HALT PROJECT

The HALT (Humans and Animals Learning Together) Project is an award-winning animal-assisted intervention programme for children and young people.

The HALT Project, a unique part of Cheltenham Animal Shelter’s education portfolio, is an award-winning animal-assisted intervention programme delivered throughout the academic year for children and young people throughout Gloucestershire.

The project stands for Humans & Animals Learning Together and is an extremely popular scheme we have been running successfully at the Shelter for over 15 years. It allows young people (aged 7-16), many of whom are not attending mainstream schooling, to come to the Shelter for an educational course designed to foster compassion, empathy, respect and responsibility as well as boosting self-esteem and general wellbeing.

Hosted by our qualified, DBS- checked and first-aid trained education team, during the course attendees are paired up with rescue dogs which they must care for and train; this not only helps the students but also benefits the Shelter by having dogs that are ultimately more adoptable as they understand basic commands and can benefit from additional socialisation.

Graduates of this programme have in many instances gone back into mainstream education and we are proud to lead the UK in this exciting initiative.

For more information or to request a referral, please contact our Education Officer on 01242 548772 or email [email protected].

“There was a perfect mix between classroom time and practical time. These bite size, laid back chunks of learning time work so well with the neurodiverse brain. It helped him feel a sense of pride and completion. The session has made him more appreciative of our pet.”
“Thank you for giving our children such an amazing experience.”
“The students have enjoyed every minute of the HALT project, despite being a little anxious at the start. They have learned about responsibility and all about looking after animals and the care needed. It has also helped with their self esteem and confidence, having to go to a new venue and meet new people.”
“The one day programme was such an amazing experience. She left the Animal Shelter absolutely buzzing and beaming. I hadn’t seen her smile like that for a long time.”
“I’m so thankful that she has been given this experience, it’s seems to have been just the thing for her and came at a perfect time.”
“It was really heart-warming to read the reports and to see their progress and growth in confidence. I know that the HALT course will have had a huge impact on their self-esteem and mental health and will leave them with lasting memories. I am incredibly appreciative of this opportunity and wish to thank you wholeheartedly for providing such a warm welcome and memorable experience.”
“My child has loved the project and I can’t thank you enough!”
“HALT was an incredibly memorable experience for her that has gone a long way into restoring her confidence and feelings of self-worth.”

Proud members of the No Child Left Behind Community and winners of the 2021, 2022 & 2023 NCLB awards.

What does the HALT project entail?

Our HALT project franchise consists of 3 different courses:

1-day HALT experiences: Running 10am – 1pm, these laid-back sessions consist of well-supervised animal interactions with the dogs, cats, rabbits or guinea pigs, practical animal cleaning activities and informal pet care advice. These sessions can be repeated depending on availability and are a good introduction to our Animal Assisted Interventions as well as a great wellbeing boost to the young people who join.

3-day HALT project: Running Tuesday -Thursday, 10am-1pm this course allows attendees to gain deeper education about our dogs, cats and small animals whilst helping with practical cleaning activities, animal interactions with our cats and rabbits as well as dog walking.

2-week HALT project: An intensive dog-focussed course, running Monday-Thursday for 2 weeks 10am – 1pm, students are responsible for the care and training of a rescue dog. All attendees are given the foundations of basic dog training skills, safety and understanding canine behaviour, as well as career inspiration with a visit to local animal and agricultural education provider, Hartpury College. This course ends with a celebratory Graduation ceremony.

When do the courses take place?

We hold 2 of our 3-day projects and 2 of our 2-week projects per academic year.

We host a 1-day HALT experience on average each month.

Our courses accommodate 4 young people each session, to ensure the setting is less overwhelming.

Referral application forms can be submitted and held securely on file until dates are determined.

Is my child suitable for referral?

We are an inclusive course and welcome children with varied needs. Our staff are fully trained to understand the needs of children and young people with SEMH, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health needs, providing a supportive and non-judgemental environment where all are welcome.

The course takes place within the academic calendar so a child would need to have confirmation of release from their school or education setting to attend.

We are comfortable for support staff or a family member to support the session if this is required.

*It is however important to note that the course would not be suitable for those with significant fears or phobias of animals*

Is there a cost?

We are currently pleased to offer the course at no charge.

As a non-profit organisation, any donations to Cheltenham Animal Shelter are always welcomed but not expected.

How do I refer?

Referral for the HALT project is through application process. Please contact the Education Officer at [email protected] to request an application.

Referrals can be made from professionals or through parents/guardians.