A TEENAGER with complex needs has started a special friendship with a miniature pony that has helped improve his communication skills.

Finn Humphrey, 18, is a student at Chailey Heritage School and has complex physical, medical and educational needs.

He requires specialist support to assist him in activities and meet his needs each day.

Patchwork Farm, the on-site therapy farm at Chailey Heritage, is home to NicNac the miniature Shetland pony.

Finn has now developed a friendship with NicNac, helping him to improve his communication skills and be able to express his preferences.

Finn’s mother, Rowena, who lives in Worthing with Finn and his two younger sisters said: “We are thrilled with the progress Finn has made since he met NicNac.

"Their unique friendship has really improved Finn’s communication and helped us understand more fully what he needs.

The Argus: Finn and NicNac

"His confidence has improved and Patchwork Farm continues to be a very important part of his life”.

Jemma Smith, Finn’s teacher, has noticed real improvements in Finn’s communication skills and involvement in the Farm since he started working with NicNac.

She said: “From the first session Finn had with NicNac, he was very engaged. He reached out to touch the pony while remaining calm and focused.

"Finn had previously not always been as engaged at the Farm and would vocalise to indicate he wanted to finish or change activity.

"While working with NicNac, Finn remains focused and happy, he does not indicate that he wants to leave but will clap and follow the instructions to lead, groom and feed Nic Nac.

"When he returned to the classroom after his first session, we were able to engage with Finn using his symbol communication board.

"This allows him to indicate his preferences to us using symbols– and he told us he wanted to do more with NicNac including taking him for walks."

Patchwork Farm is fully accessible to children and young people with complex physical and cognitive challenges, and the interaction with the animals allows them to help look after things that move and grow.

More than a hundred children and young people using the Charity’s services benefit from visits to Patchwork Farm every year and enjoy the contact with all kinds of creatures from ponies and goats to chickens and Guinea pigs.

This year, the farm is at the heart of our annual Big Give Christmas Challenge Appeal which runs from November 30 to December 7.

Every £1 donated during this period will be matched, and the foundation is hoping to raise a total of £25,000 to ensure the running and upkeep of Patchwork Farm

Details on how to donate can be found on the website www.chf.org.uk/thebiggive2021.

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