This page is designed to answer the most common questions we receive about Elysian. Wherever possible, you will either find a clear answer below or be directed to the right team.
INFORMATION ABOUT ELYSIAN
What is Elysian?
Elysian is a group of UK based organisations delivering specialist therapeutic education, animal assisted interventions (AAI), training and professional development, community programmes, and sector wide events. Our work spans education, therapy, care, and training, always underpinned by strong safeguarding, ethical practice, and evidence informed approaches.Â
Who do you work with?
We work with children and young people, families, professionals, organisations, and communities. This includes learners with additional needs, emotional or mental health challenges, professionals seeking training or supervision, and organisations looking to embed ethical, animal assisted or relational approaches into their work. If this is of interest, please visit Referral Information or if you would like one of our team to contact you, please email refer@elysianuk.org
Where are you based?
Elysian operates across multiple sites in the South of England, including Surrey and Hampshire, as well as delivering national and international training, events, and online programmes.
Do you allow site visits?
Visits are by invitation or formal arrangement only and are subject to safeguarding and operational considerations.
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
Do you offer full time education?
Yes. Elysian provides specialist education for children and young people who are unable to access mainstream education. All education placements are carefully assessed and are dependent on suitability, readiness, safeguarding considerations, and available capacity. For further information please see Referral Information alternatively email refer@elysianuk.org and one of our team will be in touch.
Do you offer part time, outreach or alternative provision?
Yes. We offer a range of part time, outreach and alternative provision options, including small group and individualised programmes. These are designed to support reintegration, therapeutic engagement, or interim education pathways. For further information please see Referral Information or email refer@elysianuk.org and one of our team will be in touch.
Can parents self-refer?
In some circumstances, yes. However, many placements are commissioned through local authorities or professionals. All referrals go through a formal assessment process. For further information please see Referral Information or email refer@elysianuk.org.
How do I contact the site regarding my young person?
Relevant site contact details will be shared with you when your young person starts attending one of our provisions. Key workers will also be provided with all the necessary information and will be in touch with you. All details should be kept securely to safeguard all our learners.
Do you accept EHCPs?
We work with children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) where appropriate. Placement decisions are based on need, fit, and our ability to meet outcomes safely and effectively. For further information please see Referral Information or if you would like one of the team to contact you, please email refer@elysianuk.org.
ANIMAL ASSISTED INTERVENTIONS AND THERAPEUTUC PROVISION
What are Animal Assisted Interventions?
Animal Assisted Interventions involve intentionally incorporating animals into therapeutic, educational or support work, delivered by trained professionals with appropriately assessed animals.Â
What animals do you work with?
Depending on the programme and site, this may include dogs, horses, small animals, and other species. All animals are carefully selected, trained, monitored, and supported, with welfare as a non-negotiable priority.
Can I bring my own animal?
No. Personal animals are not permitted on site unless explicitly agreed as part of a formal programme.
Can my child just come and see the animals?
No. Animals at Elysian are part of structured programmes and are not available for casual visits or public access. This protects both animal welfare and safeguarding. We do however, run a series of events across our sites, for further information, please visit Events or complete our Session & Event Enquiry Form.
Do you offer therapy to the general public?
Some services are open to private referrals, while others are commissioned or site-specific. Availability varies. For further information and to complete the Therapy & Services Enquiry Form which can be found at Referral Information or if you would like one of our team to contact you directly, please email refer@elysianuk.org.
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Do you offer training in Animal Assisted Interventions?
Yes. Elysian delivers accredited and non-accredited training, CPD, and professional development for practitioners working with animals in therapy, education, health and care settings. For further information please see Elysian Academy or email academy@elysianuk.org.
Are your courses online or in person?
We offer a mixture of online learning, live webinars, blended courses, and in person training at selected sites. For further information please see Elysian Academy or email academy@elysianuk.org. For in-person events, please see Events.
Can individuals book training, or is it organisational only?
Both. Some courses are open to individuals, while others are designed for organisations or teams. For further information please see Elysian Academy or email academy@elysianuk.org.
Do you offer supervision or consultancy?
Yes. We provide professional supervision, mentoring, and consultancy for individuals, teams, and organisations. For further information, please email courses@elysianuk.org.
EMPLOYMENT AND VOLUNTEERING
Do you offer volunteering opportunities?
Yes, at selected sites and times. All volunteers are subject to safeguarding checks, references, and an application process. For further information, please visit Work with Us.
Can I do work experience or a placement?
We occasionally offer placements or work experience, depending on capacity, age, and safeguarding requirements. For further information, please visit Work with Us
Are you recruiting?
All current vacancies are listed on our website. For further information, please visit Work with Us
THE ELYSIAN AWARDS
What are the Elysian Awards?
The Elysian Awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and ethical practice across education, therapy, animal assisted work, and community services. For further information, please visit Elysian Awards.
How do I nominate someone?
Nominations are submitted online during the awards nomination window. For further information, please visit Elysian Awards.
Can I attend events without being part of Elysian?
Yes. Many of our events, conferences, and CPD sessions are open to external attendees. If you have a specific request, please contact admin@elyianuk.org.
SAFEGUARDING
How do you safeguard children and young people?
Safeguarding is central to everything we do. We operate robust safeguarding policies, procedures, training, and reporting systems across all services.
- Phone (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm): 0300 470 9100
- Out of hours:Â 01483 517898
- Email:Â cspa@surreycc.gov.uk
- Phone (public line):Â 0300 555 1384
- Out of hours:Â 0300 555 1373
ANIMAL WELFARE
How do you protect animal welfare?
Animal welfare is non-negotiable. All animals are assessed, supported, rested appropriately, and removed from work if their welfare is compromised.Â
Can I raise a concern or complaint?
Yes. We take concerns seriously and have clear procedures in place. To raise a concern or complaint, please refer to our Complaints Policy in Resources and submit via the appropriate form.
MEDIA & PRESS
Can we tag or message you on social media with enquiries?
No. Social media is not monitored for enquiries. Please always use the relevant form or webpage so your message reaches the right team.
Can we visit a site to take photos or videos?
No visits, filming or photography are permitted without prior written permission. For any Media enquiries, please contact comms@elysianuk.org.
ANYTHING ELSE
If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, please email admin@elysianuk.org or call if your query is urgent, please call 07944 875155.
Thank you for your interest in Elysian and for helping us protect the integrity of our work, our people, and our animals