Residents at Edensor Care Centre, in Clacton-on-Sea, were treated to a visit from pygmy goats and chicks during a recent visit from Blackwater's Alpaca and Pygmy Goat Farm. 

Staff from the farm brought in five small pygmy goats, all about the size of a small puppy or cat, and several young chicks for residents throughout the home to handle.

The activity is just one of the ways Diagrama Foundation engages residents and helps them to connect with the wider community. The experience of petting animals can be therapeutic and enhances their wellbeing. The animals were also taken round to individual bedrooms where residents are nursed, to make sure no-one missed out.

Residential manager Alison Brown said: "We are always looking for new activities for our residents to enjoy and were lucky enough to have the wonderful animals from Blackwater visit us and give our residents this fun and enjoyable experience.

"The animals went down a treat, everyone had great fun! The Blackwater team were excellent and helped us make sure each resident received a visit from a goat and a little chick, even the ones nursed in bed - that really put smiles on all their faces."

"The goats had been fed just before coming to us so they were ready to find a warm lap to cuddle into. The chicks were also being very vocal, making sure everyone knew they were there! This was a lovely touch just before Easter and gave everyone a sense of well being."

Edensor Care Centre offers residential, nursing and dementia care for the elderly. Find out more about this service by downloading a brochure or call 01255 423317 to arrange a visit.