Our Vision
Our vision is to create a sustainable sanctuary where rescued animals have a safe and loving home and people have a safe place to connect, learn, heal and grow.
We want Smiles to become a place where the welfare of animals and the wellbeing of people come together — creating opportunities for compassion, connection, inclusion and positive change.
At Smiles, animals find sanctuary, people find connection, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Our Purpose
Smiles Sensory and Family Farm aims to provide a safe, inclusive and nurturing sanctuary where rescued and vulnerable animals can receive lifelong care, while people — particularly those who may experience disadvantage, disability, social isolation, learning difficulties or mental health challenges — can benefit from meaningful interaction with animals, nature and the countryside.
We believe that the wellbeing of people and animals can be closely connected. Time spent caring for, observing and interacting with animals can provide opportunities for companionship, confidence-building, sensory stimulation, learning, emotional support and personal development.
Our charitable work is centred on providing these opportunities to people who may otherwise have limited access to them.
- A Sanctuary for Rescued Animals
At the heart of Smiles are our animals. We provide a safe and permanent sanctuary for animals that have been rescued, neglected, abandoned, surrendered or otherwise require a home where their welfare and individual needs can be prioritised.
Our aim is to give every animal in our care the opportunity to live a life free from fear, neglect and unnecessary suffering. We provide appropriate accommodation, food, veterinary care, enrichment, companionship and individualised care according to each animal's needs.
Where appropriate, our animals can become part of carefully managed therapeutic, educational and sensory experiences. However, their welfare will always come first. Animals will never be used simply as a resource, and all interaction will be undertaken with consideration for their individual needs, temperament and wellbeing.
- Supporting People Through Connection with Animals and Nature
Smiles provides opportunities for people to experience the benefits of a calm, natural environment and positive interaction with animals.
Our activities can include gentle animal interaction, supported animal care, sensory experiences, gardening, nature-based activities, countryside walks, quiet reflection and opportunities to develop practical and social skills.
Our approach is person-centred. We recognise that every individual is different, and we work with each person to understand their needs, abilities and preferences so that their experience can be safe, meaningful and enjoyable.
We particularly aim to support people who may experience barriers to accessing traditional recreational, educational or community environments, including people with learning difficulties, disabilities, mental health challenges, social isolation or other circumstances that may affect their wellbeing.
- A Place of Peace, Belonging and Learning
Smiles is situated across almost four acres of beautiful countryside on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells.
Our tranquil surroundings provide a space where people can step away from the pressures of everyday life and reconnect with nature. For some, this may mean spending quiet time observing the animals or listening to the sounds of the countryside. For others, it may mean taking part in activities, learning new skills or developing confidence through caring for animals.
We want Smiles to be a place where people feel accepted, respected and valued, regardless of their circumstances or abilities.
- Our Volunteers and Community
Smiles is supported by a dedicated community of volunteers who give their time to care for our animals, maintain the sanctuary and support the people who visit us.
We are incredibly grateful for the support of our local community and businesses. Donations, fundraising and community partnerships enable us to provide appropriate care for our rescued animals and develop activities that create meaningful opportunities for the people who benefit from our work.
As a charitable organisation, our focus is on creating public benefit through the welfare of animals and the support, development and wellbeing of people who may benefit from access to our sanctuary.
Any funds raised will be used to further our charitable purposes, including the care and welfare of the animals, the maintenance and development of the sanctuary, and the delivery of activities and opportunities for our beneficiaries.
