A NEW social enterprise which aims to improve horse welfare while benefiting disadvantaged people has launched a new farm centre.
Despite the challenges caused by lockdown The Positive Herd Project CIC has opened the gates of its innovative new centre just outside Middlewich.
The Project is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children, young people and adults experiencing multiple disadvantages.
It aims to improve horse welfare, by rescuing, rehoming or providing sanctuary for horses in need, while advocating for and educating on positive, force-free methods of horse training and natural living.
The organisation also provides equine-assisted therapy, volunteering opportunities and other therapeutic activities for a range of people who may benefit.
Procedures were put in place at the new centre to create a Covid-safe environment, from providing PPE to ensuring maintenance tasks were risk-assessed and able to be carried out outside in a socially- distanced manner.
From August the organisation was able to provide a weekly maintenance volunteer programme, funded by Cheshire Community Foundation, for people suffering multiple disadvantages.
“The volunteers included people with mental health issues, learning disability, people with low skills levels, those who are unemployed or who have experienced trauma, crime or abuse,” said Beth Gibbons, managing director of the Positive Herd Project CIC.
“The volunteers reported improvements in confidence, optimism for the future, courage to engage with others more, improved focus and the pleasure of getting closer to nature.
“In these challenging and uncertain times it is more crucial than ever to ensure vulnerable and disadvantaged groups have the opportunity to seek support and meaningful activities, preventing them from becoming isolated and suffering from loneliness and poor mental health.
“The Project hopes to continue this important work, allowing more people to access the centre.”
Plans for the new farm include renovating the dairy barn to provide a therapy and educational centre, complete with café, sensory room, classrooms, therapy rooms and multi-use hall.
Due to demand from participants the maintenance volunteer project is going to be continued once a fortnight on a Thursday and a Saturday afternoon.
To apply and join the project contact lisa@positiveherd.org.uk for more information and an application form.
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