In Oostakker, a new vehicle is enabling Patrasche to continue its work, maintaining a unique animal-assisted therapy program for young people with severe psychosocial difficulties who have not found relief through conventional care.
Patrasche vzw is a therapeutic center founded in 2002 and located in Oostakker, near Ghent, on a beautiful natural estate. It specializes in supporting young people aged 12 to 21 with severe psychosocial difficulties, including emotional and attachment issues, ADHD, ASD, and dissociation, using animal-assisted therapy as its primary method. By working with dogs, sheep, and other animals in a natural setting, Patrasche offers a completely different therapeutic context: one that is not talk-based or institutional, but rooted in relationships, responsibility, and respect for all living things.
Patrasche operates entirely without government subsidies or structural funding, relying solely on donations and fees. Each year, it provides intensive support to about 20 young people, with full-day sessions once a week over an average period of 6 months to 2 years. Its success rate is remarkable: between 80 and 85% of the young people who complete a Patrasche program are successfully reintegrated into society.
When 17 years of commuting finally take their toll
For 17 years, Patrasche had relied on the same minibus for everything: transporting the young people to and from sessions, and hauling food, hay, and supplies for the animals. An old diesel vehicle, it had developed significant technical problems and, crucially, was no longer allowed to enter the city of Ghent due to its emissions standards. Continuing to operate without replacing it was no longer viable.
A double-cab pickup truck is not a luxury for an organization like Patrasche. It is a basic operational necessity: the only type of vehicle capable of transporting both young people and the animal supplies required by the program. Thanks to UFB’s support of 6,500 euros (up to 50% of the vehicle’s cost), Patrasche was able to purchase a replacement vehicle, ensuring that the program can continue to operate without interruption.
“Patrasche has been supporting young people with serious psychosocial issues through animal-assisted therapy for more than 25 years, without any government support. Our target group continues to grow. A new vehicle is a huge expense for our small organization, and we need it both to transport the young people and to haul animal supplies. It’s a relief that the United Fund was able to make a significant contribution. Without this support, we wouldn’t have been able to do it.”
Let’s continue to drive change
Patrasche is proof that the most effective support sometimes comes from the most unexpected places. Thanks to donors like you, this remarkable work can continue, day after day, animal by animal, young person by young person.
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