TALONS OWLTIMATE ENCOUNTERS CIC is a not for profit company offering therapeutic animal encounters, located on a farm in SE Cornwall. We specialise in providing people-centred therapeutic (CGT) encounters, which can benefit children and adults alike.

 

Therapeutic animal encounters can help to improve the well-being of those with:

Mental health issues i.e. depression and anxiety

Autism

PTSD

 Dementia

Learning and physical disabilities

Victims of abuse

 

We are also a sanctuary for many rescued and rehomed animals and owls. Please watch this video to learn more, and donate if you can.

What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CGT)?

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CGT) is proven to help stimulate and improve cognitive functioning, and is suitable for all ages and abilities. Time spent with our animals can greatly improve wellbeing by providing physical and mental stimulation, as well as offering comfort and inner peace. Animals have an innate ability to read our thoughts and feelings and respond accordingly – instilling confidence where there is none, causing laughter instead of tears, and calming the anxious and troubled.

 

Who are we?

Talons Owltimate Encounters CIC is based on a farm near Looe, in SE Cornwall. Talons is sanctuary to many birds and animals that have found themselves unwanted, discarded or lost. There are also wildlife casualties that despite recovery, have not been able to be released. We offer them a home for life, and if they are suitable, they are involved in the therapeutic work. Their surroundings are idyllic – amidst the beautiful Cornish countryside offering complete peace and quiet, and tucked away from the hubbub of daily life.

Prior to the Covid pandemic we worked mainly offsite, taking our ‘people friendly’ animals out to visit numerous homes and day centres, as well as offering educational encounters to schools and groups – plus we were endlessly fundraising at various events and locations.  We have now decided to ‘work from home’ as this allows us to spend more quality time with all the birds and animals on site, and helps to keep our outgoing costs to a minimum.

We are now able to offer free care farming visits and free primary school visits to the farm where Talons is based, near Looe in Cornwall.

 

What animals do we have?

We are a little different to other animal based therapeutic centres in that we have a lot of different creatures here, so there should be something to suit everyone. If you love horses then there are the magnificent Shire horses, Connie and her daughter Rosie, and a very handsome grey horse called Trevo. All love to be groomed and fussed, and are very pleased if there is a carrot or two on offer! If you prefer something a bit smaller, Little Man and Fleur the alpacas are a huge favourite. They’re very used to people and Fleur loves nothing more than fuss and cuddles, and joining in on a tea party.  Then there are some friendly (and very greedy!) sheep, a few very cute and fluffy hens, enormous rabbits (and little ones too!), guinea pigs (fluffy and bald), tortoise (large and small), and lots of surprises around every corner! A lot of our animals have been rehomed or rescued, like Nim the Roe deer who arrived as an orphaned fawn, and all have stories to be told.

 

How do I book a Therapeutic session?

Bookings for our therapeutic animal encounters are accepted by referral from a medical professional, carer or supporting organisation, or by self referral. Clients can attend their session with one nominated carer/support worker. Please use our contact form, or phone for a friendly chat. 

Each person centred session lasts from 1 – 2 hours and is tailored to the client’s individual needs and preferences. No rush, no noise, no crowds. 

Sessions can be booked for any afternoon, including weekends. The weather will need to be reasonable to gain the best experience so some flexibility is required. 

Our therapeutic animal encounter sessions are offered either on a one to one basis, or in small groups. Bookings from  memory cafes, day centres and other support groups are welcome. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Some of the site is wheelchair accessible, and we have plans to open up all areas. Please note that we do not currently have disabled toilet facilities.

Refreshments are included in the cost of the session.

Sorry, but we cannot allow any dogs on site due to the very sensitive animals and birds that live here.

 

What happens to the money we raise from the therapeutic sessions?

All monies raised from our therapeutic animal encounters in Cornwall, are used to pay for the upkeep of all the creatures in our care i.e. food, housing, lights, heating, vet’s bills etc., the costs of which are rising at a phenomenal rate. We are a non profit organisation and are now completely reliant on income raised from these sessions, and other donations, for our survival. There are no paid members of staff – everyone here donates their time on a voluntary basis to care for the animals and birds.