Students from a Cork National Learning Network (NLN) centre joined forces with a lively menagerie last week as a host of rabbits, owls, raptors, and reptiles helped to launch a pioneering animal care and welfare training course.

This innovative programme aims to provide invaluable skills to individuals with disabilities, autism, mental health challenges, social anxiety, and those recovering from illness or injury. By combining hands-on animal interaction with specialised education, NLN Seward House continues to break new ground in offering inclusive, supportive learning environments for people of all abilities.

The centre offers supported, person-centred training courses, focusing on each student’s abilities, needs, and wishes. A range of courses are available with modules including IT and business, employability skills, and a course focused on training students to work in the social care sector.

NLN Seward House manager, Hannah Plant, said: “We are thrilled to soon launch a course that allows students with an affinity or a passion for working with animals. Nurturing and caring for animals can help people grow their self-confidence and allow for a more adventurous and flexible working environment. This will be quite a hands-on course, with work placements and off-site training taking place each week, providing students with a truly rewarding experience. We hope that many students will be able to progress to jobs in pet grooming, farms, pet shops, and animal welfare organisations.”

“Many people find working with animals to be therapeutic, so we are looking forward to offering it to new students coming to our centre, many of whom may have had a difficult experience of education in the past and need a fresh start in an inclusive environment,” continued Ms. Plant.

Ms. Plant emphasised that individuals who come to Seward House need a place where they will be welcomed, which is inclusive and friendly and provides people with the additional time, space, and support they wouldn’t necessarily get in mainstream education.

“We strive to create an atmosphere where friendships are made and social connections are forged, lasting long beyond the student’s time in the college.”

The course is open to people from 16 years upwards and will be subject to interest. If you are interested in learning more about this course or any course on offer at NLN Seward House, contact the team at: modelfarmroad@nln.ie or call: 086 851 3009.

ENDS

For more information, contact Communications Officer Ciara Heffernan: Ciara.heffernan@rehab.ie