The Lancashire farmers offering local residents ‘sheep therapy'

Emma Jackson runs a small working farm in Stacksteads, Rossendale.

However, Emma describes her approach to farm life as a little “unconventional” as she doesn’t use the sheep on her farm for food- she uses them as therapy animals and has taken them to see the elderly residents at Lancashire’s care homes.

According to Emma, sheep therapy is a new technique of relaxation and bonding between animal and human which helps reduce stress and anxiety, provide comfort, companionship, boost mood and give confidence.

Emma has come from generations of farmers and joked that she is “rubbish at farming” and “can’t harm the animals”.

Emma said: “My daughter, Shona, and I thought we were going to be a disappointment to our family as we couldn’t harm animals or run a farm like them.

“Sheep therapy actually started as a bit of a joke as we would always head down to the lambs for a ‘bit of sheep therapy’ whenever we were feeling down.

“From nowhere it has blossomed and now we want other people to learn about sheep and realise how loving they are.”

(Photo: Emma Jackson)

The pair seriously started to consider ‘sheep therapy’ during lockdown after they noticed more people were immersing themselves in nature and enjoyed visiting the lambs on the farm.

Emma also thinks they have stumbled upon a niche corner of the market that could help may people and lift their spirits.

Emma added: “In this chaotic world we live in, especially with the coronavirus, to find any peace is a really valuable tool.”

It's also hoped that the 'sheep therapy' can help educate people about what it takes to rear a sheep.

Emma and Shona took one of their lambs, Mocha Chocca, to Olive House nursing home in Bacup earlier this month.

Emma explained: “Thanks to coronavirus, the elderly people in the home couldn’t get out to experience nature- so we thought we would bring nature inside.

“Their faces just lit up and the residents fell in love with [Mocha Chocca the lamb]”

Mocha Choca at Olive House nursing home

Posting to Facebook, Emma wrote: “Mocha Chocca, our therapy sheep on his visit to one of Bacup’s nursing homes.

“It’s fair to say that the residents fell completely in love with him.

“He brightened up everyone’s day and brought a big smile to all faces with his cuddles and cuteness- something which was much needed after the difficult months residents and care homes have faced during lockdown.”

Mocah Chocca's feeding time

Emma and Shona have big plans for their ‘sheep therapy’ venture, with Emma adding that the pandemic had made them realise that there is a gap in the market for it.

Emma hopes to take the lambs into schools one day and even has dreams of introducing a meditation centre to the farm- something that the lambs will be a massive part of.

Emma explained: “We have to adapt to the times we are living- people need something to make them smile- if I can do that I think it’s a marvelous thing.”

To find out more about sheep therapy, visit Emma and Shona's Sheep Therapy Facebook page.