Not because they are "difficult" — but because many have learned that adults, systems and traditional interventions do not always feel safe. We reach the young people others struggle to reach.
On purpose. Deliberately informal — but underpinned by serious, evidence-informed practice.
The dogs are carefully assessed companion wellbeing dogs — not therapy animals. They create the conditions for connection. The relationship with the practitioner is the intervention. Baxter himself — a Border Terrier — was the dog who started it all.
"If you deliver support in the right way, you can motivate and engage young people and turn their lives around."
"Pupils return from sessions visibly more relaxed and readier to learn. We have seen an increase in respect shown to staff and between peers."
"The dog breaks the ice for me. The project has helped with my social anxiety and I can manage my life so much better."
"The Baxter Project understands the young people we work with. It's not a programme — it's a relationship. And that's exactly what they need."
Everything you need to understand The Baxter Project and make the case to your leadership team.
A no-pressure call with Dave O'Driscoll to understand your setting and how we'd structure the right provision.
Sessions begin, relationships are built, and you start seeing the changes other interventions couldn't achieve.
If your school, college, EOTAS provision or organisation is working with young people who are disengaged, anxious or struggling — we would love to talk.
