natural world and food chains as well as giving immense satisfaction as we eat the delicious produce.
Outdoor Learning
Gul uses its wild places and natural resources to enable them to run sessions in the outdoors for people of all ages. These sessions can vary from site to site but can involve Bush craft, countryside management, navigation, wildlife identification, outdoor cookery and more.
Other services
Volunteering
At Gul we offer volunteering opportunities in all areas of the charity. This can be in hospitality at functions and events, in our offices assisting with fundraising and administration or at our wonderful outdoor centers helping out with the animals and activities. If you are interested in volunteering at Gul get in touch with us HERE.
Health and Fitness
Gul Wiltshire runs several fitness activities, from Mindfulness courses at its Riverside and Welsh sites to Pilates and Boot Camps at The Bustard. there is something for everyone. To view and book onto a course take a look at our calendar or get in touch.
Work Experience and Apprenticeships
Working with partners such as Wiltshire College, Pluss and Building Bridges, Gul offers adults and young people the chance to take part in our daily work, gain experience, confidence and make the first steps towards employment. If you wish to discuss further get in touch.