In brief

The SOL Foundation assists HorseBack UK with the project “Better Known Better Supported Programme”, which is using equine assisted learning and sport to address social issues and to teach life, social, communication, relationship, and leadership skills for the benefit of disadvantaged or marginalised youth in a rural context.

Problem to be tackled

The problems to be tackled relate back to the COVID-19 response of lockdowns, isolation, and home schooling, exacerbated by the rural isolation experienced by young people in our local area. This has all had an impact on mental and physical health and on longer term opportunities. The young people are not able to flourish and thrive and do not feel connected to or part of the school or local community.

Local partner

Founded by a former Royal Marine and former police officer, HorseBack UK works with the military community through their Military Recovery and Military Wellbeing Programmes and with disengaged and disadvantaged young people through their School’s Development and Youth Development Programmes. HorseBack UK have recently run a pilot programme with S1 pupils at Aboyne Academy.

The need for the project has come primarily from the disproportionately negative impact on young people, especially those in rural communities, of the COVID-19 pandemic response. This need has been well researched and well documented and has been closely observed at Aboyne Academy; lockdowns, closures, uncertainty about exams all led to social isolation, lack of access to individual and team sports and physical activity, anxiety, mental health issues, lack of agency, control, and voice.

Beneficiaries

The main focus will be on pupils in Year 1 from Aboyne Academy; they have all been impacted by the COVID-19 response which has exacerbated other underlying issues including rural isolation and poverty. Amongst this group there will also be those with additional and individual support needs.

SOL’s contribution

With the support of The SOL Foundation, HorseBack UK will be able to transfer the 2023/2024 pilot programme into the implementation of a regular project, assisting young people in rural communities to overcome poor educational and social attainment, due to the lack of attendance or inability to focus on learning.

Project partner