Running Deer Intervention Services
Running Deer’s Intervention Service is tailored to support young people's needs and personal development. This includes improving self-esteem, confidence and communication, social and emotional wellbeing as well as supporting young people to process traumatic events in their lives. The service is aimed at young people from 7 years of age upwards.
Bushcraft Intervention
Utilising the power of the natural world, and the benefits of ecotherapy, Running Deer Bushcraft Intervention offers bespoke interventions at our outdoor site.
Sessions can include:
Safe use of tools.
Firelighting.
Den/safe space building.
Campfire cooking.
Practical conservation.
Green woodworking.
Additionally, the environment can reduce barriers to engagement for young people to participate in:
- Lego Therapy
- Sand Play
- Drawing and Talking
- Emotional Curriculum.
Gaming & Talking Intervention
Running Deer virtual intervention offers therapeutic and social benefits to children and young people in a bespoke way.
Sessions can be undertaken at our centres in Moretonhampstead.
Utilising online and offline video games such as Minecraft we aim to:
Provide a therapeutic space for neurodiverse children and young people, building trust and relationships.
- Reflect upon emotions, thoughts and feelings.
- Support social and emotional development whilst developing communication skills.
- Have Fun!
DISCLAIMER: not an official Minecraft product, nor approved by or associated with Mojang or Microsoft.
Equine Assisted Intervention
Equine Assisted Intervention is all about making connections.
Our Equine Assisted Intervention programme can help young people learn how to regulate emotions, face fears, and create new relationships and emotional bonds based on trust and respect.
Touch is an important part of this work so can be beneficial for students with sensory issues. Research shows that stroking animals can lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, and aid relaxation.
Our horses can work directly, deliberately built into sessions or indirectly with young people, where other interventions occur in the horse’s environment.
Creative Intervention
Bespoke Trauma-Informed work, utilising the arts and creative play with young people who would benefit from regular therapeutic sessions on a weekly basis.
Sessions can include:
- Lego Therapy
- Sand play
- Drawing and talking
- Emotional curriculum
- Empathy exploration
- Relational play
- Personal narrative reframing.
Formal Accreditation
We offer bespoke programmes for young people including accredited courses:
ASDAN
Gateway Awards
Open Awards
John Muir Awards
Safeguarding Statement
Running Deer Intervention and Family Services acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of children. Furthermore, we are committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice requirements.
We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued.
We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection, and justice. Child protection forms part of the Intervention and Family Service’s safeguarding responsibilities.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is:
- Adam Baxter (Interventions and Family Services Director). Email: adam.baxter@runningdeer.org.uk
The Designated Safeguarding Officer (Waterside) is:
- Rachael Knight (Centre Manager). Email: rachael.knight@runningdeer.org.uk
The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer (Moretonhampstead) is:
- Adam Scribbans (DDSO). Email: adam.scribbans@runningdeer.org.uk
Meet the team
Policies
Allegations against staff policy
Child protection policy for students
De-escalation and physical intervention policy
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
Fire Policy and Procedure Waterside
Lone Worker Policy and Procedures
Online & Internet Safety Policy
Parent friendly safeguarding policy
Suicide prevention quick guide
Testimonials
The approach you apply to the support you offer enables young people to see their value. The value you have for every young person you interact with makes all interactions meaningful. This, in turn, enables progress to be made holistically. The impact of your work is life changing.
Abi Shopland
SENCo, Haytor View School
Our student was struggling with school full time and his behaviours were escalating. We explored alternative provisions and this was unsuccessful and he was at risk of PEX.
Since he started at Running Deer he has thrived. He has been looking forward to coming to school, his behaviours have reduced and loves running deer. The staff have been really flexible with his hours and meeting his needs. Thank you so much.
Stacey Lilley
SENDCo
Bradley Barton Primary School
We have really appreciated Running Deer's swift and personalised response to pupil needs. Their alternative provision offers the opportunity for bespoke intervention and support to meet need whilst longer term outcomes are explored. They work closely with the referring school and ensure that for the child a joined up, child-centred, cohesive approach is maintained.
Becky Forrest
SENCo, Bovey Tracey Primary School
Thank you for taking J at Running Deer. It has made a huge difference for J and all the staff at school.
Debbie Orbell
SENCo, Hatherleigh Primary
‘Despite often checking in with me, C participated in a range of provided and self-chosen activities which involved courage, risk taking, resilience and personal challenge. He was allowed to explore and celebrate his own achievements and, although he has a long way to go, this has helped towards building his self-esteem. He was allowed to try and succeed, without judgement and he was allowed to make choices, in a safe and wholesome environment about the directions he wanted to go in. This has been so incredibly good for him. C was gently encouraged to step out of his comfort zone, leaving Mum and Dad and exploring the safe space with Adam, who he built up a trusting relationship with during the sessions. C was particularly pleased with the wooden mallet he made with Adam, and it was good for him to participate in the whole process from beginning to end. The mallet has pride of place on our kitchen shelf and C shows it to everyone who visits! C's Dad and I felt included in the whole process and we felt supported as a family.’
Parent
Contact Us
Head Office
Running Deer C.I.C
3 Court Street
Moretonhampstead
Devon
TQ13 8NE
To contact our teams:
Email: ifs@runningdeer.org.uk
Tel: 01647 279332
Mobile: 07361 913870
or 07735 880651