12th December 2008
Positive work with young people is thriving in Birmingham thanks to the dedication of an officer based at Bournville Lane police station and the support of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF).
A keen horse rider and advocate of charity work, PC Hayley Sherry has organised an amazing opportunity for special needs children and children from relatively deprived areas.
By working in partnership with the BEF, the children from Wychall Primary School, Birmingham, have had the opportunity to acquire some skills and qualifications with horses at Hole Farm Trekking Centre. Funding has come from the BEF's Club and Coach Programme which aims to increase participation in riding, with a particular emphasis on encouraging new participants from urban areas to take part.
The group of children, aged from seven to nine, will be at the centre, which is managed by Carol Jones and owned by Birmingham City Council, for hourly sessions over the coming weeks.
The centre has been extremely pro-active over the last few years in opening up opportunities to new participants of all ages and backgrounds from across Birmingham. Working with School Sport Partnerships, Carol offers children the chance to learn to ride and get a basic understanding of stable management and horse welfare - an approach which has had a positive effect on the social skills and behaviour of all those involved.
Following the Whychall School's first visit PC Sherry said: "These children have thoroughly enjoyed the experience which has ultimately raised their confidence. I am tremendously proud of the commitment these children have shown, which is of great reward to me personally."
Sonia Birch, Regional Development Co-ordinator, BEF, echoes PC Sherry's comments: "It was fantastic to see the children benefiting from the experience of being with horses - some had never seen or touched a horse before. The commitment to the children displayed by Carol and the team from West Midlands Police just shows how instrumental they are in the success of this initiative and this is partnership working at its best. The BEF is very happy to have assisted in the funding of this project which we hope will inspire all those involved."
Wychall Primary School is just one of the many groups that Hole Farm Trekking Centre is working with on this initiative. Over the year Carol is hoping to attract 140 new people into riding.
For more details about Hole Farm Trekking centre you can read a case study about the centre here.
