Last month, as another school year drew to a close, we celebrated the incredible achievements of the children and young people who attend Ride High.
Over the summer term, we watched confidence grow, friendships develop and resilience flourish. We welcomed parents and carers to our fi nal sessions, where many saw first-hand the remarkable progress their children had made. It’s a privilege to witness these moments and to hear families talk about the diff erence Ride High has made, not just to their child, but to the whole family.
A parent of a Ride High member said: “I see her when she comes home from Ride High and her mood is so different. She’s so happy and talks about it all week. We can’t speak highly enough of the support we’ve received, and having now seen Ride High fi rst hand, I can understand why she enjoys it so much.” But those moments don’t happen because of Ride High alone.
One of the things that makes our programme so special is the willingness of local businesses, volunteers and community partners to share their time, skills and expertise with the children we support. A typical Ride High session begins with horse riding and horse care, where children build trust, confidence and responsibility through their relationship with the horses. They then take part in clubroom sessions – an equally important part of our programme where children develop life skills, improve their wellbeing and explore new interests through creative and educational activities.
Over the summer term, our clubroom was brought to life by businesses and volunteers who generously shared their knowledge and passions with our members. Cranswick Convenience Foods delivered healthy eating workshops, teaching children about nutrition while making their own sandwiches. Yoga instructors introduced mindfulness and relaxation techniques, while local business Applebrook Ducks brought ducklings for the children to meet – an experience that sparked smiles, curiosity and plenty of conversation.
These activities may seem very different, yet they all have one thing in common. Alongside time with the horses, they help children build confidence, resilience and life skills. They broaden horizons, introduce new experiences and encourage children to discover talents and interests they may never otherwise have explored.
For many of the children we support, they also provide valuable insight into diff erent careers, hobbies and opportunities they may never otherwise encounter. For businesses, it’s a reminder that supporting a charity doesn’t always have to mean writing a cheque.
Whether it’s running a workshop, demonstrating a practical skill, volunteering at an event or simply giving a few hours of your time, businesses have knowledge and experience that can leave a lasting impression on a young person. In return, employees gain rewarding opportunities to connect with their community, develop new perspectives and see fi rst-hand the impact they can make.
Issrar Nabi, Talent Acquisition Lead, Cranswick Convenience Foods, said: “Working with the children at Ride High was incredibly rewarding. Watching their confidence grow and seeing the pride on their faces as they achieved something new was unforgettable. We came to share our skills and experience, but we left feeling just as inspired ourselves. It’s fantastic to work for a business that encourages us to give back to the community in such a meaningful way.” We are already looking ahead to the opportunities a new year will bring.
Every business has something valuable to offer. Whether it’s professional expertise, practical skills, volunteering or sponsorship, your organisation could become an important part of a child’s journey while creating meaningful opportunities for employees to give back and connect with the community.
Whether you’re able to volunteer your time, share your expertise, sponsor a project or simply explore what’s possible, we’d be delighted to welcome you to Ride High and show you the difference your business could make.
For more information, visit their website.
