The Hugs Foundation Animal Rescue Charity - Bodmin, Cornwall

This remarkable animal rescue charity is both close to my heart and literally my home! In fact, it was due to a 'shout-out' on my village Facebook page regarding a Moorland foal in difficulty that Hugs picked up on and attended to straight away, that I became aware of them, followed them and subsequently added them to our list of beneficiary animal rescue shelters we now happily donate to and raise awareness for.

Then, on taking Freddie to one of their Open Day events at their centre that we got to meet the famous Dude, rescue therapy Pony who attends local care homes to bring joy and happiness to elderly residents, often at their bedsides!

The Hugs Foundation primarily rescues Ponies and Horses but any animal in need will not be turned away and in their care they have sheep, geese, cats and pigs who all play a role in providing therapy to the local community for those suffering from various well-being difficulties.

The Hugs Foundation, was founded on a vision driven by respect, love and compassion for animals. A vision to change the futures of horses and ponies through rescue and rehabilitation and finding them their forever homes.

The experienced team understood, that in order to achieve success, lots of time, energy and funding would be required. Specialist services such as professional veterinary care and animal behaviourist teams would be needed.

So the vision began from day one with quality care and a realistic view of how Hugs could provide these animals the rehabilitation and care they needed. Ponies and horses were introduced slowly and with compassion. Animals from terrible mistreated backgrounds and harrowing stories of abuse soon found themselves in the loving, caring arms of the The Hugs Foundation.

As the success stories of these animals being nursed back to full health and rehabilitation started to grow, the love for animals soon found the team taking on other animals from dogs to sheep! What a diverse and colourful mixture our Hugs family has become. The animals bringing such joy and happiness, it was through this concept a new vision was born.

The love and positive journey extended to people around us. Animals and nature have therapeutic qualities. Anyone who spends time with animals or the outdoors will tell you how much of a positive influence they can have on someone's life.

The Hugs Foundation brought on board a team of well-being intervention support workers to extend their positive reach to people. Again, our culture and belief at The Hugs Foundation is to recognise a need and ensure we provide professional expertise to deliver that service.

Combining the rehabilitation of the animals with their qualities they can bring to people suffering with mental health issues such as depression, PTSD, low confidence and low self esteem meaning our hugs reach so much further. Working in many different ways with 1-2-1 sessions, groups, schools and the local community, we can not only change the lives of the animals but also change the lives of people.

Through proceeds from our sales and a share from proceeds of Preloved items in our shop in Launceston we are able to make donations to this remarkable animal charity and share their social media posts to our own followers.

I can highly recommend that you follow them on social media and if you can attend one of their Open day events you will be so pleased you did!!