“You cannot begin to imagine how wonderful it is to see the change in Jake that these sessions bring. He is communicating and smiling and even laughing!”
Jake is a 12-year-old boy from a fishing family on the South Coast of England. Jake struggles with high anxiety and autism. For Jake, the world outside his home is often
frightening and challenging, making it difficult to attend school.
The strain on Jake’s mum, Sarah, takes its toll. Although Jake’s school is very supportive, Sarah says she is constantly fighting to get the assistance Jake so urgently needs.
Sarah says:
“It is stressful and mentally exhausting. I’m forever emailing people and filling in forms, etc. One day rolls into the next and I have no idea where I am with everything sometimes.”
Jake and Sarah needed someone who could understand their situation and then act decisively on their behalf. That someone turned out to be Hayley Hamlett, the Fishermen’s Mission Area Officer for the South Coast of England.
Hayley facilitated funding from the Royal Merchant Navy Educational Foundation to cover twelve sessions of animal therapy for Jake. It means Jake and Sarah can leave home once a week, giving Sarah a much-needed break. Most importantly of all, the therapy is having a huge impact on Jake. The animals bring out the joyful boy inside that is so often hidden away.
However, as Hayley explains, there is more to do:
“Alongside the animal therapy I’m working with another maritime charity, in this case, Stella Maris, to get secure fencing around the family’s house meaning they can enjoy a safe outdoor space. Working hand-in-hand with our maritime partners means we can improve lives and bring so much joy to people like Jake and Sarah.”
That lovely smile on Jake’s face is only possible through your support.
Much of the help and support provided by the Fishermen’s Mission is only possible thanks to the generosity of many people, including a gift in their will and other donations.
