A Bristol charity is raising money to fund places on its life-changing equine assisted therapy programme which works with at-risk children and young people.
HorseWorld is keen to expand its critical work on the Discovery programme as it has been proven to have a profound effect on those who take part. The one-to-one equine-assisted education programme has been shown to improve confidence and communication skills among participants in just six weeks.
Unlocking Discovery: The Bursary Appeal has been launched with the aim of funding 100 new bursaries for the programme which pairs vulnerable local children and young people with gentle rescue horses.
Money saving
“These bursaries literally unlock Discovery for children who would otherwise be left waiting. And when they do, they unlock something far greater – a sense of confidence and connection that can last a lifetime,” said HorseWorld ceo Jo Coombs.
“Providing 100 bursaries could save local authorities up to £1 million in tribunal costs – and reduce emotional costs for families.
“Early support also prevents needs from escalating and avoids costly interventions later.
“The lifetime cost of a young person not in education, employment or training is £50,000 – a likely outcome for children and young people who don’t receive timely support.
“We’re seeing a huge and growing demand from schools and families who are desperate for help but can’t access funding because their child is still waiting for diagnosis or an EHCP. These children can’t afford to wait years in a broken system – they need help now.”
Each place costs £2,000 but if a child has an EHCP, the local authority may contribute up to £630 per child, leaving the charity responsible for raising the shortfall. For children still waiting for assessments or funding, the entire cost must be covered by the charity through donations.
Life-changing
“Every week, we see the difference Discovery makes. A bursary doesn’t just fund a course – it gives a reason for children to believe in themselves again,” said Graham Hilliarg, head of Discovery.
“Children who had stopped speaking start to communicate again, their confidence returns, anxiety eases and hope returns, allowing them to re-engage with education.
“Early intervention is key. We have the programme, the team and the horses to support, but we urgently need funds to help more. Please help us make sure no child is turned away while they wait for the system to catch up.”
Each bursary will fund a six-week placement on the charity’s Discovery programme, where specially trained gentle rescued horses and specialist educators help children discover trust, calm and curiosity, and re-engage with learning beyond the classroom.
Proven success
“We know that early intervention works, and we also know the cost of failing to provide it,” said Lord Rees of Easton, the former mayor of Bristol.
“While overstretched systems struggles to diagnose, fund and support children with additional needs, HorseWorld is providing a programme that delivers hope, stability and measurable change within weeks.
“Supporting this bursary appeal is both morally right and economically smart — it prevents deeper harm and contributes to our responsibility to give every child the best possible start in life.”
For more information and to make a contribution, click here.
Image © HorseWorld.
