Kingswood Shetlands and friends
Kingswood Shetlands & Friends became a CIC company in 2020. A community interest company (CIC) is a non-charitable limited company set up with the purpose of benefiting a community or pursuing a social purpose. We are NOT FOR PROFIT.
There are many insurances, compliances for safeguarding and data protection regulations linked to the keeping of the animals along with regular vet fees, food and the cost of where the animals live. We are extremely lucky to have some sponsors who support us and small donations from the public, and we have volunteers who help us care and keep the animals in prime condition (also giving us a little well-earned break).
Kingswood Shetlands and friends rely on funding coming in from the above sources and also fundraising events which many people have run on our behalf.
If you know of any companies or individuals who would like to support our cause either by organising fundraisers, donating monthly or yearly then please contact us. All monies go towards community projects working with disadvantaged children within Surrey.
The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something, Kingswood Shetlands And Friends positively affect so many lives, from 0 to 100 and we are all so proud of this. Without your support, we simply couldn’t support others. We are all eternally grateful.
Sarah Lopez
Founder
Link to CIC Certification
Link to CCTV Certification
Kingswood Shetlands and friends
What Makes Us Different
We Educate
We bring fun, friendly, unique and informative experiences for all ages and abilities.
We Help
We help local schools and colleges (particularly special needs) by providing supplementary therapies.
We Build
We build relationships between the adults and animals which are vital, particularly when dealing with challenging behaviour.
We are not for Profit
We support others as this is what we enjoy doing. We are funded by donations and supported (food, supplies) by sponsors.
Our Volunteers
Meet Our Animals – Click Here
Volunteering has changed my life.
Life as a Volunteer
We started helping out Sarah in 2021, after losing our pony. During our weekly visit we check the animals & take the ponies for walks. We love it. The sheep & goats run up the field to welcome us & have a cuddle & the ponies neigh for a carrot. Its impossible not to have a laugh at their cheeky behaviour. Kingswood Shetlands & Friends has proved a much needed place of solace & therapy. Once a week I completely forget my woes & take time out to feel relaxed & happy. We always come away with a smile. The power of animals to help all with their mental health should not be underestimated. Massive thanks to Sarah for giving us access to her precious animals every week.
professional team
Meet Our Volunteer Team
Sarah Lopez
Director
Rhianna
Animal Welfare Manager and Animal Assisted Therapist 
Nicola
Event Staff
Claire
Event Staff
Wendy
SEN Events Staff
Beatriz
Volunteer
WHO WE HAVE WORKED WITH
testimonials
From our amazing friends
Since discovering Kingswood Shetlands and friends, I have been absolutely hooked on them. From what they do, how they do it & most importantly why they do it. These are a group of amazing people who all love animals & human enough to know we belong together & can heal each other.
Karin Flower
Supporter
Our son is autistic, selective mute & he suffers from a lot of anxiety & had many years of his needs not being met in school. After spending only 2 weeks with Rhianna we started to see a transformation in his wellbeing & his self-esteem. The trust that he has with Rhianna is so strong (we never thought that he would trust an adult outside of our home again). He speaks, laughs & jokes with her & it’s just amazing to watch his emotional wellbeing, communication skills, & confidence improve vastly
A Thankful Mum
Service user
I can’t thank the staff & animals at Kingswood Shetlands enough for helping my daughter through a really tough time in her life. She has been going there weekly to spend time with the animals & this has had a hugely positive effect on her well-being. I had read the research on how horses can help people recover from trauma but was still blown away by how true this was in our case. My daughter doesn’t speak in a lot of situations but when she is with Rhianna and the animals, she speaks freely & this is wonderful!
M Hewson
Service user
Kingswood Shetlands give the most wonderful memories for our residents here at Signature at Banstead. The professionalism, caring animal handlers come with a wealth of experience, light up the room with their caring attitude & the best part ever is their furry friends who provide so much therapy, smiles and magic moments galore. – You are the best!
Tamara – Signature, Banstead
Service User