Fostering Compassion (www.fosteringcompassion.org) was developed under the umbrella of the Winton Foundation for the Welfare of Bears (www.wintonbearfoundation.org). Fostering Compassion began in 2013 helping ten vulnerable and at risk children in East Lothian. In 2014 this increased to 50 children in three different regions of Scotland and now, in 2021 nearly 1000 children have benefited from the
programme throughout Scotland. All children referred to the project have been subjected to or witnessed abuse, neglect and violence or have suffered as a result of parental substance misuse and are struggling to show compassion and empathy. Through Fostering Compassion we run animal and nature themed workshops and activities which help the children to see animals as sentient beings and help them gain a greater understanding of their own circumstances through the rescued animals stories, in turn, building the children’s feelings of self worth, self esteem and self confidence. Through the project we hope to play a part in reversing the negative cycle of abuse that can so often develop in these situations, turning potentially worrying behaviour into nurturing, caring and compassionate behaviour. The activities help the children find new and healthier ways to deal with difficult emotions, memories and feelings without even realising they are doing so.
