Our Story

Noah’s ART was founded in 2015 with a mission: to utilise the benefits of the human-animal bond to improve mental health and wellbeing in Greater Manchester

 
 

A family-run, community-based, not-for-profit social enterprise.

Tired of witnessing the apparently inevitable cycle of relapse and readmission, experienced mental health nurse and Noah's ART founder Sharon Hall decided that a completely different approach to mental wellbeing was needed in Greater Manchester.

Starting with just an idea and determination, what Sharon founded has grown and developed over the years to become a wide-ranging, inclusive, creative and unique service. We have refined our services and interventions through time and practice, and can now confidently say we are the leading provider of Animal-Assisted Interventions in the North West.

Noah’s ART aims to offer a wealth of services and activities suitable for all - from toddlers to those at the end of life, wherever you are in your mental health journey. Whether a troubled youth, inpatient in a mental health ward or an older person with dementia, we aim to provide support for all.

Meet The Team

  • Sharon Hall RMN

    FOUNDER, CLINICAL LEAD

  • Tom Hall MA

    GENERAL MANAGER

  • Catherine Hall

    PROJECT DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, THERAPIST

  • Alana Wight

    ANIMAL-ASSISTED INTERVENTIONS LEAD

  • Catherine Priest

    LEAD THERAPIST

  • Claire Proffitt

    LEAD THERAPIST

  • Vivien Cheetham

    LEAD THERAPIST

  • Connie Sutherland

    ANIMAL WELFARE LEAD

  • Kate Carlin

    VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

 

About Animal-Assisted Interventions

What Are Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI)?

Animal-assisted interventions are a range of therapeutic experiences involving human-animal interaction, including animal-assisted therapy, education and activities. AAI is not a standalone therapy in itself, although animal contact alone has been proven to enhance wellbeing. The animal assists an individual to engage in therapeutic activities that have specific goals in mind; it could be physiotherapy or psychotherapy. The presence of the animal acts as a bridge or motivator for the individual to participate in therapy with a qualified professional.

What are the benefits of AAI?

  • A young man sits on a leather sofa with four dogs - Alfie the tan and white cavalier king charles spaniel, Moose the black and tan cav, Zeke the tan and white Jack Russell puppy and Tyler the large black cross breed

    Emotional

    Animals engage and relax people

    Animals can enhance therapy and provide a bridge to trusting the therapist

    Dogs may be seen as empathic listeners

    Animals bring spontaneity, energy and humour to therapy – laughter is the best medicine

    Touch from an animal can be therapeutic and appropriate, especially for abused clients

    Animals act as a social lubricant and reduce isolation

    Caring for an animal can boost self-esteem and self-worth

  • A man wearing a face masks holds a brown and white pet rat. He wears an NHS lanyard, a red shirt and a dark green fleece

    Behavioural and social

    Animals enhance communication and social skills. Conversations about animals and time at Noah's A.R.T. can be stimulated by client work books and pictures to take home

    Shared interest in animals may lead to a sense of belonging within a group and a common area of interest within which friendships can flourish

    Training by positive reinforcement is a powerful message for human interactions

    Pride in caring for a rescue animal can motivate a client to take responsibility for tasks. It may even lead to a client talking to others, and helping new clients to understand the tasks involved in their animal’s care

    Animals promote and inspire self-expression using creativity

  • Moose the black and tan cavalier king charles spaniel uses a treat toy. It has three blue tubes containing treats, which spin on a green axis

    Physical

    Evidence shows that contact with animals can stimulate the release of the ‘feel-good’ hormone oxytocin, and can reduce blood pressure and heart rate

    Animals may improve attendance and increase motivation for exercising e.g walking, running, playing football with dogs

    Feeding an animal in sessions can stimulate discussions about healthy eating, whilst grooming an animals can lead to discussion of personal hygiene

    Supporting animals with health problems can help clients to understand the important role of medication in supporting health

  • A lady with pink hair and a grey t-shirt uses a toothbrush to brush Merlin the bearded dragon. Merlin is sitting in a shallow tray containing water

    Cognitive

    Memory and concentration can be enhanced by providing care and support for animals

    Animals can increase alertness and engagement

    Animals will provide immediate feedback if they dislike a behaviour, providing opportunity to discuss behaviours

    Developing stimulating environments for the rabbits and guinea pigs encourages creativity and innovation as well as empathy for others

    Animals live in the moment and can be role models for mindfulness and relaxation.

    New ways of thinking about problems can be facilitated by observing the animals.

“The effect the animals have on my son is just heart-warming. They help him stay calm and focused and over time he has developed the most lovely relationships with all the fantastic people at Noah’s ART I have seen a massive boost in his self-esteem and social skills since attending”

— Katie, parent

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