FIVE-YEAR PLAN TO SAVE MIDDLESBROUGH’S UNICORN CENTRE RIDING FOR THE DISABLED CHARITY
A five-year plan is being drawn up to secure the long-term future of Middlesbrough’s Riding for the Disabled Unicorn Centre (RDA), just weeks after the charity was set to permanently close.
The Centre, based at Stainton Way, Hemlington, has provided disabled and impaired people the opportunity to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through education and fun with horses, since it was opened in 1998.
The plan to secure its future includes the launch of a Friends of the Unicorn Facebook group, encouraging local groups and organisations to adopt the charity for fundraising events and donations to help meet annual rising running costs.
It also includes more transparency over what donations are used for and a clear strategic financial plan to help it overcome rising costs, the cost-of-living crisis and other challenges which initially put its future in jeopardy last month.
The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), the national charity for riding and carriage driving for the disabled, and physiotherapy on horseback, has also pledged to provide financial support for the next six months.
The recovery plan is being overseen by new Interim Operations Manager Kim Upton from Uptax Accountancy, who is supporting the charity.
She said: “For more than 25 years, the RDA Unicorn Centre has been a special place where disabled children and adults have found freedom, happiness, and confidence through the power of horses.
“As someone who lives and works in this area I know of the invaluable work it does and I also know that people were shocked to hear it was in difficulties.
“This area is renowned for its community spirit and I know that we can rally round in the Centre’s time of need and make sure it survives for future generations.”
The Unicorn Centre has a small group of regular volunteers, nine members of staff, a team of learning support workers and 10 horses and ponies. It also hosts riding lessons, competitions and events for the local community. It relies solely on fundraising, donations and grants to provide these vital services.
Although there is a long list of children and adults waiting for horse riding lessons, the Centre is struggling to find sufficient funds to stay open.
Kim added: “Running costs have risen sharply. Feed, bedding, vet care, insurance, and energy bills are all much higher, making it harder to keep the Centre and our horses in good shape. Even so, our unwavering commitment to our riders and our work remains.
“The Unicorn Centre’s future depends on local leadership and community support. We are therefore asking individuals, businesses, and supporters to come forward and help us.
“We are in the process of setting up an advisory group and will be releasing an application pack in the next few days for anyone interested in becoming a trustee. We will also be holding an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in the next few weeks to appoint new trustees. We would especially welcome applicants with skills in business, fundraising or strategy.”
If you can spare some time or expertise, please email
Donations to the Unicorn Centre appeal can be made by contacting the Centre on 01642 576222 or via its Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/unicornrescueappeal
Further information and interviews contact Kim Upton 07783 442821
Note for Editors:
The Unicorn Centre has indoor and outdoor arenas with wax dust free surfaces – particularly suitable for asthma or respiratory problem sufferers, integral stabling, a seated viewing gallery and judge’s box, lecture room, office and a staff bungalow.
Specialised equipment includes an overhead tracking hoist enabling riders to mount onto a horse / mechanical horse, access ramps for wheelchair users, and a hearing loop system. It also has a riding simulator which provides opportunities for people who are unable to ride horses and for those who wish to assess and improve their riding skills.
A fully-equipped education suite/conference room seating up to 60, available for hire by organisations and the local community, was added in 2003, along with a kitchen and toilet facilities and a new office.
The Centre runs an award winning ‘Supported Volunteering Programme’ and at present there are 20 young people on the Programme.
At present over 120 riders receive lessons weekly at the Centre on our 10 horses and ponies. They come individually, or from schools, adult training centres and adult residential homes. We also offer therapy sessions for those not wishing to ride.
ENDS
