More support for Special Horses charity (From This is The West Country)
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More support for Special Horses charity
8:00pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News
THE Special Horses for Special Children equine therapy centre on the outskirts of Chard has touched the hearts of many for its amazing work, including county councillor Jill Shortland.
Cllr Shortland, who represents Chard at County Hall, was so impressed with the work the charity is doing at Scrapton Farm, Wadeford, that she upped her original offer of £500 from her health and wellbeing budget to £1,500.
The centre is relying on charitable donations to supplement the reduced fees it offers to low income families to stay afloat.
The centre works with children and young adults on the autistic spectrum, suffering neurological disorder or emotional issues due to bullying, bereavement, abuse and separation anxiety.
Highly trained horses and ponies are used for sensory therapy, confidence building playtime and specialist riding.
Cllr Shortland, who is lobbying for Government action to support the centre, said: “The powers that be need to listen to what is going on here.
“They need to realise that this is a unique place and we have it right here in Somerset.
“Local families are benefiting but others are travelling hundreds of miles to come here, because they are getting help they cannot find anywhere else.
“This is also good for local business as families who travel are staying in local accommodation.
“Special Horses should not be having to struggle to find the money to help these families, it should be getting financial support, and that is why I was happy to give it what I could from my budget and also why I am lobbying in Westminster for something to be done. ”
Yeovil MP David Laws is backing the centre and during a whistle-stop visit to Scrapton Farm he met volunteers to learn more about its work.
Cllr Shortland’s fellow Chard member at County Hall, Cllr Jenny Kenton, has also given £500 to the charity.
Mr Laws is planning to make another visit to the centre where he will meet founder Lilias Ahmeira.
Chair of trustees Claire Hart said the charity was extremely grateful to Cllr Shortland for her donation and for trying to highlight the work Lilias, staff and volunteers are doing.
