Young people
Confidence, emotional wellbeing and alternative ways to engage.
Animal-assisted wellbeing across the North East
Connection can happen in different ways.
Animal-assisted intervention, wellbeing activities and compassionate support for young people, veterans, older people and vulnerable communities.
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Who we support
Veterans
Outdoor wellbeing, companionship and health hikes.
Care settings
Connection, reminiscence and sensory engagement for older people and care home residents.
Community partners
Bespoke programmes for schools, charities and community organisations.
Health, illness & palliative support
Wellbeing, companionship and supported interaction alongside individual circumstances — not a substitute for medical care.
Neurodiversity & SEND
Person-centred support for neurodivergent children and adults, and children, young people and adults with SEND.
What we do
Support built around the person, not a one-size-fits-all programme.
Sessions can bring together animals, nature, creativity, outdoor activity and one-to-one support, adapted to individual needs and settings.
Animal-assisted support
Calm, structured interaction with therapy dog Shadow to support confidence, communication and connection.
Learn more →Young people's wellbeing
Alternative, engaging support for social, emotional or educational challenges — without judgement or pressure.
Learn more →Veterans' wellbeing
Health hikes, outdoor activity, companionship and animal-assisted support for positive wellbeing.
Learn more →
Meet Shadow
A four-year-old Black Labrador, and a valued member of the team.
Shadow has full PAWS accreditation and experience across community, educational, wellbeing and care environments, helping people engage through tactile, sensory and non-verbal interaction. She has a friendly nature, a calm presence, and clearly enjoys time with the people she meets.
Shadow's welfare always comes first. Sessions are planned around her wellbeing as well as participant needs, with appropriate rest, breaks and opportunities to disengage.
Read more about ShadowRecognition & media
Our work is getting noticed.
Coverage, nominations and accreditation that reflect the credibility of this work.
Shadows Of Light CIC has featured on BBC Sounds and with BBC Newcastle, and has been recognised through award nominations and accreditation.
See Impact & Stories →Stories
Real stories, shared with permission.
Stories coming soon. We're gathering testimonials and case studies from the people and organisations we work with, and will share them here once they've been approved.
Ready to talk about what's possible?
Whether you're a family, a school, a care provider or a community organisation, we'd like to hear from you.