The idea
Building Stronger Pathways is a new respite daycare programme we are launching for adults living with learning disabilities. Delivered in partnership with Cheshire Horse Sanctuary, the programme offers ground-based, non-ridden sessions to promote emotional well-being, build confidence, and foster social connection.
Participants can be referred by qualified healthcare professionals, ensuring appropriate support and alignment with individual needs.
The programme runs in six 6-week blocks, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each block hosts eight participants, working with trained specialists and horses in a safe, rural setting. No horse experience is needed – just a love of animals.
Activities include horse care, nature-based experiences, and reflective group work, inspired by the principles of the Eagala Model and the BHS Changing Lives Through Horses programme. This project addresses a gap in therapeutic support and offers an inclusive, non-clinical space for growth and healing.
What we'll deliver
- Six 6-week blocks of equine-assisted support for adults living with learning disabilities
- Provide sessions Monday to Friday, 10am–3pm, in a peaceful rural setting
- Maintain a 1:4 staff-to-participant ratio with specialist staff
- Support 48 adults living with learning disabilities in the first year
- Deliver hands-on horse care, reflective group work, and nature-based activities
- Tailor activities to individual needs, ensuring accessibility and inclusion
- Support personal development through life skills, confidence-building, and emotional regulation
- Track outcomes and gather participant feedback to measure impact
- Maintain an established website to support information-sharing, referrals, and community engagement
Why it's a great idea
Building Stronger Pathways provides adults living with learning disabilities access to therapeutic, nature-based support. Through equine-assisted activities, participants improve confidence, emotional regulation, and communication. The programme offers a safe, inclusive space that reduces isolation, builds resilience, and promotes wellbeing. It supports families and carers with respite and strengthens local partnerships. This holistic, non-clinical approach reduces pressure on overstretched services while empowering individuals to live more connected, independent lives.
With £82,849 funding, the programme delivers £108,000 value - calculated at £70 per participant per day for 48 participants - offering high-impact respite support that eases strain on families and local services.
We will engage the local community and social care partners to build inclusion, strengthen support networks, raise awareness, and reduce stigma.
Steps to get it done
- Finalise partnership agreement with Cheshire Horse Sanctuary
- Complete HR and Employment Law training to ensure best practices
- Recruit and train staff to ensure full programme delivery
- Hire and install an accessible toilet for full accessibility
- Implement safeguarding, insurance, and risk assessments
- Prepare programme areas and complete safety checks
- Develop referral pathways, website, and promotional materials
- Fill all 48 participant spaces via referrals from qualified health professionals
- Deliver six 6-week blocks, adjusting based on feedback
- Monitor outcomes using structured tools and participant input
- Achieve HEIR affiliation to demonstrate full compliance with safety and practice standards
