Stable Lives provides support to military veterans, blue light workers, young people and their families who are dealing with the effects of exposure to mental trauma. We use land based activities and teach people how to interact with horses rehabilitated from physical and mental abuse to rebuild confidence, self esteem and self worth, this is done within respite days and courses.
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As a mental health charity we're able to respond quickly and effectively to those in need. We have 'saved lives' of adults who were unable to cope. Children have been able to work through highly traumatic life experiences. Many out of school have found provisions after our support. We have held support for bereaved children and families; Looked After Children and those in the foster system; those at risk of suicide and families impacted by cancer.
Need for courses and support is surpassing our capacity. We need to increase our capacity/ reach in five ways:
- Provide more 1-1 equine based child courses for school aged children who are unable to access support due to long wait times of key services.
- Double our capacity for Adult mental health courses including those most vulnerable (stuck unable to improve/ suicide prevention).
- Provide respite days for adults and children dealing with bereavement or families impacted by cancer.
- Continue to grow and expand the Youth Group's reach to support more of those in our community - providing early support and mentorship.
- Use Equestrian sport to inspire children and young people to get active both to increase fitness, improve mental health and gain social experience and confidence.
All of the above are aiming to improve mental health and well-being of those who are on the courses or connected to the participant. Stable Lives looks to offer help and support not just in the short term but as long as is required.
Below is further information regarding each of our five key areas:
Support for Children
Children are referred to us for a vast array of reasons. Bereavement, bullying, family or social trauma are all common reasons. When children attend they come on a 1:1 course and their time with us is tailored according to their needs. Overall aims of the course are to develop confidence, self esteem and self worth with specific workshops to improve resilience and emotional control.
Support for Adults
We support adults based throughout our community and region. Those that come may have been exposed to mental or physical trauma, may be dealing with challenges ranging from anxiety and depression through to suicidal thoughts and self harm. Our group courses provide a safe, calm place where participants can rest and feel safe and have time to learn coping strategies and begin to work towards a future of hope and stability.
Respite Days
Respite days are particularly focused on enabling children who may be facing significant financial and social challenges to come and enjoy our ponies. Learn how to ride, how to look after them and how to have fun in the outdoors.
Youth Group
Our newly formed Youth Group is in need of sport equipment to keep them mentally and physically healthy and resilient. We hope to, with this newly established group, introduce and encourage our youth to take up a wide range of sports, from football to cricket, table tennis to badminton. However, as a brand new youth group, created due to the significant need in our area, we don't have the sports equipment to enable us to do this.
We would also like to begin to reach out to others in the community and believe that sport is one of the key elements of outreach that could be possible.
All of our services are free at the point of access for those who made need support. We believe that sport, outdoor activities, good food and friendship are essential to recovering from mental health challenges.
Our team are made up of hugely experienced and motivated people from backgrounds of elite sport through to education and social care. We are a small but mighty charity who are saving and changing lives on a weekly basis.