insideKENT Magazine Issue 57 - December 2016 | Page 180
CHARITY
KENT CHARITY PROFILE:
Dandelion Time
For some traumatised children and their families, therapy through
animals is the only way to make them feel whole again. This month,
insideKENT’s Lisamarie Lamb spoke to Kent-based charity Dandelion
Time about how they help children overcome their past suffering and
look to the future with hope.
Dandelion Time’s ducks and hens
Meet the donkeys Woody and Ed, and Tilly the intrepid cat
Dandelion Time’s guinea pigs
What is it that Dandelion Time does exactly,
and why is it so important?
Dandelion Time is a Kent-based charity for
children and their families struggling with trauma,
often arising from physical or emotional abuse,
neglect and domestic violence. The charity
provides practical farm-based activities and
therapeutic services to help children overcome
past suffering, develop confidence and selfesteem, and discover a new and positive path
to follow. Dandelion Time’s work is vital as it offers
a sheer potential for lasting changes in those
affected by trauma.
What makes you unique?
The fact that we work with the whole family. We
offer therapy for the parents and the child so that
every member of the family can work together
to make lasting changes. The charity is based
on a farm, and the natural world and art-based
therapy are the perfect cocoon to help our children
and families.
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What is the charity’s history?
Dandelion Time was founded by Dr Caroline
Jessel who was a GP in Sutton Valence back in
2003. Dr Jessel saw a need from parents who
had difficulties raising their child due to traumatic
situations at home and thought the natural world
could unleash some the traumas. Working with
animals in a peaceful setting are key elements
to the therapy.
How many people have you helped over
the years?
We help about 150 families per year. This number
has grown over the years.
What are your aims?
To open another satellite like Dandelion Time in
a different part of Kent. We are also training
professionals in ‘the Dandelion Time method’
which has been accredited by many professional
bodies.