ASN play and activity space
An engaging, flexible space for play and time together, designed for children and young people with additional support needs and their families.Bookable for schools, families, community groups and events.
Our long term home
Where our community comes together.
We have submitted a formal proposal for a suitable site for our long term home. One place for young people with additional support needs, their families and the wider community.
Where
Area South Lanarkshire
Next step Securing the site
- One home
- ASN play and activity space
- Outdoor learning
- Learning with animals
- Community garden
- Farmhouse Kitchen
- Short break accommodation
Recognised & Accredited
There is more than one way to learn and grow.
The plan
Our vision for the hub
Accessible for the full community.
Outdoor learning
A covered outdoor classroom that brings the curriculum to life, from science and nature to rural skills, with indoor options in any weather.Bookable for schools and community groups.
Learning with animals
Calm, hands-on sessions with our horses and other animals that build confidence, communication and practical skills, including regular free sessions for local schools.For individuals, families and schools.
See our activities
Community garden
A shared growing space where people of all ages garden together, make friends and feel part of their community.Open to local people, groups and organisations.
Farmhouse Kitchen
Home-cooked food and baking with produce from our garden, a relaxed place to meet, and real work experience for young people.Quieter times for families who prefer a calmer visit.
Short break accommodation
Accessible, sensory-friendly rooms where families and carers can rest and recharge, with the animals, garden and kitchen on the doorstep.For families, carers and visitors to the hub.
All images of the hub, its spaces and sessions are illustrative design concepts. Final layouts will follow access and building assessments and the permissions each use requires.
Who we are
Learn, connect and belong
Diverse Minds Learning & Leisure CIC is a Scottish not-for-profit community organisation providing inclusive education, equine and animal-assisted therapeutic sessions, outdoor learning, practical skills development, sensory-aware activities and accessible leisure opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Where we work
Based in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, with plans to deliver in-person services across South Lanarkshire and surrounding Central Belt communities.
Our online educational programmes and accessible short-break opportunities are intended to serve individuals and families throughout Scotland and the wider United Kingdom.
Our mission
Our mission is to create welcoming, supportive environments where everyone has the opportunity to learn, connect, develop confidence, improve wellbeing and experience a genuine sense of belonging.
We aim to reduce the barriers faced by neurodivergent people, disabled people and those who find traditional learning or social environments challenging.
Through therapeutic animal interactions, interest-led learning, meaningful experiences and inclusive recreational opportunities, we promote emotional wellbeing, independence, personal development and community participation.
People should not have to change who they are to feel included.
What we do
Our main programmes and services
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Equine and animal-assisted therapeutic sessions
Structured, non-ridden therapeutic interactions with horses and other animals, delivered individually or in small groups. Sessions aim to support emotional wellbeing, self-confidence, communication, emotional regulation, social interaction and personal development.
Activities are adapted to individual needs and may include observing animal behaviour, gentle interaction, grooming, sensory experiences and relationship-building with animals.
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Equine and animal-assisted learning
Experiential educational programmes incorporating horses and other animals to develop confidence, communication, teamwork, practical knowledge, animal welfare awareness and life skills.
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Outdoor and nature-based learning
Accessible outdoor experiences including woodland exploration, sensory trails, wildlife discovery, gardening, conservation, environmental education and creative nature-based activities.
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Inclusive education and accredited learning
Interest-led programmes, practical courses, accredited training, online education and alternative learning opportunities tailored to different abilities, interests and stages of development.
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Vocational skills and supported opportunities
Practical skills development, employability programmes, supported work experience and volunteering opportunities involving animal care, land management, conservation, hospitality and community projects.
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Sensory-aware play and community activities
Small-group activities, creative workshops, inclusive play opportunities, family sessions and welcoming community spaces designed around varying sensory, communication and support needs.
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Accessible leisure and short breaks
Development of sensory-aware holiday accommodation, inclusive recreational activities and accessible short-break experiences supporting neurodivergent people, disabled individuals, families and carers, while remaining welcoming to the wider community.
See our holiday home, 115 Loch Murray
Communities and groups we support
Open to all, with a particular focus on
- Neurodivergent children, young people and adults, including those with autism and ADHD.
- Individuals with additional support needs (ASN), learning disabilities or other disabilities.
- Children and young people experiencing school-related anxiety, educational disengagement or difficulties accessing mainstream education.
- Home-educated children and young people.
- Individuals who may benefit from therapeutic animal interactions, confidence-building or supportive social experiences.
- Adults seeking vocational skills, supported learning or opportunities to reconnect with education.
- Families, parents and carers seeking inclusive activities, community connections and accessible short breaks.
- Schools, community groups and organisations seeking alternative educational and therapeutic experiences.
- People experiencing social isolation or barriers to community participation.
What makes us distinctive
One inclusive community organisation
Diverse Minds brings together therapeutic animal interaction, education, nature, practical learning and accessible leisure within one inclusive community organisation.
Person-centred inclusion
We adapt environments and experiences to individual needs rather than expecting individuals to fit conventional settings.
Therapeutic animal interaction
We recognise the potential benefits of positive human-animal relationships in supporting emotional wellbeing, confidence, communication and social connection.
Small-group, sensory-aware provision
We prioritise calm environments, low participant numbers, flexibility and individual choice.
Learning through experience
We combine therapeutic experiences with practical, meaningful and interest-led education.
Progression opportunities
Participants can move from introductory sessions to accredited learning, volunteering, vocational skills and supported work experience.
Whole-family inclusion
We recognise the needs of parents, carers and siblings.
Who it is for
A place where everyone can belong and grow
- Children and young peopleEspecially those with additional support needs. A calm, welcoming place to learn, grow in confidence and discover what they can do.
- Parents, carers and familiesSupport, time together and a friendly community around you, with short breaks and activities that fit your routines.
- Schools and educatorsHands-on outdoor and animal-based learning that brings the curriculum to life and helps every pupil engage.
- Our whole communitySomewhere to meet, volunteer, learn new skills and feel connected, whatever your age or ability.
- Community Interest Company
- SC876746
- Profits reinvested
- No diagnosis needed
- All abilities welcome
How it is funded
Built to sustain itself
Our plan is for the hub to pay its own way. Visitor services cover the running costs and protect a programme for the community.
Earned income
Visitor and paid services
- Short break accommodation
- Farmhouse Kitchen
- Paid sessions and experiences
- Space hire
Covers
Running the hub
- Buildings and grounds
- Animal care
- Paid staff
Protects
A community programme
- Sessions for local schools
- Accessible family activities
- Training and work experience
Have your say
Would you back it?
Four quick questions, about a minute. Your answers show decision makers that this hub is needed, and help us shape what goes in it.
Have your sayNo name needed.
What we will ask
- Would you support the hub?
- Which parts would you use?
- Is there anything like it near you?
- A little about you, with no name
Support the plan
Help us build it
If you are a school or local organisation and would like to hear more, we would love to hear from you.
Stacy WannFounder, Diverse Minds Learning & Leisure CIC
How would you like to be involved?
Choose one to open an email to us with the subject filled in.
Email usor write to hello@equine-minds.org