The Unicorn Centre is expanding!

 

Happy New Year! 2023 is going to be a great year for the Unicorn Centre as we’ll be celebrating our 25th birthday.  Several of us who were there at the start have been reflecting on how the Centre has developed into the Centre of Excellence it is now.

 

There have been more challenges than we could ever imagine, but 2023 sees us in an upbeat mood as we continue to grow and diversify our services in response to the ever-changing needs of the Teesside community. 

 

We’re ensuring that Team Unicorn is fit for purpose by making sure that we have the right people and horses for the job and we continue to build up a brilliant team. We’re training more coaches, both from within the staff team and from volunteers so that we can offer more lessons.  

 

We now offer lessons six days a week and welcome many school and college groups as well as individuals.  Our coaches have considerable expertise in dealing with young people with complex needs; riding is an activity which is helpful in developing confidence, communication, balance and has other physical benefits

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We’re expanding our services to reach more people.  We now provide therapy services to the NHS using our wonderful calm horses and our new therapy miniature Shetland pony Acer.  He’s also our star turn at our monthly Tea with a Pony events for people living with dementia or similar conditions. We host visits from local groups such as Squirrels and Rainbows who spend time with our ponies and then go away inspired to fundraise for us.

 

Our Supported Volunteer Programme continues to expand as our reputation grows. Our Support Workers provide the right level of help for each individual so that they get the most out of their volunteering experience.  We have a new outdoor classroom for new activities besides equine ones to encourage a healthy lifestyle and life skills such cooking and sewing are now offered.

 

We’re delivering more lessons to more people in various ways including using our Riding Horse Simulator Blackberry. He’s been a revelation to many people with his assessment ability and riding technique development. He’s suitable for a large range of riders with and without disabilities, from beginners to advanced.

 

Competitions continue at the Centre including the monthly British Dressage Team Quest. Pony Care sessions during the school holidays for youngsters are really popular and we’ll be running them in February half term.

And last but not least, we’re appealing to you all to consider volunteering at this inspirational Centre. Even just one hour a week of your time makes a considerable difference to the lives of our participants. It’s fun, friendly and transformative. Try it out and see!  Call Denise on 01642 576222 for information.

 

Thank you for your continuing support. Jackie.  www.rdaunicorncentre.co.uk