Alpacas, Smiles, and a Day to Remember at Bee Fold

There’s something truly special about animals – the way they bring calm, connection, and comfort without saying a word. And at Bee Fold, we got to experience that magic first-hand when a group of gentle alpacas from Natterjack Alpacas came to visit.

From the moment they arrived, smiles spread like wildfire. The room buzzed with curiosity as people gathered to get a closer look – chatting, laughing, and reaching out to meet the four-legged visitors. The alpacas brought a real sense of warmth and wonder with them that was felt by everyone, from the people we support to the team members who care for them every day.

It wasn’t just about cuddles and cute faces (though we definitely had those too). The visit opened up opportunities for learning as the lovely gentleman leading the visit was full of fascinating facts about alpaca behaviour and care.

One person we support summed it up perfectly:

"It was so lovely to learn new things and so many facts about alpacas."

See the smiles for yourself 👇

We talk a lot about wellbeing in social care – and this was it in action. Gentle animals like alpacas have an incredible ability to soothe anxiety, ease loneliness and encourage interaction in a way that feels completely natural. For people with complex needs – whether that’s dementia, learning disabilities, mental health challenges, etc – that calm, non-verbal connection can be truly powerful.

What made the visit even more special was how inclusive it felt. Everyone could enjoy the visit in their own way. Even one person who typically prefers to stay on the side lines ended up spending the whole session right up close with the alpacas – a quiet reminder of uplifting and accessible moments like these can be.

As one team member shared:

"It boosted both staff and residents' moods. We can't wait for the next visit!"

Sometimes, it's the simplest moments – a shared smile, a soft nudge from an alpaca’s nose, a spark of curiosity – that leave the biggest mark. And at We Change Lives, we’ll keep looking for creative ways to bring joy, comfort and connection into everyday life (one furry visitor at a time). 🐾✨