Five Foundations for Individual Wellbeing

Join HHRF, Jennifer Geach and Graeme Green on April 15th at Noon (EST) as Jennifer and Graeme focus on a UK developed model called the “Five Ways to Wellbeing,” with a view to bringing this idea in more detail to an international audience.

The Five Ways to Wellbeing is a UK government sponsored initiative published by the New Economics Foundation that is now widely promoted in the UK by the NHS. It also shapes the equine and nature-based interactions undertaken by AAHEP. The model is based on five simple concepts: • Be active: Regular even slow-aced physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups. • Take Notice: Be mentally present and focussed on awareness and connection with the moment and our situation. • Keep Learning: Maintain a sense of curiosity and try new things. • Connect: Build and maintain effective social relationships and spend time with friends and family. • Give: Make positive contributions to the lives of others.

The presentation will provide an outline of the academic basis for this model, reflect on its alignment to ethical standards in the delivery of animal-assisted interactions, and offer a practical discussion of its application and the beneficial experience when provided alongside horses. In so doing provide an inspiration for others aiming to develop wellbeing models for their local client base.

The five ways to wellbeing is a simple and practical toolset that supports the development of individual wellbeing and positive mental health. It is equally applicable in the classroom, boardroom or stable (barn). As such it represents a very strong resource for practitioners providing EAS services, whether as formal therapy or for individual learning and development. AAHEP believes that there is great value in sharing this work as widely as possible in support of developing simple approaches and measures of this work. This will be supported with practical examples of AAHEP’s own engagements with vulnerable adults in the UK.

In addition, and in alignment to HHRF’s ethos, AAHEP’s ethical foundation is committed to a respectful and balanced approach to best practice in Equine Assisted Services. They invite all practitioners that they engage with to personally commit to, and accept the responsibility to, act ethically in all situations, in both human and equine interactions. This also forms a foundation of the Accredited Practitioner Register, the only externally accredited register supporting the provision of practitioners in the Health and Social Care field in the UK. It encourages practitioners to respect the hoses that facilitate this work, acknowledging their general welfare is an equally essential recognition consideration, as their contribution to the process.

About our Speakers:

Jennifer Geach - Jennifer is the co-founder and CEO of the Association for Animals, Horticultural and Equine Practitioners (AAHEP), formerly known as Athena® Herd Foundation. Jennifer has a lifetime of horse ownership, and over 25 years’ experience of working internationally with magic circle law firms, including global investment banking clients, international investment management firms and insurance companies.

Jennifer is trained in Equine Assisted Services (EAS), has met the highest of standards to be on the first and currently only UK National Register in this space regulating her practice under an independent governmental body, Senior Fellow Member of the ACCPH (Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists), Mental Health First Aider and actively supports funded projects onsite as well as the Training Programmes weaving in the horse aspects. Jennifer enjoys supporting learners through their journeys. Jennifer is passionate about community and regulation in this field.

With the rest of the AAHEP team Jennifer has worked with the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) for Health and Social Care, an independent statutory body, accountable to the UK Parliament, to accredit the first and currently only Equine, Animal and Horticultural Accredited Practitioner Register regulating practice under their accredited registers programme. Jennifer also enjoys sharing her experience of track systems, provides private consultations in this space, has spoken at conferences, written papers for the BHS and runs interactive track days both online and onsite. Jennifer is also a qualified Internal Quality Assurer.

Graeme Green - Graeme Green is COO of AAHEP and has provided EAS facilitation and training services, as well as administrative support since 2018. Graeme is also the Registrar for the Accredited Practitioner Register, and alongside Jennifer and the AAHEP team works closely with the Professional Standards Authority under their accredited registers programme.

Graeme has worked in the EAS profession since around 2010 which has included the provision of personal coaching, corporate training, wellbeing-based retreats and therapeutic support. Graeme has also met the highest of standards to be on the first and currently only UK National Register in this space regulating his practice under an independent governmental body. He is also a Mental Health First Aid trainer for MHFA England, a Senior Fellow Member of the ACCPH (Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists), a first aider and is a qualified Internal Quality Assurer and Safeguarding Officer.