About Pakefield Pastures
Pakefield Pastures was established in 2024 as a Community Interest Company. Our work with animals and community activities and engagement goes back further. Pakefield Church, All Saints and St Margarets have had sheep in its churchyard for many years, as well as keeping donkeys. These animals have taken part in many church services and community events over recent years.
Pakefield Pastures mission and passion is to enable as many people as possible to meet the animals and experience and benefit from animal therapy, and to improve everyone's wellbeing. All our animals are rescued, rehomed or locally sponsored. As we rescue them, so they rescue us. Being mobile enables us to have a bigger outreach
Benefits of Animal Therapy
- Stress and anxiety: Animals can help reduce stress and anxiety, and provide a sense of reassurance
- Social development: Animals can help children learn to respect personal space and set boundaries
- Communication: Animals can help improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Responsibility: Animals can help children learn to take responsibility for their actions
- Emotional disorders: Animals can help children overcome emotional disorders and speech problems
- Environmental: Animals can help people be outside and look after green spaces and the natural environment.
- Trauma recovery: Animals can help children recovering from trauma
Animal therapy triggers the release of beneficial "happy" neurochemicals like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin in humans, which reduce stress, improve mood, and promote feelings of calm and connection. Simultaneously, interactions with therapy animals lower stress hormones, such as cortisol, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, while also reducing physiological stress responses like high blood pressure and heart rate.
Neurochemicals Released in Humans:
- Oxytocin: Often called the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone," oxytocin is released when people interact with animals, creating feelings of trust, calmness, and comfort.
- Dopamine: This "reward" hormone is boosted by animal interactions, leading to increased feelings of pleasure and well-being.
- Endorphins: Natural painkillers that produce a feeling of euphoria, similar to a "runner's high," are released, promoting pain relief and a positive mood.
- Serotonin: Another mood-elevating chemical, serotonin helps regulate mood, anxiety, and feelings of happiness.
