Horse riding for local disabled young people to improve health and wellbeing

DM Thomas Foundation for Young People has awarded a grant of £9,910 to provide an accessible stable and adapted carriage for disabled young people to care for and ride horses at Lane End Farm Trust in the Peak District.

DM Thomas Foundation for Young People is committed to transforming the lives of sick, disabled and disadvantaged young people in communities across the UK. By providing specialist equipment and facilities, necessary training and support, and vital care, the Foundation works to improve the education, health and wellbeing for young people to achieve their full potential.

Lane End Farm Trust is a working farm in the Peak District National Park which provides outdoor activities and personal development opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged young people in nearby communities and towns to learn new skills and improve their health and wellbeing.

The Foundation grant will help create a new fully accessible stable block for the farm’s three horses which are used by young people with physical and learning disabilities taking part in therapeutic activities with horses. The new stables will increase opportunities for disabled young people to care for and groom the horses and develop their confidence as they learn new responsibilities. Riding with the new custom built carriage, young people will also be able to improve their horse riding skills and physical health. Through caring for and riding the horses together, the young people will be able to expand their communication and social skills, develop their teamwork, and reduce isolation, helping to improve their mental health and outlook on life.

Gemma Jolliffe and Stacey Morris, supporters of the Foundation at Hilton Sheffield presented the Foundation’s grant to Steven Shimwell, CEO at Lane End Farm Trust. Hilton Sheffield has long supported the Foundation and its work to improve the education and health of local young people, most recently holding a Foundation Summer Fête in their local community.

Gemma Jolliffe at Hilton Sheffield said:

“Stacey and I were honoured to present this cheque to Lane End Farm Trust on behalf of DM Thomas Foundation for Young People. It was great to learn more about the Trust and the incredible work that they all do; the grant will make a huge difference to their outdoor area, and it will be great to see the final product!”

Steven Shimwell, CEO at Lane End Farm Trust said:

“We, the staff, students and volunteers are grateful for receiving the grant of £9,910 towards, our ‘Helping Horse Hands’ project, which will help to create a lasting activity that involves all young people no matter their disability. It is a fully inclusive project designed to bring the young people together. The creation of a new accessible, stable block will enable the service users greater opportunity to care and groom the horses before they ride out or have a carriage ride on them. The layout will also provide disabled users with the chance to get closer to the horses, improving their mental wellbeing while riding out will increase physical health.”

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