who benefits

The majority of regular users and volunteers at the Stables are young people with personal, social, and educational needs. They often lack basic literacy and numeracy skills, suffer from low self esteem, and experience social exclusion as a result. Often there is little or no parental support and few positive role models to raise aspirations. This can be made worse when struggling with the effects of poverty, drugs and alcohol.

 8-12 year olds

Children who meet the charitable criteria (for details click the link on the left of the page) can attend our Junior Volunteer Club. Children attend in groups of 6 at weekends and evenings and work with a dedicated youth worker to learn about ponies and how to care for them whilst also developing their team work, communication skills and confidence. For more information please email karen.copeland@stepneybank.co.uk.

12-18 year olds

Teenagers can attend as part of our Young Volunteers Project. Anyone can attend as a young volunteer however teenagers who meet the charitable criteria are specifically targeted through outreach work with schools and other youth groups. The Young Volunteers Project is lead by the young people. They have their own committee who fundraise and organise social and educational activities.There is also a Peer Mentoring and Scholarship scheme which enables older members to support and train younger or newer members of the group. The Volunteers Project gives young people the opportunity to gain real life work experience plus the confidence, skills and accreditation to help them access training or employment opportunities in the future. 80% of attendees go on to do something positive (employment or training) post 16. This is far higher than the average for the areas where the majority live. For more information on the project please email sara.newson@stepneybank.co.uk.