Project: Improving lives of people with disabilities and special needs in 2019

HORSE RIDING LESSONS

Approved by the Riding For The Disabled Association

Takes place in our large purpose built covered riding arena with lighting and wheelchair friendly mounting ramp.

Target: 78 + people with disabilities and special needs

Delivered by: Pat our Head of Riding assisted by 6 part time qualified Horse Riding Instructrs. Volunteer horse side walkers assist on various days. There is direct Trustee involvement 

When delivered: 10.00am till 2.00pm Monday's, Wednesday's,Thursday's and Saturday's with an average of 12 lessons per session. Three horses cater for a wide variety of users upwards from the age of 5 years 

Outcomes: Tangible and measurable including increased self confidence and self esteem, education, development of skills and fostering a strong sense of personal achievement

How measured: Personal profiles, personal progress record books, observations by riding staff. Feedback and discussions and surveys with users and carers.

ANIMAL CARE, MANAGEMENT AND FARM WORK

To help look after our 75+ animals. Tailored to individual abilities including: management, feeding, grooming, cleaning, mucking out and low level maintenance. Animals include: horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, ducks, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, turkeys 

Target: 48+ Day Centres, Special Needs Schools, Community Groups and 50+ independent users 

Delivered by: Susan our full time Animal & Yard Supervisor assisted by 9 volunteers on various days. There is direct Trustee involvement

When delivered: Monday to Friday 10.00am till 2.00pm and after hours by arrangement

Outcomes: Improved self confidence and self esteem  through working as part of a team. Education and learning new skills. Can be hard physical work which enhances well being and fosters a strong sense of personal achievement

How measured: Personal profiles. Feedback with users and carers, observations by staff and surveys

GARDENING AND HORTICULTURE

Tailored to individual abilities and includes: digging, planting, weeding, watering, harvesting.

Wheelchair friendly. Raised growing beds in a large vegetable garden and also around the Centre. 

A large polytunnel for year round cultivation

Target: 50+ people with disabilities or special needs. Tends to be seasonal with increasing user numbers during the warmer months

Delivered by: Susan our full tiime Animal & Yard Supervisor, Reception staff and volunteers which include the gardening and horticulture skills of allotment holders. There is direct Trustee involvement

When delivered: Monday to Friday 10.00am till 2.00pm and after hours by arrangement

Outcomes: Education, learn new sKills, improved well being through physical activity, encourage personal responsibility which fosters a sense of personal achievement

How measured: Personal profiles, feedback, surveys and  successful crops

WORK PLACEMENTS

ProvidING  work experience to help unsupported people with disabilities and special needs gain the skills needed to enter the workplace

To provide work experience to able bodied people which provides a useful addition to a CV particularly for those considering a career in  social care

Target: 10+ people with disabilities or special needs and 10+ non disability or special needs people 

Delivered by: Susan our full time Animal & Yard Supervisor and volunteers

When delivered: Monday to Friday 10am till 2.00pm and after hours by arrangement

Outcomes: Increased confidence, learn new skills, education, encourage personal responsibility  by working as part of a small team helping with horse riding and animal management, something interesting to talk about at job interviews.    

How measured: Getting emloyment. Feedback and surveys. 

CEDAR TEA ROOM

Not for profit Tea Room and community hub provides inexpensive hot and cold food and beverages. Not open to the general public

Target: 9000+ visits by 400+ users and visitors 

Delivered by: Cedar Tea Room is operated by the Owen family with their special needs children

When delivered: Open Tuesday Thursday and Friday 10am till 2.00pm

Outcomes: Good for people with disabilities and special needs in a friendly non judgemental environment. Good experience for work placement

How measured: Increasing numbers of people comingto the Centre. Profiles, feedback, customer survey

ORGANISATION AND COMPANY EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEERING GROUPS

Undertake pre arranged tasks to keep the Centre maintained to a high standard. Groups comprise 8 - 20 people who will come the the Centre for a working day instead of their usual place of employment

Target: 14+ local companies and community organisations 

Delivered by: Direct Trustee involvement in the organisation and supervision 

When delivered: Tends to be seasonal April to November. 

Outcomes: Interaction with Centre users in a safe environment which helps to break down barriers and increase understanding of those with disabilities and special needs.

How measured: well maintained Centre, Company support, feedback, user survey