MOVING FORWARD STRATEGICALLY

Following the pandemic, the nation’s mental health suffered significantly. The numbers of those suffering with loneliness, anxiety and depression remain higher than pre-pandemic levels and many are still struggling to return to going out in public.

 

For many of our RDA family - from participants, parents, and volunteers - being unable to access horses and RDA activities has significantly impacted their mental and physical health. 

RDA is dedicated to helping participants return to RDA activities, and introduce more people to the mental health benefits of interacting with horses. 

 

This also goes for our volunteers. We want to encourage volunteers who haven’t felt confident enough to return to a safe and caring environment, as well as encouraging more people to volunteer with us as a chance to help with their mental health. 

 

As part of RDA’s national 3-year strategy, we will be introducing new activities designed for benefitting mental wellbeing, as well as driving volunteer recruitment to those wanting to find a gentle environment to improve their confidence and overall mental wellbeing. Find out more at www.rda.org.uk 

 

One such activity is Tea with a Pony which we’ve planned for 28 April and 19 May for the elderly or people living with dementia or similar conditions. Visitors can meet our lovely, quiet ponies, see a pony display and enjoy tea and cakes with our volunteers. This is a great opportunity to relive old memories and rekindle the joy of being around horses. Do contact us to book a place for your loved one and a carer or relative.

 

We have a long waiting list of participants who are desperate to start riding at the Centre but sadly we don't have enough right-sized horses to accommodate them. We're looking for horses to buy or loan on a long-term or short-term basis (min 6 months). If you have a horse that's not aged, around 14hh and over, is bomb-proof, well-schooled and well mannered, fit and well, please would you get in touch and give these young people a chance to realise their dreams? In return we can offer a caring, professional yard where your horse will have an excellent home. Call Emma on 01642 576222 or email her on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

We're delighted and very grateful that funding commitments from Middlesbrough Council's Community Grant Fund and the Teesside Charity have enabled us to get closer to our target of £16,000 for replacing our indoor arena surface. It's vital that this is kept in tip-top condition for our participants, so please could you help us too by donating at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/buyabucket 

 

By the way, can anyone lend us a cherry picker and driver for half a day to fit some bulbs in our light standards in the car park and outdoor arena? If you can help, please call us on 01642 576222.

 

Thank you support over the past 28 years as I hand over the reins, I’ll miss you all.   Claire Pitt, Centre Manager.  www.rdaunicorncentre.co.uk