Northumberland College have secured National Lottery funding for their project ‘Saddle up for Mental Health.’
The project invests in permanent physical facilities and resources to support the delivery of equine/animal therapy for children and young people with Special Needs, specifically those with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.
The project focuses on the benefits of horse-human therapy for those hardest to reach and/or are the most disadvantaged in society. The programme will benefit young people between the ages or 14 and 24 years, supporting anxiety reduction, prevention of youth crime, regulation of anger and emotions to tackle antisocial behaviour and supporting mental health and depression.
The National Lottery awards money that’s raised by National Lottery players to good causes across the UK, funding projects that support people and communities to thrive.
Funding goes towards projects that either bring people together and build strong relationships in and across communities, improve the places and spaces that matter to communities or help more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage.
Lee Lister, Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall Campus Principal said: “This project is important to the college and its wider community, being an inclusive college and one that recognises differing needs, it is important that we leverage support where possible to provide the best experiences.
“Sincere thanks to the National Lottery for supporting this project which will break down barriers, increase engagement and ensure that those young adults suffering with mental health conditions access our beautiful campus and work with horses on a therapeutic level.
“Animal assisted therapy has proven benefits in improving both physical and mental health and we are delighted that Kirkley Hall will deliver an accessible programme to support young people.”
The funds will support the initial start up of the Saddle up for Mental Health project, which will include the creation of a ‘warm space’ area; and the design and delivery of different therapy sessions for groups or 1-to-1 sessions for families, children, young people, schools, or individuals over the project timescale.
The college aims to deliver frequent events including rural community groups and liaise with Northumbria Police, schools, the Local Authority and local SEND service providers to ensure the community knows about this new provision.
Whilst the college is experienced in equine/animal training/therapy and have established relationships with the stakeholders including a community space for Riding for the Disabled, the project would be new provision and the college considers this an essential and valuable addition due to rising numbers of mental health related issues across isolated, deprived rural communities, regionally and nationally.
To support the project proposal, the college have spoken directly with equine/animal charities/ businesses and organisations from across their local community who have a special interest in the benefits of animal assisted therapy to improve physical and mental health in young people.
Work is being commenced to formally launch the project in the summer term.
We are the largest further education provider in Northumberland with campuses throughout the county.
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