Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers to what families and carers ask us most. Can't find what you're looking for? Just get in touch.
When are sessions held?
Areterra operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:30am to 2:30pm — closed Wednesday. Get in touch to discuss attendance days and frequency — we're flexible around individual needs.
Are staff trained and DBS checked?
Yes. All Areterra staff are DBS checked and qualified support workers. Animal welfare and participant safety are both taken seriously in everything we do.
Who can attend Areterra?
We support adults aged 18 and over with learning disabilities, autism and associated conditions, including mental health support needs. Every session is tailored to the individual — get in touch if you're not sure whether we're the right fit.
What does a typical day involve?
A typical day blends animal care and feeding, gardening and horticulture, social time and refreshments, practical activities and skills, and animal interaction sessions. See our "A Day At Areterra" section for the full breakdown.
Do you provide transport?
Yes — Areterra runs its own minibus for collections and drop-offs. We collect participants from home and drop them back at the end of the session. When you get in touch, just let us know your location and we'll arrange your pick-up route. Families and carers can also drop off and collect directly if they prefer — free parking is available on site.
How much does it cost?
Costs depend on the type and frequency of sessions. Places can be self-funded, paid for via direct payments, or funded through your local authority care plan — we'll talk you through what applies to you.
Can I arrange a visit?
Absolutely — we encourage it. Come and see Areterra for yourself, meet the team and the animals, and get a feel for whether it's the right fit before committing to anything.
Are the animals handled safely?
Yes. Animal welfare and visitor safety both matter to us — all sessions are supervised, and animals are only used in ways appropriate to their temperament and training. See our Trust Signals section for more on our standards.
What area do you cover?
We're based in Worcestershire and support people from across the county and surrounding areas. If you're unsure whether you're in our catchment, just ask.
How do I make a referral?
Get in touch by phone, email or our contact form to start the conversation. We'll talk through who you're referring, their needs, and arrange a visit. See our Referrals page for the full process.
Didn't Find Your Answer?
We're happy to talk things through — no question is too small. Get in touch and we'll get back to you.