BRILLIANT IDEA WINS AWARD

The Riding for the Disabled Association’s Unicorn Centre based at Hemlington, near Middlesbrough has scooped a national award at the RDA Gala Awards for the second year running.

This year, at a glittering Gala Awards dinner in London hosted by Clare Balding, Centre Manager Claire Pitt and Volunteer Co-ordinator Emily Richardson collected the award in the “Brilliant Idea” category, for the Centre’s Supported Volunteer Programme. 

Last year the Centre won two awards, “Best RDA Vet” with Tom Miller from Stokesley Veterinary Practice, and “Most Improved Participant” rider Paul Conway. 

Claire Pitt said, “I am absolutely delighted that the Unicorn Centre has been chosen to receive this award. It’s a great accolade for our Volunteer team who work so hard to support our volunteers. Our Supported Volunteer Programme has only been running a year, but is proving to be a resounding success, with demand increasing all the time for placements.  It provides a real opportunity for people to volunteer who wouldn’t have been able to in the past.”

The Unicorn Centre relies heavily on volunteers to help deliver riding lessons and therapy for its disabled riders.  The Supported Volunteer Programme provides participants with practical horsemanship and equestrian knowledge, whilst improving their life skills and experiences. 
Aims and goals are set in regard to: communication, confidence, enjoyment, working with others, physical improvements and of course horsemanship skills.
These goals are tailored to meet each participants needs and are reviewed regularly. They may be long or short term, or used as a stepping stone to Diplomas in Work Based Horse Care programmes, (offered in partnership with Middlesbrough College), or to independent volunteering. Support is given on a small group basis (usually a maximum of 1:2) but is dependent upon individual needs. 
Participants can complete various training whilst on the Scheme including: RDA Horse Care and Proficiency Test Certificates and the Young Equestrian Leader Award (YELA), with ASDAN accredited courses planned for this year.  Riding lessons are offered wherever possible.
Nikki, a current volunteer on the SV Programme said,   “I love everything about the Unicorn Centre. The horses are lovely and it is nice to see the children’s faces when they are riding the ponies. I hope to progress on to the level 2 Diploma in Work Based Horse Care and work with horses in the future”.
Debbie is also a volunteer on the SV Programme and was previously one of the Centre’s Diploma students.   She explained, “I really enjoy volunteering at the Unicorn Centre. It has increased my confidence and I have experience of horse care in addition to riding. I would encourage others to join the scheme as it is a good way to meet new people, learn and help look after the horses”.
Initial feedback on the Supported Volunteer Programme has been really positive, and potential participants from over the age of fourteen are encouraged to apply. 
Funding for the Programme is often sought via the participant’s personal budget. For further information and costs, please call Volunteer Co-ordinator Emily Richardson on 01642 576222.
Ends

PHOTO: (Courtesy of RDA Gala Awards) L to R: Clare Balding, Claire Pitt (Unicorn Centre Manager), representative from sponsor Automotive Insulations and Emily Richardson, Unicorn Centre Volunteer Co-ordinator.