The Award-Winning School Delivering Animal Assisted Therapy on a Farm with Charlotte Williams

Ten years ago, Charlotte and her husband took out a mortgage on a derelict farm with no real money and no concrete plan beyond a hunch that animals could change lives. Thus, Elysian was born. Today, that farm supports over 400 young people across three sites, many of whom had stopped attending school altogether before finding their way to her. In this episode, Charlotte shares the personal experience that sparked it all, the early scepticism she had to overcome, and the surprising lesson learned about which animals make the best therapy companions. She also talks about what winning a Special Recognition Award at the Best Business Women Awards meant to her. It's why she was inspired to launch the Elysium Awards. Finally, she shares her vision for professionalising animal assisted intervention across the UK. A genuinely eye opening listen for anyone curious about alternative education or the powerful role animals can play in recovery and growth. About Charlotte Charlotte founded Elysian in 2015, bringing extensive experience from various social care settings supporting individuals with complex needs across all age groups. She spent many years in children's residential care and has over a decade's experience in children's rights, participation and user involvement, championing young people's voices in decision making. As a Family Specialist, Charlotte has worked across commissioning roles, collaborating with families, children and young people of diverse needs and backgrounds. She has led projects, environments and strategic initiatives to improve outcomes for individuals and families. Furthermore she has leadership experience spanning team and service management, training, supervision, quality assurance and administration. Charlotte is a passionate advocate for children's rights, and her belief in the power of animals has driven her to bring animal assisted interventions into informal therapy and educational settings. {2:55} What inspired Charlotte to found Elysian and how they help children with education needs and trauma. {9:41} The growth of therapy schools. {11:06} It's not a working farm but is a place where many different animals help young people. {12:27} Sourcing the animals and the challenges involved. {14:22} A typical day for a young person and who they are. {18:18} What happens to leavers. {19:24} Creating unique training for Elysian staff. {21:15} Building the profile of the school through entering awards. {23:12} Introducing the Elysian Exclusive Community. {24:49} Charlotte's long term vision. {26:46} Regulation in the industry. {27:54} Supporting new entrants into the sector. {28:52} Balancing motherhood with running such a unique business. {30:28} Plans for expansion. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Charlotte: https://elysianuk.org/ LinkedIn:   / elysianaatl   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elysianthera... Instagram:   / elysian_aatl   Elysian Exclusive Community: https://elysiandevelopment.org/exclus... ___________________________________________________________________ #businessawards #ukbusinessawards #smebusinessawards The Best SME Awards are new for 2026 and are founded by multi-award winning entrepreneur Debbie Gilbert, also the founder of the Best Business Women Awards which has been operating since 2015. They are now considered to be one of the UK’s most prestigious awards for business women. The Best SME Awards will match their quality and ethos and will recognise and reward businesses and their employees from across the UK. The awards cover a wide variety of industries and recognise and reward business talent across the SME business sector. Any business operating in the UK with fewer than 250 employees is eligible to enter. The Best SME Awards shines a spotlight on the exceptional achievements of SMEs across all sectors, recognising the leaders, innovators, and teams whose passion and dedication inspire others. Winning a Best SME Award isn’t just a trophy on your shelf, t’s a mark of excellence that sets you apart. This national recognition validates your credibility and showcases your success. Awards raise your profile, attract new business, and expand your network. Find out more about the awards at— https://www.bestsmeawards.com --We love to connect and share success on social media— Check out our channels here Facebook :   / bestsmeawards   Instagram :  / bestsmeawards   LinkedIn :   / the-best-.  . X:   / bbwomenawards   HASHTAGS #bestbusinesswomenawards #businessawards #ukbusinessawards Music