Testimonials
I am really grateful for Ila from Mindfulness with Farm Friends support and the positive impact she’s had on my life. She treats me with respect, always makes shifts fun, and has empowered me to achieve many of my goals. Ila’s person-centered approach has helped me feel comfortable and supported, and her passion for animals and helping vulnerable people is inspiring. Through our time together, Ila has shown me the healing power of spending time in nature and with animals, which has really benefited my mental health.
As a female role model, Ila has shown the strength and capability of women, teaching me what we can achieve independently and as a team. I also appreciate that Ila shares my plant-based values and respects my lifestyle choices, making me feel understood and accepted. Unlike past support experiences where I’ve been labeled or misunderstood due to my mental health challenges, Ila has never judged me. She’s always accepted me for who I am and worked with me to overcome any obstacles.
One of the highlights of our time together has been participating in the Farm Friends Program. I recently completed the Farm Friends First Aid training and learnt so much. I have also gained valuable work experience through this program and it has helped me build confidence and hands on experience working with animals. I even had the honour of naming one of the baby goats Faun! On my shifts with Ila, we always laugh and smile. I’m truly thankful for everything she’s done to help me grow as a person.
Holly
Ila from Mindfulness with Farm Friends has been providing me with support for many years now. Her support helps me navigate life with major depression and generalised anxiety disorder. These conditions often make everyday activities challenging, especially accessing the community, but Ila has empowered me to work toward my goal of living more independently. She boosts my confidence, encourages me to socialise, and supports me during outings, making me feel more capable and motivated.
Ila’s gentle and worldly nature, along with her great conversational skills, make spending time with her both enjoyable and comforting. A key part of my progress has been through the Mindfulness with Farm Friends program, which Ila facilitates. Being surrounded by nature and interacting with the Farm Friends Animals has significantly improved my mental health. The connection with the animals provides me with a sense of peace and grounding, helping to ease the anxiety and depression I often face.
Ila supports me to engage in a variety of activities that integrate the therapeutic benefits of the farm, such as interacting with the animals, alongside other experiences like attending wellness and spiritual events, visiting markets, night time events and engaging in mindful arts and crafts. Each outing and experience helps me grow emotionally and feel more connected to the community.
Thanks to Ila’s unwavering support and the healing impact of the Farm Friends program, I’ve made significant progress toward living independently and enjoying life more fully.
Sonya
Working with Ila from Mindfulness with Farm Friends has been one of the most rewarding and exciting times of my life. I can honestly say that this is one of the strongest, most powerful connections I’ve had with a support worker so far. When we began working together, we rapidly bonded over our shared affinity for spirituality. Our interests, personalities and energies are so aligned. Every time we have a shift together, I feel so enthusiastic and uplifted afterwards, we are always going on awesome adventures, and having very replenishing, hilarious conversations.
Ila has helped me develop things like life skills, independence and furthering my level of self confidence and courage. She has made me expand my own interests, passions and knowledge. I consider her such an essential person in my world! Whether it is our car rides, our long conversations, or the sense of humour that we share, there’s always something to explore with her around. I definitely recommend her services if you’re looking for engaging, client-centred support. Anyone who has the pleasure of meeting or befriending Ila is truly beyond blessed.
Max
So many warm fuzzies (and I don't mean the actual warm fuzzy sheep and goats)! Ila has created a beautiful experience in a breathtaking location. The animals are adorable and I loved seeing their unique little personalities. This is not like a petting zoo - the environment is set up to make sure that the goats and sheep are getting everything they need, and they're not forced to interact with people; they come up of their own accord. The nature walk with the goats is fantastic...they scramble up and down the rocks as they would in the wild but come back like puppies when Ila calls their names! As a vegan animal lover it's awesome being able to connect with these woolly cuties and to know that these animals are living their best lives.
Libby
Our Nature Play group has been lucky to visit Ila’s beautiful space at Mindfulness with Farm Friends, where her warmth and calming presence make us feel right at home. Her magical piece of land offers a gentle invitation to slow down, notice the natural beauty all around, and find comfort in the presence of the much-loved animals. Ila’s heart and soul shine through her work; she’s created a healing haven with her friendly sheep and goats who she absolutely adores. It’s clear that this is her soul’s work, and the peace and joy she and her family of farm animals brings to those who visit, is simply beautiful.
Bushling Nature Play
I met Ila while working with her donkey and pony, providing equine massages, and I can honestly say she amongst the most compassionate and dedicated people I have encountered. Through Mindfulness with Farm Friends, she creates a safe, nurturing space where people can reconnect with themselves and experience healing through nature and the gentle presence of animals.
What stands out about Ila is her deep care for her animals; they are treated with so much love and respect, and it is clear she puts their well-being above all else. She focuses on their needs and continuously strives to educate herself to better support both the animals and individuals she works with.
Her kindness, humility and genuine desire to help both animals and people are immediately apparent within just a few minutes of interacting with her. It is truly refreshing to meet someone who radiates such warmth and care. I highly recommend Ila to anyone seeking healing and mindfulness in a peaceful, supportive environment.
Jeanne Equine Therapist
My daughter Maya is non-verbal. She’s on the autism spectrum. Since starting to go to Mindfulness with Farm Friends and spending quality time around animals and nature, I feel she is much more calm, grounded, and more present....I love Ila’s work introducing Maya to pure goodness. I recommend the service 100%.
Participant’s Mother Viviani’s Testimonial
Ila has been my daughter's carer for years now, I find her calm gentle nature works well with her. She has a way of encouraging Aimee to give her best and she enjoys her programs. Ila also takes the time to understand and find out the problems Aimee has in everyday life. Aimee really enjoys the interactions with the animals. I have no trouble in recommending Ila as an excellent carer and the interactions with the animals as a lovely experience.
Participant’s Mother Catherine’s Testimonial
Working with Amelia from Mindfulness with Farm Friends has been such a positive experience, she has a nice energy and is always kind and helpful. She really takes the time to understand me, what I need, and what lights me up. I feel genuinely seen and supported in every support session, and that means a lot.
I love that our time together is planned out and intentional. We do gentle yoga that helps my body feel more open and relaxed and improves my posture, and we use oracle cards to connect and reflect, which really supports my mindfulness and spiritual growth. One of my favourite parts is being with the animals—Lucky the pony, Jimmy the donkey, the goats, and sheep. I’ve learned how to care for them in a way that suits their specific care needs, from feeding and grooming to first aid and medication training. The animals have their own personalities, and getting to know them at my own pace has helped me feel more confident and connected.
Amelia also encourages me to work on personal goals that are important to me—like being more present, improving my flexibility, connecting with nature, and making time for my crochet projects. I’ve been creating animal toys to donate to children in hospitals, and having space and support to do that has been really meaningful.
What I love most is that this program is built around me. It’s not one-size-fits-all—it adapts to how I’m feeling, what I need that day, and what I’m working towards. I always leave feeling calm, grounded, and proud of what I’ve done.
I’d definitely recommend Mindfulness with Farm Friends and Amelia as a support worker to other participants who love animals and want a space where they can grow, feel connected, and be truly supported as themselves.