Shadows Of Light CIC Shadows Of Light CIC
Make an enquiry

What we do

Seven ways to work with us.

Every programme is adapted to the person or group in front of us. Browse a summary below, or jump straight to the area that's most relevant.

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 →

Care home & dementia

Animal-assisted visits supporting sensory engagement, reminiscence and companionship in care settings.

Learn more →

Creative & sensory

Practical and creative routes into expression, confidence and participation.

Learn more →

Employability & development

Practical activities building confidence, transferable skills and engagement with education or employment.

Learn more →

Bespoke programmes

Flexible provision for schools, charities, care providers and community groups.

Learn more →
Shadow wearing her therapy dog vest, spending time with someone during a visit.
Shadow and Akira together during an animal-assisted session in a care setting.

Animal-Assisted Therapy & Emotional Support

Calm, structured interaction with therapy dog Shadow to support confidence, communication and connection.

Full details, who it may suit & delivery settings

Sessions use carefully supported interaction with therapy dog Shadow to create a safe, calm and engaging environment. Sessions are adapted to the individual rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, and can include time with Shadow, gentle structured animal-assisted activities, sensory and tactile experiences, emotional wellbeing activities, confidence-building exercises, and conversation and reflective activities.

May be suitable for

  • Young people experiencing emotional or social difficulties
  • Young people at risk of exclusion
  • People experiencing anxiety, isolation or low confidence
  • Adults with additional or mixed abilities
  • People who find traditional talking-based support difficult
  • People who benefit from sensory and non-verbal approaches

Delivery settings

Delivered in appropriate community, educational or care settings, or other agreed locations, depending on the programme and individual needs.

Enquire about this service

Young People's Wellbeing & Emotional Support

Alternative, engaging support for social, emotional or educational challenges — without judgement or pressure.

Full details, who it may suit & delivery settings

Supportive, engaging activities for children and young people experiencing challenges with emotional wellbeing, confidence, social connection or engagement with education. Activities can include animal-assisted intervention, one-to-one support, confidence-building, emotional wellbeing work, creative and sensory activities, outdoor activities, communication and relationship-building, and personal development. The aim is to create an environment where young people can engage without feeling judged or pressured.

May be suitable for

  • Young people at risk of exclusion
  • Young people struggling to engage with traditional education
  • Young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties
  • Young people with low confidence, low self-esteem or isolation
  • Young people who benefit from alternative, practical or sensory approaches

Delivery settings

Possible settings include schools, community venues, outdoor environments, partner organisations and other agreed safe settings.

Enquire about this service
Shadow relaxed and at ease outdoors.

Veterans' Wellbeing & Health Hikes

Health hikes, outdoor activity, companionship and animal-assisted support for positive wellbeing.

Full details, who it may suit & delivery settings

Combines outdoor activity, companionship and animal-assisted support to encourage positive mental and physical wellbeing. Activities may include guided health hikes, outdoor wellbeing activities, time with Shadow, informal peer connection, gentle physical activity, reconnecting with nature, confidence-building and time away from stressful environments. The emphasis is on connection, activity and wellbeing rather than a clinical environment.

May be suitable for

  • Veterans seeking social connection
  • Veterans interested in outdoor activity and companionship
  • Veterans looking for informal, non-clinical wellbeing support

Delivery settings

Delivered outdoors and in community settings across the North East, alongside time with Shadow.

Enquire about this service
Akira spending time with a resident during a care-setting visit.

Hover or use the arrows to browse photosSwipe or use the arrows to browse photos

Care Home & Dementia Support

Animal-assisted visits supporting sensory engagement, reminiscence and companionship in care settings.

Full details, who it may suit & delivery settings

Animal-assisted interaction delivered directly into care environments. Visits can provide opportunities to spend time with Shadow, stroke or interact with the dog where appropriate, take part in gentle sensory activities, talk about memories and experiences, engage socially with other residents, experience companionship and participate in simple activities suited to individual abilities — with opportunities for conversation, reminiscence and connection.

May be suitable for

  • Older people and people living with dementia
  • People experiencing social isolation
  • Residents with limited mobility
  • Residents who benefit from sensory stimulation
  • People who respond positively to animals

Delivery settings

Delivered in care homes, residential settings, supported living and other appropriate care settings.

Enquire about this service

Creative & Sensory Wellbeing Programmes

Practical and creative routes into expression, confidence and participation.

Full details, who it may suit & delivery settings

Combines creativity, sensory experiences, animals and wellbeing activities to provide alternative ways for people to express themselves and engage with others. Activities may include creative arts, sensory activities, animal-assisted activities, nature-based activities, confidence-building, group activities, individual creative work and reflection or wellbeing activities. Activities are adapted according to age, ability and individual needs.

May be suitable for

  • People who benefit from creative and sensory approaches
  • Groups and individuals of varying ages and abilities
  • People looking for alternative ways to express themselves

Delivery settings

Adapted to the group and venue; agreed with each organisation or individual in advance.

Enquire about this service

Employability & Personal Development

Practical activities building confidence, transferable skills and engagement with education or employment.

Full details, who it may suit & delivery settings

Uses practical activities to help people develop confidence, transferable skills and engagement with education, training and employment. Activities may include confidence building, communication, teamwork, responsibility and routine, working with animals, outdoor activities, personal development, goal setting, exploring future opportunities and transferable workplace skills.

May be suitable for

  • People disengaged from education or employment
  • People lacking confidence
  • People developing transferable skills
  • People who benefit from practical learning
  • People exploring employment or training options

Delivery settings

Delivered in partnership with schools, colleges, training providers and community organisations.

Enquire about this service

Bespoke Animal-Assisted & Wellbeing Programmes

Flexible provision for schools, charities, care providers and community groups.

Full details, who it may suit & delivery settings

Not everyone fits neatly into a standard programme. Shadows Of Light CIC can work with organisations to develop bespoke animal-assisted, sensory, creative or wellbeing sessions built around participant needs — including group size, desired outcomes, venue, accessibility requirements, session frequency and available funding.

May be suitable for

  • Schools and colleges
  • Community organisations and charities
  • Veterans' organisations
  • Care homes and supported living services
  • Youth organisations and other community groups

Delivery settings

Designed around the requesting organisation's venue, participants and available funding.

Enquire about this service

Not sure which service fits?

Tell us a little about your situation or organisation and we'll help you find the right starting point.

Make an enquiry