In order to ensure we can reach and help more people we have created Equine-Connect CIC.
Has the whole of Equine-Connect become a C.I.C?
The short answer is “No”.
Equine-Connect has created a sub-branch that is Equine – Connect C.I.C to enable us to provide more people in the community to access Equine Facilitated Therapeutic Sessions and Hippotherapy. The Equine Facilitated Therapeutic Sessions are designed and developed to help individuals (children and adults) and/or groups and families, with a range of mental health concerns or difficulties, to overcome adversity and gain confidence and new skills.
This means that our CGR packages and Woodland Rides remain completely separate. Our Equine Facilitated Therapeutic Sessions can also still be accessed privately if you so wish.
Why has Equine-Connect created a C.I.C?
Recent studies have shown that Cornwall & the Isle of Scilly is the sixth highest report prevalence county in England reporting a mental health problem as compared by percentage of adults [1]. Similarly, the percentage of children and young people with a mental health issue has continued to increase in previous years.
Our aim is to help reach more of these people and to give them the skills they need to have a happy, balanced life.
Unfortunately, many individuals also struggle with financial constraints, restricting them from accessing alternative therapeutic input, such as Equine Facilitated Therapeutic sessions.
By developing Equine – Connect C.I.C, Lisa and her board of directors will be able to create partnerships to bridge those gaps and overcome restrictions such as finical constraints.
[1] Baker, C. and Kirk-Wade, E. (2024) Mental health statistics: Prevalence, services and funding in England – House of Commons Library, House of Commons Library. Available at: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn06988/ (Accessed: 16 December 2024).
How is Equine – Connect C.I.C being funded?
We will be, periodically, applying for grants and funding streams (where eligible) to help us provide our valuable sessions. Each grant/ funding stream has different target groups, so you may see more varied or more specific projects being advertised or on available. With the assistance of Cornwall Community Foundation we have already been able to run our Children’s Workshop Projects.
Sadly, none of these funding stream are guaranteed, therefore we will also be reliant on any donations to help fund these important projects.
If you would like to donate to Equine – Connect C.I.C, please contact us via [email protected], so that we can receive your donation. We would also be more than happy to send you more detailed information into how your donation will help and what it will be used for.