The Avon Centre
People: Supporting young people to fulfil their potential
We would like young people from deprived backgrounds to access affordable/free horse-riding opportunities. We wish to open up opportunity and break down barriers to participation.
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About this cause
The Avon Centre is a registered charity providing therapeutic horse and nature-based activities to disabled and disadvantaged people in Bristol and the surrounding areas. Through equine and nature-based activities, we harness the power of nature and horses to improve the physical, emotional and mental health of people in our community. We have a 40-year track record of bringing the positive experience and proven therapeutic benefits of horse-riding to disabled children, young people and adults with a wide range of complex additional needs. We are currently expanding our charity purposes to include disadvantaged groups. As a result, we aim to forge stronger links between the Avon Centre and community organisations to include people from marginalised and minority backgrounds.
How this cause brings people in the community together
We wish to break down barriers for children and young people from deprived backgrounds. This project will enable us to offer multi-ethnic children and young people and those experiencing most inequalities, an opportunity to learn to ride horses and discover the equestrian world. Participants will make connections and develop skills in a safe, regulated and compassionate environment. We hope this will raise participants' aspirations, and improve their wellbeing. Access to green spaces and caring for animals has been shown to boost physical and emotional wellbeing, to reduce anxiety and to improve relations with others, and to enhance self-esteem and self-confidence.